Landfall

 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.1 Corinthians 2:14

During hurricane season you often hear weathermen say “Hurricane Isis will make landfall around Louisiana around 5 PM central time tonight.”

Did you catch the name of the hurricane? Yes there are ‘hurricanes’ and emotional storms in the spirit realm trying to make ‘landfall’ in the life of every follower of God and in America. 

Similarly to how a natural hurricane reeks havoc destroying lives and property, ‘evil’ hurricanes that attack our freedom and livelihood destroy a person from within if they don’t stand up to the satanic forces and demonic spirits trying to do away with our democracy. Perhaps little mini hurricanes dwell in your mind and heart making you feel helpless. Reach out to God my friend. Share you heart with Him and trust Him to help you. 

PRAYER: Lord I come against forces of evil covering myself with the blood of Jesus. No storm Satan can send will destroy me or my family I am praying for. I know who is really in control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

More Of You And Less Of Me

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.John 3:30

What does it mean to have more of Jesus and less of self? For starters social media is bragging whether you think it is that or not. I am guilty and working on it. It is fun to show pictures but when is enough enough?

During 21 Days of Prayer I have even been pondering carrying around our mobile device like it is part of our wardrobe. I grew up without one and I think was better for it and and super thankful they did not exist while I raised my sons.

Each individual has to be honest with themselves and convicted and desire to do this. Sometimes we can’t do without the almighty cellphone because of the way our world is set up but I do have friends not tied to one. Do you spend more time tapping the keys on your devices or tapping into the word of God?

PRAYER: Electronic devices designed to streamline life have become great time killers and family division instruments. Give parents wisdom when it comes to phones and notebooks for their children and let each person be convicted by how much time they waste. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rejoice!

 



Sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, bless His name;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
Psalm 96:1-2 (NASB)

How are you today? Do you feel joyful? Read today’s verse today out loud if you are able. 

God is able to do anything. He is a miracle working God not a genie in a bottle. Good things and bad things on our earthly scale happen such as death of a spouse or loved one from Covid and you may struggle with “why” and I don’t have a real good answer for you other than the Lord works all things out and his purposes are beyond our understanding sometimes. 

Can you rejoice my friend even in your suffering? Can you completely surrender your cares, fears, and worries to the Almighty God? 

PRAYER: Oh Lord God thank you that you are a 24-7 God who hears us and does not judge us like sometimes people tend to do. Help me Father to learn to rejoice in all things and trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a mighty song of worship and sit back, relax and praise God:https://youtu.be/29IxnsqOkmQ

Religious Duties?

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.  Titus 2:11-12

Well Sunday has come and gone. Hopefully you couldn’t wait till Sunday and look forward to this coming Sunday. If you are in a legalistic dead church you probably don’t get excited at all. 

Being a follower of God should be fun and if you aren’t experiencing joy maybe you either have not fully given your life to Jesus or you need to find a new church home. Maybe you are bogged down by demonic torture in your mind that you need deliverance from. 

Whatever the issue you are facing God is a good God who loves you no matter what you have done. Many churches make up legalistic ‘rules’ for being set free that often you may feel condemned and burdened like it is a chore. God wants you to experience true freedom that comes only and I mean ONLY through Him. 

PRAYER: Into your hands I give my life Lord. I pray for many who are in churches only because grandma and grandpa and family before them went there more concerned about their church pew being taken than really worshipping the one true God. I pray for any who need freedom to just simply pray and ask you into their hear and I pray for priorities in life to be set so God is truly on the throne. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Kind Can You?

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

So many situations in life can make people pop a cork and overreact. Recently an influx of grocery pickups at my nearby Wal Mart and lack of sufficient employees got the few employees helping scrambling and apologizing. What an opportunity to be a witness.

Three different young men came to my vehicle, first Jeremiah, then James, then Timothy. How cool is that all these biblical names. I told them all is well I am doing fine instead of overreacting.

