Be Still And Ponder

But I have calmed and quieted myself,

    I am like a weaned child with its mother;

    like a weaned child I am content.Psalm 131:2 NIV #Bible Gateway

Sometimes things in life make you sad or cause you to enter the ‘stinking thinking’ zone and before your mouth or your texting gets you deeper into trouble you need to just be still, grab a coffee or tea, and ponder. 

This past week I had a day like that and so as the day drew to a close I sat, with coffee, on my back patio and as the sun got lower and lower on the horizon just was still in my soul. I could’ve tried to figure out ‘things’ but instead I knew what needed to be done.

God knows what is going on in your heart. Many people have internal pain due to losses, misunderstandings, disputes, separation from a beloved family member, being overwhelmed by a life situation, and other things you can probably add to the list. Today take time and make time to just and ponder things in your heart. Pray, which is simply chatting with the Almighty and know life will go on and you will be ok. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord every hour. When I am mistreated, misunderstood, belittled, called ugly names, it hurts inside and you are my comforter and will help see me through. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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The Keep

“Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men who have purposed to trip up my feet.” Ps. 140:4

There is a subdivision on a hill in nearby Meridian, Idaho called ‘The Keep’ and I am always puzzled when I drive by why it was named that. Anyway I never found out but alas another wonderful title for this devotion writer because God is our ‘keeper’.

If you do a word search in the Bible on the word keep you will discover lots. He keeps our foot from falling, he keeps us in the shadow of his wings, he keeps us in perfect peace, we keep his words in our hearts, and on it goes. Search the word keep and see for yourself.

Do you keep God’s word hidden in your heart?(Psalm 119:11). To do this means you have to read it and memorize it and there will be times you will need it when no Bible is handy. Take a prisoner of war for instance who needs peace and comfort and it is hidden in his heart if he studied it prior to getting caught by the enemy. Now today make it a point to let God indeed be your keeper as you keep his commandments and love Him.

PRAYER: Thanks again Lord for my life. Thanks for keeping me safe in times when I could have been seriously hurt. Help me as I seek to keep moving forward for the kingdom and sharing your love and blocking out any mind games from the enemy that would seek to shut me down. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Refreshment Needed?

You caused men to ride over us. You brought us through fire and water, but you led us to abundance.Psalm 66:12

Do you feel worn out, tired, confused, sad, lonely, forgotten, belittled? The same feelings Jesus felt. You press on keep your chin up and try to not slip into self pity. 

Do you know there is always someone worse off than you or your situation even though you may find that hard to believe. Perhaps you get up and don’t feel like praying. You know you need to and you know it is Satan keeping you from doing it. 

There is not a formula for having the joy of the Lord other than waking up and seizing the day and saying Lord help me today. Maybe you feel guilty cause you read devotions where someone attested to praying daily for a particular thing or person and you meant to but forgot. Now what? Don’t beat yourself up. Perhaps the thing you are dealing with hurts your heart so bad you don’t know where to turn next. As I wrote this a Christian song came on at coffee shop I was writing at and I start sobbing trying to hide it. Anyway each and every brother and sister in Christ has things that weigh heavy on their heart. Go into this day and run with Jesus the race to win. You can do it. 

PRAYER: It’s me again Lord with a heavy confused heart needing to tell Satan and his little squirt demons to back off as you are Lord not him. Thanks for helping me go on day after day remembering others hurt too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Discontent?

 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. Ezekiel 34:11-12 ESV

Do you ever feel really messed up emotionally? You try to stay within ‘boundaries’ or just keep your thoughts on things other than places like taking back a prayer request you already gave to God. 

You really mean well and try but sometimes the tears just come. Of course you can’t share with anyone or they think you are a royal nut job or you break trust.You pray and continue to pray but are frustrated with yourself. 

Do you mean it when you say you want your ‘good Shepherd’ Jesus to take your problems and you know he knows your feelings, your confusion, your broken heart?He is your Shepherd and cares for his ‘sheep’ and you are one of those sheep. Go to Him and be rescued. 

