Trust God With Your Pain

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.1 Peter 5:10

The pain I am referring to is emotional pain that is a result of changes in life that you can’t understand. Recently I woke up and felt like I couldn’t even get out of bed. My husband said “Are you depressed” and yes I guess I was. 

How do overcome discouragement? You may not feel up to diving into the word of God but why not talk to Alexa or your Echo dot and say “Alexa play K Love radio” and hear praise music to lift your spirits. 

A huge way to get out of the doldrums is to look for ways to help others. Make it happen. Cook a meal. Ring a Salvation Army bell. Buy gifts for a needy family. Write a note to a friend or neighbor and mail it, yes with a stamp. Make God lift you up and set your feet to dancing! 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for creating sunshine to brighten the world and lift my spirits. Shine on me so in turn I can shine in another’s life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Canyons Of Love

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV Bible Gateway

I live out west and there are some pretty spectacular and impressive gorges and canyons out here such as the all familiar Grand Canyon not to discount the ‘Grand Canyon of the East‘ Walls of Jericho in my former state of Alabama.

Now imagine gazing over the edge of these massive landmarks made by God and thinking how deep God’s love for you is. His love for you would spill over the canyon edge.

As you look at the natural beauty of God’s creation you know He just has it right for you as well. No one can even fathom the amount of love God has for you. You can be mean, ugly, hateful, disrespectful, and yet He still loves you. Shouldn’t we as his creation likewise be able to treat each other kind? If you want to experience this kind of love cry out to God to set you free from the mundane, the rituals, the meanness, the anger and come and fill you to overflowing with the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for your immense love for me that even when I don’t deserve it you give it unconditionally. Help me to learn to live in this way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

No RGRTS

 No RGRTS

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Once again I challenge you with my title missing some key letters. Saw this on a car license after church and it simply reads ‘no regrets’. 

Do you have regrets in your life? Probably a pretty common occurrence to wish you had done something different or said something different. But with Jesus your slate is wiped clean and you can redeem yourself from mistakes you did maybe intentionally or unintentionally. 

Maybe the goal is to get to a point in life where you know you are secure in Christ and truly don’t regret things because you learned from them and are forgiven. 

PRAYER: I need you in my life Lord to stay on the right path. I cast off wrong thinking and lies of the enemy that seek to destroy my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Forgiveness Takes Practice And Prayer

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

Are you angry and hurt about something. Bitterness can quickly crop up and somehow you might feel you are entitled to be bitter. 

To restore a relationship you have to be ready to let things go and move on and forget the past. If you don’t you will not be able to completely forgive. 

I have mentioned the movie entitled ‘Redeeming Love’ for an excellent example of restoration, redemption, and forgiveness. Sometimes things take time and patience to work out. Stand firm, pray, believe and let God work. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for giving opportunities to restore relationships after deep hurts and wounds. My life is in your hands. Help those today who need to let things go and bring restoration to a relationship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bully Pulpit

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Recently I got caught up in the election and all that surrounds it and got on my spiritual high horse which is never a good thing when trying to minister to lost souls so for that I say sorry. The old me is back to share God's love and kindness to a hurting bunch of people in our world. 

I don't know what pain you are going through in your life but sometimes you may feel isolated and alone like no one really understands or cares. God cares. He loves you. 

Can you be an encourager, to someone? A handwritten note mailed with a stamp can lift spirits. An actual phone call. Surprise gift. A meal. Flowers. A cookie bouquet. Whatever is on your heart, do it. You may not know what is bothering a person but God does. Be His instrument to share love.

PRAYER: Father help me to shine your light to a hurting confused world.  Use me to bring joy and not sorrow and let me find a way to heal someones' internal heart wounds. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Confused?

 

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6

With the media and social media it is sometimes very difficult to discern fact from fiction, truth from lies. The one source of truth is at most people’s fingertips and that is the Bible. Yet it suffers from neglect and misinterpretation.

You were fashioned by God in your mother’s womb and He did not make a mistake about what gender you were but yet today there is a movement afoot and spreading even into elementary schools to teach children other than the truth. Wouldn’t you say we are at war with the devil? The devil hates God, hates his creation, and loves to spread confusion.

Why not start each and every day not diving into half truths found in the news but why not instead get rid of confusion by seeking God in a quiet place. Talk to him, pray on your knees next to your bed. Lift up this nation and even pray for those people who are Satan’s minions maybe some really need freedom found only in Christ. Pray hard for revival.