Many moments present themselves to sharing Christ through kindness and love and even laughter. So whatever you are facing today take a deep breath and before spouting off be cool and thank God first for life then for an opportunity to be out and about as many are shut in.

PRAYER: Show me how to make a difference in a life today either by simply listening, stepping out, praying, giving, sharing, calling a friend who I have not spoken to in a long time just whatever I want to be used to help someone be lifted from their pit. In Jesus’ nam. Amen.

Gobblygook

 

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:1

The term that is today’s title to me refers to just the mundane, the everyday, the not so much of a priority. As I sat at 35000 feet on a flight attempting to connect with wi fi I thought of this word.

Why do we have the urge to constantly be doing? Messed up with ‘gobblygook’ I would call it. What is so awful about doing nothing, pondering, journaling, or even taking a nap?

No wonder blood pressure is high and other health issues burden people. Being still is an art. Clearing your mind. Focusing intentionally on the goodness of God and how He is blessing your life. Try it sometime. Give up all the ‘gobblygook’ and just be still.

PRAYER: I love to be able to clear my mind and not let wrong thoughts and nonsense enter in. I want to choose joy and peace so help me as I journey forth Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Two Words

Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes! 1 Samuel 12:16

“Just pray, pray first, don’t quit, stand firm, be still ” are just some of the two word phrases to encourage you on your journey to have a closer walk with God. What in your life do you need two simple words to keep you plugging away at your goal? 

Words are important and they can lift a burdened soul from the pit of despair, loneliness, and depression. Sometimes just the right words at the right time help a person come closer to God. 

What do you need rescued from today? Doubt, anger, bitterness, loneliness, self pity, comparison, lack of faith, stress, fear, whatever it is it is never too big a job for our merciful wonderful Heavenly Father. He is a big big God who loves you so don’t entertain thoughts that things you have done in your past have are you unredeemable. Nonsense. All of us have issues and our Big God is on the case. Talk to Him today. 

PRAYER: Hello Father. Thank you for hearing my prayer. I know you love me and I know you work all tings out for the good no matter how ugly it seems. Be with those people hurt who blame it on you and are confused. Help those I know carrying bitterness towards you to release it and be set free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Facebook Fast Should Have Not Been Broken

 

And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.Matthew 4:2

During 21 Days of prayer the past couple years I chose to do without stalking Facebook except for posting my writing. Last year when I ‘innocently’ broke this fast a bad consequence resulted and this year a few days ago when I did something also bad happened. When will I learn my lesson?

When I first started my attempt at devotions years ago I had to be still, and still do, to listen to God’s voice but at times if I get ahead of myself things go haywire. It is easy to get caught up on social media more than God so even looking at it too much is not a good thing. Do you ever get ahead of yourself when not being still?

Do you have an area of your ife that you need to fast from to get closer to God while doing it? When you set out to do a spiritual thing Satan does not like it and will attmpt to distract you as he did me recently. Being intentional about something takes discipline. Have you considered an an area of your life that you need to fast from for spiritual purposes such as an answer to prayer or deliverance?

 PRAYER: Father help me when I set out on a spiritual journey to not let the world with all of its' clutter and distractions to pull me away. Help me stay on track and give praise and glory to you. Help me never be haughty but stay humble in my journey. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days

Thorn Bushes Will Get You

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

As I was picking blackberries on my local greenway trail I had to be very cautious or else I would be pricked by a thorn when going for the luscious fruit.

In your life at times you might be going for good things and the enemy reaches out and sticks you too. You cautiously go through life but there may be a challenge here, a hardship there sort of like those thorns on the berry bushes. You press on because you know what awaits you. 

As you navigate through life indeed there will be some storms, some disappointments, some ups and then a few downs. All of this helps you grow but you have to be careful not to let the thorns of life keep you away from God and what he has in store. 

PRAYER: I choose to watch my step as I keep on the course you have planned for me staying away from ‘quicksand’, sand traps, thorns, swamps, pits, and everything that tries to get me to stop running hard after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Creature Comforts

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack;But he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse. Proverbs 28:27

 One day sitting just thinking about America I said to myself “all in all we have it pretty good here”. Not really persecuted or threatened with death due to our faith. Everything seems good in my little world but beyond our creature comforts is a hurting world. 