PRAYER: This day and every day are yours. When I don’t keep my mind fixed on above and let it wander like a lost sheep I get into trouble emotionally and need you to gently guide me back to the fold. I trust you Lord. Help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song of worship and listen closely to the lyrics: 

https://youtu.be/9PugD11k3JU

Getting A Grip On Your Emotions

 

 “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle” (Psalm 56:8, ESV). 

Satan likes to push buttons and get you to react without thinking. I had an afternoon recently where a heart breaking issue in my life started to get the best of me and I knew better than to pick up the phone and call the party involved cause it would mess up God’s timing and plan. 

Oh waiting is so very difficult. In the fictional faith based movie ‘Redeeming Love’ the main character Michael Hosea was tested a lot by waiting and not intervening. It is hard! You pray, you wait, you be still. God has a plan. He has not forgotten you. 

Are you dealing with something very heart wrenching today that you have no control over? Trying to play God is never a good idea. Those little tear ducts God designed when he made the human body are exactly where we need to let our emotions flow from. Holding stuff inside will contribute to health issues. If you have a good cry often you feel better and can think and pray more efficiently. Now go trust God and let Him know your heart. 

PRAYER: Many are suffering from emotional isolation from family or are going through unimaginable pain trying to restore and rekindle a relationship. Help them Lord. Help me too. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Where Did I Put It?

 





We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him. the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 NIV Bible Gateway

Have you ever lost your keys, your phone, a neck pillow on a plane, a credit card, your drivers license, your passport? You can probably add an item or two not listed. 

Maybe you have lost your way when it comes to walking with the Lord. He loves you, forgives you and wants you to love Him back. He wants first place in your life. So much in this world captivates humans things like fame, being popular, alcohol, partying, fancy car, Times Square, bright lights. 

You can only wander away from God so long. I have heard there is a God shaped hole in everyone’s heart that was only meant to be filled with Him. Being good, or being nice are not prerequisites to entering Heaven upon your death. Only one thing and that is belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and a passion for following Him. You never know when your last day will be. Airplane crash, Car wreck, medical diagnoses, bike accident, motorcycle accident, choking during an asthma attack, sports related accidents, skiing, rock  climbing, getting hit crossing the street,  hiking, terrorist attack,  there is no way you can predict when your final day will be. So once again the question is ‘Are You Ready’. 

PRAYER: This is the day you made and I know there is a purpose for me on this Earth. If I gain fame keep me humble. If I do good also keep me humble. Help me let my virtues speak for themselves and show me how to make a difference in another’s life and tell them about Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for powerful song of worship:https://youtu.be/o2hC-RR5GXQ

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Standing In The Gap

And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.Ezekiel 22:30

I had never really given much thought of what ‘watching the gap’ meant until I heard a message by my former pastor Allen Pedram of Church of the Highlands, Huntsville, Alabama.He mentioned in England on trains the signs that warn people that there is a huge gap between the walk and stepping over the gap onto the train. The British said ‘mind the gap.’

In your life are you a gap stander for someone, meaning do you stand in the gap with prayer lifting up concerns for children, grandchildren, schools,  neighbors, church friends, strangers, and oh yes your spouse if married?

You be the go to person for prayer and if you agree to pray don’t forget. Prayer is a lifeline and we all need it. Satan wants nothing more than to have people we pray for fall right in the ‘hole’ and not be able to get out. Brother and sister be the gap stander for those you love in your life. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to be able to pray when I promise to pray. Just now a friend told me about a need so I will pray. Help me remember every day to pray unceasingly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Good Morning World

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.
Psalm 92:1–2

The best time of day for many to spend alone with God is the morning. Tell God you love Him and be sure to thank Him.

You might have to ask Him to help you reorder your day so He doesn’t get squeezed out or formatted into a dry lifeless routine which is Satan’s wish. 

Don’t condemn those who aren’t doing this or you come off judgmental not loving. Don’t ram verses down the throats of those you are trying to win to the Lord. Not the best or most effective technique. Just continue to pray and take care of your own quiet time before judging others. 

PRAYER: Father often I rush into the day making excuses for why I didn’t rise at dawn and go to a quiet place to commune with you. Excuses don’t work and I am asking for motivation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Weighed Down?

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28–29

What burdens or cares do you allow yourself to be weighed down by that could easily be given to the Lord?

Feeling left out or rejected? Hurt by words of someone or name calling? Gossiped about unjustly? Wrong stinking thinking?

Just how do you find rest from cares weighing you down? First you have to know Satan knows how to push your buttons. So if you are weak in some area that is no doubt where you will find it a challenge to let go of. Be honest and tell God how you feel and ask Him to help you with wrong emotions that may be tripping you up. Seek to be at peace with everyone.

PRAYER: Sometimes I feel left out and alone from conversations, gatherings, meetings, and so forth. It is silly to be that way because I know it is the enemy trying to torment me. Help me keep my eyes on you Lord and not a sinking ship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Index Finger Versus Thumbs

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.1 Corinthians 14:20

When in a local coffee shop I noticed something profound other than age spots, wrinkles, and gray hair that separates the generations. The way they text.

Now in my generation everyone learned to type or at least it was encouraged and for that we used both hands all fingers kind of similar to a desk top. I feel like even though there is an age difference the heart of man is the same. And inside, take it from me, you don’t feel any older than when you left high school. 

When you grow older you have learned lots and hopefully have matured and gained wisdom. You can teach the young hot shots if they are willing to listen to the ‘old man’ or ‘old lady’. Keep smiling no matter what your age. Stop looking at wrinkles as you earned them. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for life. I thank you for showing me how to enjoy all phases of life and to make a difference in the world I live in. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Exasperating, Pious, Self Righteous

 

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.Proverbs 12:18

These words are for sure not words of endearment to make you feel warm and cozy but instead invoke hurt, pain, and offense. Yours truly has been labeled at one time or another all three of these and then some. 

Have people called you names or labeled you something degrading and hurtful? Maybe slut, boozer, freak,easy, stupid, lazy, druggy, queer, wimp, you get the idea. Jesus would not be calling names but would instead be calling the wounded to his side. He loves you. 

Jesus came to set the captives free. I mention the movie ‘Redeeming Love’ a good deal and that is because it tells a fictional account of a girl sold into prostitution at age 8 but later as an adult redeemed by the unconditional love of a man who heard from God to marry her. Do not let labels identify you that may have been put on you by jealous, misled souls who were perhaps struggling in their own lives. Make a new path and follow it brushing off the hurts that stuck in you like arrows. 

PRAYER: Your love flows over me like an ocean. Your love knows no bounds no matter what is in my past. Help me show forgiveness and love even to those whose daggers have pierced my soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Yep We Are All Getting Older

 

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.Isaiah 46:4

Why is it growing older seems to bring on a feeling of remorse, fear and wanting youth back? Old age is a blessing. 

My late mother used to say “old age isn’t for sissy’s” and indeed there can be health challenges and silver hair, wrinkles, and age spots but all phases and stages of life have a purpose. With old age usually comes wisdom, supposedly. 

Enjoy the life God has given you as you are never promised tomorrow and there is nothing to fear if you know your name is written in the lambs book of life. If you are young one day before you know it you will turn around and say where has life gone. Make use of every day. 

PRAYERS: Lord I thank you and praise you for my life. I thank you for people in my life and my family. Thanks that you have me here for a reason. Help me share your love everyday. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Gateway Product Review

With Bible Gateways’ intent to equip people to read and understand the Bible, the ‘Net Eternity Now’ edition in a five volume set has hit it out of the ballpark! I love how it is in story form and makes it interesting and understandable. This might even be a catalyst for getting an atheist to pick it up and read or a person who has become a Christian in name only and previously rarely picked up a Bible. 

The New Testament in five separate books highlighting specific books and how they relate is very interesting and makes one want to explore more since it is like reading a story but in this case the greatest story ever told. 

I was fortunate that I received my boxed set free since as a member of BG2 and I agreed to write an honest review as a member of  #BibleGatewayPartner.I recommend this to those who like to read and want to know more about God but find a regular Bible scary or confusing. 

This is a unique format and enjoyable read. Two thumbs up! Five Stars. 

Becky Juett Miller

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Where Would Jesus Be?

The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:34 NKJV BibleGateway

Answer to the question is He would be in their midst. The midst of sinners. Yes that is right. Right in the middle of a pride parade where lewdness is the norm or perhaps at a raunchy comedy club or X rated movie which sadly get by without an X or a gambling casino.