Some people enjoying creature comforts have unseen pain and brokenness. Even in America the cost for not standing up for good and evil good can mean the loss of many precious freedoms. Slowly like a frog in a pot of cool water on a stove that is gradually turned to boiling and thus death, believers who coast along more political than prayerful may one day wake up imprisoned for your faith or worse sucked into Marxism or Communism. 

Creature comforts are nice but beware and don’t get lulled into a stupor or apathy and not care for the hurting anti God world just beyond your doorstep. Living for Christ and being available to share the good news and act on your faith is the best thing you could do. 

PRAYER: Lord at times I get overwhelmed by news reports of hurt and pain throughout the world and stories right here in America where we are slowly being pulled  away from God. Help those blinded by Satan’s tricks and lies be awakened to the wonderful gift of love and eternal life in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Staying Positive In A Negative World

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21, ESV

Lately I have heard so many people being negative about the fate of our country or the looming lockdown again due to Covid. No real happy joyful prayerful faith talk but mostly negative confessions from the lips of many some who are believers.

You have to remain postivie and encoiraging despite what you see around you or hear on the news. Keep praying, keep hopeful, keep believing. Doing this doesn't deny the problems are there but it is acknowledging God is way bigger than the problem is.

Start saying positive confessions out loud from your mouth. You get way you say so stay in God's court not Satan's.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me not cave in to being gloomy and not having joy. Regardless of what is going on I can have joy in my spirit. Help me spread the joy to others and stay hopeful. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Praying First?

 

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.Luke 18:1

Sick? Fretting over the current situation in Afghanistan? Concerned over an unsaved family member? Covid blues? My question is have you prayed, sincerely prayed, over these things and more or do you continue to give Satan glory with your worry?

Prayer needs to be taken seriously not as something you quickly say then move on with your day. As a matter of fact I am long overdue to do a DAWG day or ‘day alone with God’ where you simply make time on your calendar to get away for a couple hours alone with a Bible and a notebook and pray and lean in to God.

Maybe you might even consider a ‘war room’ in your house as the place you engage in spiritual battle. In the movie ‘War Room’ a large empty closet was used. Whatever you need to do get serious about not going around with the blues but instead take authority and pray positive prayers of deliverance and watch what happens.

PRAYER: Lord I need to make tone with you daily a priority and not be sidetracked by worldliness and frivolous things. Help me also pray with boldness for things to turn around for the Lord and to shine positivity wherever I go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: Day 13 of 21 Days of Prayer is today. Www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days

Negative Mindset?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and.  do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways.  acknowledge him. Proverbs 3:5-6

Do you need set free from negativity? You may not think so but do you find yourself complaining instead of praying, being fearful instead of trusting God is in control? 

The days we live in are full of fearful scenarios. If you bombard your mind with daily media reports you will become hate-filled, scared, and unable to have true peace. Instead of a constant feed of daily news why not pray and read scripture? 

Prayer DOES change things. God loves to hear faithful heartfelt prayers from his children who love him. Have you talked to him today? Why not take a break from earthly things stealing your time and brain cells and turn to God. 

PRAYER: Jesus I love you and my heart is broken for those people who can’t find peace either because they are not seeking it or because their mind is focused too much on worldly concerns. Help many be set free from that. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Tooting Your Horn?

 

Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:15-17

Do you ever feel like you want people to know what you do when you do something good? Facebook is a great tool for ‘horn tooters’ worldwide and I imagine many have been guilty of ‘picking up their horn’ a few times but why?

Recently I decided to fast social media but see right there I am announcing and telling my reading audience of the marvelous deed I am doing restraining myself from stalking Facebook to somehow maybe make others feel bad or to make me feel better, who knows. I can assure you that is not my intent I don’t think?