You don’t win lost souls by condemning them and isolating yourself keeping to your ‘Holy huddle’. Many self righteous people who are Christian brothers and sisters say horrible names about certain sinners instead of praying for them.

Loving people doesn’t mean you embrace their activity or lifestyle but it means opening the opportunity for conversation. Brother and sister when you talk ugly even about some politicians who are not really for the people you are condemning yourself. Ask God to give you what it takes to interact and show His love.

PRAYER:Father it makes my heart hurt to see the evil around us even seeping into our children’s public schools. Father I pray for boldness to share the truth and to help turn this country around. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Listen Up!

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

Do you listen well? I know I do not and am trying to get better. I get distracted easy. Squirrel. And because of this some people trying to talk to me become very frustrated. Between that and not hearing well to begin with it can be miserable. 

My latest subject of not listening well was my precious excited 4 year old granddaughter trying to show me her new ice skates over a FaceTime call. A variety of distractions kept me from fully engaging in the conversation and she got frustrated and left the conversation. The persons I don’t want to cause to be upset are my grandchildren. 

Do you need to be a better listener when it comes to not only your family but for friends prayer requests and even listening for God’s still small voice? Being still one of the things I write about lots and is a key in becoming a better listener. Hopefully in the years to come I will have ears wide open and not distracted from hearing and listening to both of my sweet granddaughters. 

PRAYERS: Father I need to just sit and be still and give full attention without outside distractions when someone is talking to me whether on the phone or in person. Help me Lord, I need you in this. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Praise God In The Hallway?

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

You have probably heard people speaking of God opening some doors and closing others. What if you are still waiting for that open door and it seems like you will be stuck in the hallway forever?

What do you do while waiting? First you don’t try to take matters into your own hands as much as you want to but that will likely not help matters. You just have to trust God is at work but why doesn’t the person I am praying about know how I feel I want to tell me. No don’t do that.

Keep praying. Stay busy with something. Pray more. Be still. And oh yes pray again.

PRAYER: I often cry out the loudest when You are silent Lord and I try to figure out why something has not happened over a personal issue in my life. When it involves other people and having to wait it is so hard. Praying for a chance to get out of the hallway soon. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mansions

 

Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. Psalm 37:16, KJV

Almost every person in America has it pretty good considering the rest of the world. Recently I went to an estate sale that was truly a ‘palatial estate’. As I roamed through the home I was in awe of the space, the decorating, just the enormous size reminding me of Mt Vernon or something along that line. 

It was hard to imagine living in a palace like structure but those places are all over our country where the wealth is shown by the size of their mansion. Never be jealous of others but be grateful for your own provision. 

One day for the followers of Christ once we leave our earthly home there is a mansion in Heaven which you can not even begin to imagine. Not even Hollywood writers can imagine in. Ponder that. You are here only so briefly so use your time for God’s glory. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and thank you for providing for me through the years food, clothing, shelter and open my eyes to needs of others and help me not just look but to act when I can see a need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Porcupine Effect

Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?Ecclesiastes 7:16 ESV

If you have ever witnessed a porcupine if they are hassled or bothered in anyway their quills stand up as a matter of defense. Similar to people who when verbally ‘attacked’ get defensive.

Let’s say you are needing or wanting to approach someone about an issue that has been on your heart when ideally it is better to not play Holy Spirit Junior and pray and be still. If you do suddenly engage someone about a sensitive issue no doubt it will not turn out good and will set your relationship back a notch or two.

So in order to keep peace and let God help work things out just practice stillness. Go to God in prayer. Know God has whatever it is so let Him touch another’s hearts, not you.

PRAYER: Lord God I choose to pray and wait. I thank you that I can trust you. I pray for healing of any past ‘porcupine’ times in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Battle-God And The Devil

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 6:12 (NIV)

Evil forces, exactly what are they?First God is love and He loves all people but not all actions are what you would classify as pure and Holy.

Innocent young women who really don’t realize their manner of dress causes men to lust after them. Those who are caught up in sex trafficking. Others drawn into drugs, party scene, alternative lifestyles totally not from ‘above’.

Being more ‘like the world’ is not what a believer is called to be. You are called to love others and live a life that brings glory to Christ. Perhaps in your heart you know you have strayed and allowed forces of darkness to captivate you. Now is the time to stand and say “Not today Satan!”

PRAYER:Oh Father help me to love, not judge, but always be in prayer. Help me have pity on those lost ‘sheep’ who are unaware of the danger they have allowed into their lives. Help me guard my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless America🇺🇸

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.Matthew 10:16

Freedom is definitely not free. Even the wrong kind of national leadership can lead this country into tyranny, communism, and government control. You need to do what this verse for today says. 

On September 11, 2001 America got a wake up call when 2 commercial jets slammed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center in Manhattan NYC. Later another jet slammed into a field in Pennsylvania taken down by passengers who knew the plane hijacked by terrorists was likely headed to the White House or Capitol. A 4th jet slammed into the Pentagon. It has been 21 years since this horrendous occurrence.

For a while American flags could not be found in any store as they were sold out as citizens wanted to stand in unity. (Get a flag now and fly it daily.) Don’t ever take freedom for granted. Pray daily for this country to stay ‘one nation under God’ and pray for any leaders who need to repent to do so. Be proud to be an American as many have given their lives to keep it free or if not we may be speaking German. 

PRAYER:Father I thank you for being free and help me to be aware of when evil creeps in to try to take us down or into tyranny. Help me remember to pray even for those hard to pray for. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pray First-Oh How I Need To Remember This!

 

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

I am not sure what is going on in your life but I try to remember to pray first but sometimes my impulsiveness gets the better of me or I forget that I asked God to ‘take it’ and He has. Have you been there as well?

Maybe you know you need to pray as it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, unceasingly, literally even always be in an attitude of prayer. Instead of checking social media try praying. Instead of daydreaming and trying to ‘fix’ things yourself try praying.

Fall is sort of a time for a new start too. The changing of the seasons can bring a fresh perspective on things and give you an opportunity to start fresh.Why not purpose in your heart to let the words of God comfort you and make up your mind to talk to God each morning in prayer.

PRAYER:Lord I cry out for you in a dry weary land. I have made mistakes and you in your mercy have redeemed me. Guard my heart from worry which shows I don’t trust you. I choose prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Their Story...Not Yours

 

He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. Proverbs 13:3

If an acquaintance has shared something personal with you that could be misinterpreted it is not your right to repeat it without permission. Has this happened to you?

It may be something you thought was okay to share with some close friends but unless the individual asked you to have trusted friends pray it is best left alone. You may have innocently shared but unless this person announced it to the ‘world’ on their social media let it go before you destroy a relationship. 

If this has happened to you and you are in midst of having trust restored continue to give it to God in prayer and learn to wait and think about stuff you say or text? Be still, wait, and pray. 

PRAYER:Father I give you praise for friends and family in my life and help me to respect others need for privacy. Give me strength to guard my mouth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Need To Ask Forgiveness?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.Psalm 51:10

Did you mess up some way and may not be aware you did wrong till it was pointed out. Maybe you not asking forgiveness has fractured a relationship. The mouth is where most mess ups begin sharing things you had no right to.

Don’t just sit there! First pray then wait. Don’t just jump in and make another mess. Listen to God. Pray for the person you will be asking forgiveness of to be open to it and to rebuild trust.

Wait 24 hours at least, covered with prayer then if you have peace go to the person you hurt or betrayed and don’t just say you are sorry but ask humbly for true forgiveness. The wounds may be still there and it may take time but keep praying.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you forgive us so we should forgive others and help me willingly grant forgiveness when someone asks me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Just Go

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Once again I found a unique vanity tag on a vehicle and loved it’s message. My late mom used to say my middle name was ‘go’ and many friends can attest to that. 

‘Just go’ could  be stepping out in courage to attend support groups, counseling, Bible study, or visiting a friend. Just go! Just go would be finding a good church to worship in where you are ‘fed’ and not just killing an hour on Sunday. 

Are there places you need to ‘just go‘ in your life? Sometimes you hear the phrase “don’t go there” meaning approaching a subject matter in conversation best left unsaid. Sometimes you need to go and sometimes you need to wait. Talk to God regularly in prayer and let him be your guide on going or staying. 