So you can fast certain things, do a good deed for someone, volunteer somewhere but the point is everyone does not need to know because God knows and that is all that matters.

PRAYER: Lord you are beautiful your face is all I seek. As I navigate my route here on Earth use me to make a difference and instill me with a humble spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yes And Amen

 

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory." 2 Corinthians 1:20

I love it when I hear a word from God through a minister of the gospel or a devotion writer and just want to shout out “yes and amen”! The word is so powerful and can and does change a sinners life and bring joy to the downcast.

There is good and there is evil. Satan has tricked many into believing perverted lies to the point their minds get seared, but alas the Holy Spirit can and does release people from bondage. Sometimes bondage that is so deep it seems impossible to permeate but nothing and I will say again, nothing, is impossible with God.

Where are you at today? Are you hungry for the things of the Lord or feel you are just fine coasting day to day with no real peace or joy? Rise up and cry out to the Lord and ask him to fill you with his perfect peace and standby as good things will come your way. There may be a few bumps along the way but God is working, so get ready to shout out Yes and Amen!

PRAYER: I pray for those Lord who need to know everything is ok and that you love them, and lift up those who feel as if they are only spinning their wheels and need released from Satan’s grip. Give those who need it a Holy Spirit boost to set them on fire for the kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Just Pray...Okay?

 

Now Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart, Luke 18:1 AMP Bible Gateway

Today is the start of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting in many churches across the United States which is intentional intense focused prayer which every believer should participate in just once if not every time it rolls around. But don’t wait for an organized prayer event to pray but pray always!

Don’t wait until a crisis and cry out to God but go to Him daily several times a day and talk to Him. He can use you to reach others for the kingdom as well.

I can testify to the power of not quitting and seeing miracles and I am sure some others can as well. Your words and cries and groans don’t fall on silent ears. Your enemy the devil tries all he can to keep you from seeking God. Don’t listen to his lies and keep pressing in trusting God.

PRAYER: Lord I pray for those I know who don’t pray for whatever reason some even being raised in Christian homes. I pray for others who may have grown weary not to give up. Help me trust you each day that you work all things for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: below is a link to 21 Days of Prayer

https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/

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Fear...Don't Go Seeking It Out

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." ~ Psalm 56:3

Do you like being afraid and worried? Some people I feel almost think it is required to worry but what does worry do? It doesn’t change anything.

So what do you do. Do you want to purposely take on concerns you really don’t need to? So much time is wasted speculating on what if’s when instead you are to trust God has your back and not get yourself sick and stressed over things you have no control over.

Don’t allow thoughts to get negative. This is where God’s word comes in. If you are meditating on scripture your mind has no time for fear and worry, and you beat the enemy at his game. How’s that? Can you do it? Yes you can!

PRAYER: Each day is a day I can choose how to think. I can wake up focused on how God is mighty and watching over me and my family or I can slip into a dark place out of despair which never turns out good. Help me Lord learn how to kick the devil out of my thoughts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hang Out With Truth

 

Now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant. John 17:17

What has God done for you today? You may have just got up but what did he do? 

When I say hang out with truth I refer to saturating yourself with truth meaning God's word. Perhaps start out reading the book of John for starters. If you don't keep truth in your heart on a regular basis it is quite easy to fall for lies of this culture.

God's word is not only true but it is light that illuminates the lies of the enemy. Not sure  where to 'dive in' and start reading? Simply say a prayer asking God and the Holy Spirit to guide your efforts and reveal things to you. Get in an online Bible study, many ministries offer them. Focus on 'above'. 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made. I choose to not grovel in the world's problems but to pray instead. Give me peace Father so I can share peace, hope, joy, and truth with those around me. Lift those who are broken hearted and set the captives free from Satan's lies. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Search Me Oh Lord!!

 

Search me, God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

Deliverance from a lifestyle of sin and rejecting God and his ways is a true miracle. At times a person may feel mixed up as they seek to lean in to their new life as Satan keeps throwing darts at them.