PRAYER: Lord help me trust you in my decisions and don’t second guess when I have prayed and had peace over a situation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Self Centered…Who Me?

The sons of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”Exodus 16:3

Have you ever been told you only think of yourself and it usually stems from a relationship issue where you throw yourself a pity party. Actually when you don’t understand the ‘rest of the issues’ it can be easy to fall into an abyss of making it all about you. 

You must recognize that issues and situations are complex and involve many things. The best thing to do is to breathe in and breathe out and relax and oh yes, pray. Above all zip your lip.

Stay off Facebook and other social media which are breeding grounds for pity and disconnect. Instead pick up your Bible and open it to Psalms, John, or Ephesians. Ask God to give you stillness and peace. And while you are at it why not think of a good deed you can do for someone.

PRAYER:I am so grateful for all sorts of relationships. Help me to learn to show kindness, keep cool, and enjoy what you give me in life being patient for certain relationships to grow. Thank you for blessing me. In Jesus’ name.

Hard Work

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23

Today is Labor Day in the United States a day traditionally  known as the end of summer. It was established to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.

Working is important. It took hard work to found this country and establish freedom and takes hard work today to maintain that. 1 Timothy 5:8 speaks of if a man won’t work neither will he eat. Man was not meant to lay around and let the government feed him. 

Today if you are employed give thanks. If you need a job pray for doors to be opened for gainful employment. Thank the Lord for the many hard working talented individuals who helped this nation become what it is in the past 246 years. To God be the glory. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for freedom. Thank you for those gifted who discovered electricity, invented the telephone, made the printing press, invented cars and planes and trains,  farmed our land. Everything is a miracle from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wisdom-Do You Have It?

Then He saw [a]wisdom and declared it;

He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out.

28 And to man He said,‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil isunderstanding.’

Job 28:27-28 KJV Bible gateway

Often it takes till a person is old and gray to gain wisdom. Years of experience teach things that often times you wish you would have been privy too in your younger years.

Often times it does take experiences of life to eventually make you wise. Hopefully you pass wisdom onto your offspring. Wisdom comes from following God’s word not the worlds ways.

Do a word search for the word wisdom in your Bible and you will find many great things. Wisdom is the ability to judge and act correctly.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the times I was not acting wisely yet you forgave me and redeemed me. Guard my heart from doing foolish things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Loving Well

 

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”. Romans 12:12

What does it mean to love well? Forgetting wrongs, starting each day anew. Pressing on and forgetting faults and wrongs of the past. 

Love bears all things and does not keep a record of wrongs it says in 1 Corinthians 13. Not keeping a record of wrongs now that is a challenge. Delete old email and text message streams that you have been saving for ‘ammunition’ in an ongoing battle. Let things go. 

Starting new means just that. Learning from mistakes, forgiving people, and loving unconditionally. Ponder that for a moment. Start today letting go of hurts and dwelling on them and make up your mind you will indeed love well. 

PRAYER: Today is a brand new day you have given me Lord. Thanks for helping me ditch my cluttered past and start fresh. Forgive me for holding onto things that don’t bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Resting?

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.

Psalm 23:1–3 NLT

For many Psalm 23 is associated with funerals but in actuality it has way more to do with those of us living. Take verses 1 thru 3 for instance. Read them out loud. 

Are you at rest or do you frantically run on the treadmill of life checking off all the things you feel you need to be doing to be successful? Sometimes it actually feels abnormal to rest when mostly Westerners are going going all the time. Many come back from vacation and need to rest.  

Why not start here this coming autumn season turning onto  a ‘new road’ in life and make rest intentional. This means rest without commotion and noise or devices by your side. Take a chill pill and just do it. 

PRAYER: Today I want to listen and hear your voice Lord and often times it is hard when I leave little or no down time to just be still. Guide me in being able to simply rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Wise?

 

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

Wisdom is one thing to pray for more of. You can never have enough. 

Wisdom for decisions, for interactions, for almost every part of your life. You don’t want to end up foolish which is opposite of being wise. 

To be wise you need to have a clear mind and be still and at peace. God’s Wisdom also guides you when to speak or be quiet. Why not start today asking God to make you wise. 

PRAYER: Help me each day to follow hard after you Lord and not the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.