I lift up any today who may need to be guided by the Holy Spirit getting rid of anything from their old way of life holding them back or keeping them in bondage. Some sins are hard to let go of but as far as East is from the West your sins are removed it says in scripture.

I pray for those needing to run their race harder and stronger to not listen to Satan’s lies and keep their eyes on the cross and the victory they already have.

PRAYER: Every day is a new opportunity to seek the worlds ways or God’s ways. Kingdom living or living for earthly pleasures. I pray for anyone reading today who needs the discipline to be stronger running for kingdom living and the ability to share their testimony unashamed to help others come to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Help Me Be More Like Jesus

Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6

Are you shining your light for Jesus daily at home and outside the home? To be a disciple or follower you need to not be ashamed. Don’t hide your faith.

There have been times we all probably got tongue tied or shy to share when deep down we know what to do. Our life is not our own. It belongs to God. After you accept Christ you have many opportunities to be a witness.

You are a follower of Jesus, yes? Not simply a believer but do you follow him. Is your goal to be more like him or just go to church on Sunday?

PRAYER: I am grateful for the saving knowledge of Jesus and pray for those I know who have grown spiritually cold or never really had a deep relationship in the first place. Guide them to the cross and use me to help others know you better. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: a great book I would recommend if from friend Taylor Edge https://www.seasonbuilder.org/more-than-a-believer

Makeup

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13NIV Bible gateway 

Recently in a hotel we stayed in there was a hand towel that specifically was designated for make up. I had never seen that before but alas a devotion idea came to mind!

When I think of make up I don’t think of cosmetics but think of ‘making up’ with someone you have had a disagreement with. Or it could mean for students making up a class or test you missed. Or it could be making up for lost time. For purposes of today’s ‘sip’ of lemonade the focus will be on forgiveness and making up with your enemies. 

How easy it is to let your mind slip back into times when you were unjustly treated or ‘kicked under the bus’ so to speak by someone you thought was a friend. There is probably not a soul alive today that has not experienced the pain of loose words, rejection, being left out, or harshly treated. Human nature says get them back but a child of God is to drop it and learn to forgive. Forgiveness changes everything.

PRAYER: Father God I am glad you are a God who forgives and forgets. Be with those people who have been wounded by others or treated harshly in their past, help heal brokenness and bring wholeness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Autopliot Christianity

 

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ Luke 12:19

Not sure where I heard this term but thought it would make a nifty title to build a devotion on. Think about it. Autopilot. What does it do and why is it used?

For airplanes a plane can be put on autopilot in certain cases where there is not weather issues and such. Nowadays cars are being developed that are driverless and I am not sure I would ever want one. Kind of a way to not have to worry about driving but I would be more concerned that that robotic systems would fail. 

As a believer are you ever on autopilot or in other words so comfortable with your daily routine reading scripture and praying it becomes so commonplace it is not exciting? Never let that happen. Stay ‘engaged’ and don’t coast through being spoon fed and become lethargic. 

PRAYER:Father I know there have been times I have been lazy about my walk with you and am more talk than action. Help me ignore distractions which seem to steer me into a worldly direction and not the direction of following Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Troubled?

 

LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:1-3

What is troubling you today? Seems like most people can’t get through a day without some concerns weighing on their hearts. 

Whatever it is my friend you have to know it is not God’s will to sit around all day fretting as it accomplishes nothing except bringing delight to demons. 

If troubles are from the past let them go. They are over. Buried. Gone. You can’t make people like you who choose not to and you can’t bring a child to the foot of the cross only the Holy Spirit can. Trust God. Pray. Enjoy the life He have you and don’t let Satan try to keep you stuck in mire. You have victory in Jesus! 

PRAYER: Lord you are my strength and shield. I run to you and demons must flee. I don’t need to listen to voices of worldly culture that are lies but truth is found in the Bible. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop For A Moment..You Really Do Have A Good Life

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Ephesians 1:3

In the classic movie 'It's A Wonderful Life" Jimmy Stewart's character who wanted to end his life by suicide realizes in the end of all his turmoil that he was happy and blesssed and his life wasn't so bad. So many people realize this way too late. 

Satan has tormented far too many people and convicnce them suicide is the only logical way out. Because of their plight so to speak people can get caught up in wrong thinking brought on by the enemy, who else, to imagine themselves and their loved ones better off if they were dead. Death is never the answer. 

Stop and make a list of things you have to be grateful for. Try to not complain for about 30 minutes and really think of your blessings. While you are at it forgive people who have hurt you who may not even care to be forgiven or realize they hurt you. Stop comparing and be thankful for all you have and who you are because God made you special. 

PRAYER: Lord, you are good all the time. You love me and I thank you for your blessings which are many. I realize this is not my final home and forgive me for living like it is. I forgive people who have hurt me, kicked me under the bus so to speak, and are not even aware of it. Help me use hurts and mistakes to shine for you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Help Me Walk On Your Path

Direct my footsteps according to your word;let no sin rule over me.Redeem me from human oppression,that I may obey your precepts. Psalm 119:133-134

Psalm 119 is filled with so much wisdom. Take some time and read the whole entire chapter. Many voices clamor for you to walk on 'their path' but you must shut them out. How do you do that?

You must be intentional about staying on God's path. He has set you free so you have to stay free by ignoring the enemies taunts to re enter the pit of sin you may have been in. It is essential to fill your mind with Christ by reading his word daily. Don't run and fill your mind up with nonsense, twitter feeds, Olympic news, morning shows. Even the so-called news can steer  you the wrong way and insight doubts and fears. 

Discipline is the key. Discipline yourself to stand strong and run the race to win. Voices from your past may harass you but speak out loud and say "Satan I am covered with the blood of Jesus and none of your weapons are going to pull me down. Get away!".

PRAYER: I am very happy to be living in freedom even though many government officials are trying little by little to destroy our freedom. Forgive me when I have been lazy and lethargic and not had a morning quiet time and wasted my time on things with no heavenly reward. I choose to run in your race and read the Word daily no matter what other voices clamor for attention or make fun of me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Be Drunk On The Word

 



We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV Bible Gateway

 

What are you afraid of?Fear is allowing Satan to be more in control than God. You have to open your mouth and speak to that fear and say "fear Go away,Satan you have no power over me."

Do you love God’s word to the point you can’t get enough of it? A recent sermon I heard by Pastor Creflo Dollar referred to being drunk on the word. In other words saturated into every fiber of your body. You can’t get enough! 

Study the scriptures and do word searches in the Bible on faith, trust, the word. So much stuff is in there. Take notes and don’t be afraid to underline as you dive into the truth. Have fun drinking God’s truth! 

PRAYER: I am so very thankful to own not one but several Bibles and am ashamed when I do not even bother reading them making excuses for busyness. Lord I know truth is in your word and make me hungry and thirsty for it regularly. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Are You Calling On Your Ever Present God?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3 KJV Bible Gateway

Do you realize that if you have called on the name of the Lord he is with you? Yes that is right. As today’s verse says “he is an ever present help” meaning all the time in all circumstances.

Do you trust God to be your ever present help or do you still try to orchestrate and manage things pretending God can’t possibly be in control? He says he would so he will.

What do you need to believe God for? What kind of trouble is in your life? Do you believe he can work things out? Today he is asking you to trust and obey. Period.

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for your perfect peace which I have when I believe your word and let things go. You have a plan and are working so help me relax. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Is Your Light Shining Bright, Dim, Flickering or Hidden?

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28

Many who grew up in Sunday school may remember the children’s song ‘This little light of mine’ which basically taught young children to not be ashamed of Jesus. 

If you are a believer you are to be like a city set on a hill that can not be hidden for instance  picture Manhattan(NYC) at night to get the word picture. Be that bright, Times Square and all!  You are not to be ashamed and choose to be one way with one group of people and totally different with others. 

How is your light? Do people know you are different? Can they tell you are a believer or do you compromise your walk or try to snuff out your light sometimes? Never be ashamed but brightly shine God’s love to everyone you encounter. It is going to be a bright, bright, sun shiny day! 

PRAYER: I want to say I am sorry if I have ever tried to dim my light depending on where I am. Once a person accepts Christ the job for them just begins and that is to shine for Jesus’ to try to win others into the kingdom. Help me do kingdom work wherever I go. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Daily Clamoring…I Need Peace

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

How is your to do list and even things you forgot to put on it? If you allow daily ‘chores’ to rule you and rob you of peace it is time for rethinking things clamoring for your time. 

Laundry, grocery shopping, bills, job hunting, school, work, vacation planning, and on and on it goes. Where does Jesus and finding peace and solitude fit into that schedule? Don’t allow the tyranny of the urgent to steal your time alone with the Almighty. Don’t turn Jesus into ‘for Sunday only’. 

Make time for developing and nurturing friendships past and present. Also do not forget to pray. Seek a quiet place to sit undisturbed if possible. Allow yourself time to think of and serve others. Talk to Jesus and let go of anything negative and purpose in your heart to be fixated on Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord I need to cast daily problems far away and truly not let schedules and to do lists drag me away from my focus on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Peace Is Not Found In Pop Ups

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” - Isaiah 26:3

How does your morning play out? Get up check social media perhaps? All the annoying news pop ups trying to instill fear and rob you of peace are constantly clamoring for you to read them. DON’T! 

Entering into my second year living in Idaho it starts with the news that a new variant of Covid had been found, and other assorted news stories. Is this where you gain the knowledge you need to live a victorious Christian life?

You have to be intentional to follow Jesus and get into his word on a daily basis. You can feed your mind on fear or faith. The enemy has had a jolly good time tearing up relationships over the past year and a half. It is time to stand up and be strong and make reading the Bible and trusting God more important than reading horoscopes, tea leaves, newspapers, pop ups, news flashes. Who does your strength come from? 

PRAYER: Lord you are beautiful. Your face is all I need. As I look to the cross fears and anxieties melt away. I was glad when they said to me let us go to the house of the Lord where things of life grow strangely dim as I trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Weeds Of Life Choking You?

The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.Matthew 13:22

Weeds can be pretty nasty things. You grow a garden only to skip a couple days tending to it and weeds have popped up. I noticed an unused highway recently where weeds were popping through the hard pavement. Got me to thinking about weeds choking out good things in our lives.

The verse above is from Jesus parable about sowing seed meaning the word of God but the ‘soil’ meaning your heart, has to be prepared to accept it and understand it. Often if a person has not received the Holy Spirit the word may mean little or nothing to them other than a religious duty.

Is your heart filled with love,joy, kindness, goodness and able to receive God’s word and thus ‘grow’ in Him from this word implanted in you? Think that over. What do you have to do if it is not?

PRAYER: I love the word and I pray for others I know who have no desire for godly counsel or study of the Bible. The enemy does a good job lying and tricking ‘churchgoers’ into thinking they are fine the way they are, so I pray the eyes of those be opened and they see the glorious light! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Exercise

 

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.Matthew 8:26

There are many kinds of exercise and one I think of right now is exercising patience when a very loud disruptive person is in same coffee shop I am in. This is the exercise of discipline. Also physical exercise is one to do to keep the temple (your body) in shape.

You also need to exercise your faith muscles. Believe receive, doubt so without. I fully believe that God is hearing our prayers if your heart is right with him. You confess scripture and believe in your heart for a miracle and it will happen. Happened to me recently over something I prayed for almost daily for 14 years.

There are many scriptures in the word dealing with faith. Do a word study on this and decide how you need to better exercise your faith muscles to stand firm and believe and not give place to seducing spirits or the devil or what anyone else thinks. You can do it!

PRAYER: When I pray help me not be doubting that miracles still happen. I choose to stand firm and be faithful to pray until something happens. In Jesus’ name. Amen.