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and I choose to rejoice and be glad in it no matter what is going on around me. Give me the ability to stand against strongholds of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is There Thanksgiving In Your Heart?

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

The big day is here once again. A day of eating too much. A day to gather with family and friends. A day to grieve a loss too close to this holiday. A day of football and parades. But most importantly a day to remember just what Thanksgiving is and why we celebrate it.

Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 between the surviving Pilgrims of the Mayflower and Wampanoag Indians. 

How will you celebrate this historic day in our countries founding? Today whatever you are doing take time to think what you are truly thankful for. Friends, family, food, Faith, and forgiveness. Now go and be blessed to be a blessing. 

PRAYER: Thanks for a day set aside to thank you Lord for many blessings of this great land established for religious freedom. I choose to stay thankful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are You Scattered?

 

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1

Do you find it hard to decide on things and for purposes of this devotion I will hone in on deciding what to do for your morning quiet time? Or maybe you have heard of someone who prayed a certain scripture over their children or grandchildren each day and said “that’s doable” but do nothing.

It is easy as there are so many great Christian  books to read you may find yourself with a shelf full and maybe only a couple of them partially read. Any of this sound familiar? Right now I am sitting here with my Bible, two journals, and two books on prayer. Whew. So is it possible that Satan can use what you mean for good to be so confusing to you that you stop all together? 

Satan does toy with believers putting all kinds of stuff on them and author of confusion is a huge one. Apps, journals, podcasts, and maybe a good Christian TV show. All fine in and of themselves but do you have a plan? Today stop and be at peace, and ask God to direct your steps. Turn off all confusion and outside clamor and focus on God. Tell Him how mighty and wonderful He is. He will guide you. 

PRAYER:Lord I thank you for being in a country where I am blessed to be able to have access to the word of God and many other things. I want to give you praise for guiding me and opening and closing doors I need in my life. In Jesus’ name.Amen. 

God’s Special Blessings

 

“‘“The Lord bless you and keep you the Lord make his face shine on you  and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

When you hear the word blessing what comes to mind? For me it is the blessing of children and grandchildren. I have been part of a ministry of prayer for children and schools and beyond since 1996 called Moms in Prayer. I have included a link at the end of this devotion. 

So today just happens to be son Matthew’s 40th birthday. I am very proud to call Him my son and friend. If you take today’s verse you can pray it over your children simply by adding their name in the appropriate spot in the scripture. The Lord Bless ________ and keep _______the Lord make his face to shine upon ________and be gracious to ________the Lord turn his face toward _________ and give _________peace. It is a powerful way to pray. 

No matter what is going on in your children’s life hang on because he hears the prayers of faithful mom prayer warriors. I say a very happy birthday today to Matthew Lee Miller, American Airlines First Officer 737 and he knows he is loved and prayed for. 

PRAYER: Thank for the gift of children and grandchildren. Many yearn for both but it never happens so in those cases sooth aching hearts. Help moms out there and dads who make be experiencing heart ache now and bring freedom and reunion to those praying for it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Www.momsinprayer.com

Hide In The Shadows

 

Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.Isaiah 60:1 NIV Bible Gateway 

I put a cardboard box in our bedroom for our cat Moses and he loves it. He is in there now and likes to turn his back on me and stare at the inside of box. Now my box would eliminate me from a home tour show but that’s okay. 

Do you ever feel like my cat where you want to curl up and hide? First know that all kinds of emotions can swirl about you but you have to be aware too that the enemy doesn’t want you to get up and get going. He wants to squish you and keep your praise and prayers inside you and not spoken out. 

Get up, get out, and get going! Say to Alexa or your Echo Dot if you have one “Alexa play KLove radio” and start your day. Say thanks to the Lord for another day. Ask him to steer you away from things that cause disruption or anxiety. Just start giving thanks. Breathe in God and breathe out anxiety. Now go seize the day!

PRAYER: Lord I love you and I thank you for guiding me each day. Often I bounce through my day and try to be in charge but I give that up now. You have heard my prayers and I ask you to keep me patient and out of your way while you work. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Peace On Earth? Far From It!

 

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.Luke 2:7

Beginning in late October the frenzy of Thanksgiving and Christmas begins, actually in August if you want to count merchants who already have decorations out. I don’t know about you but all the chaotic activity takes away from the true meaning of Christmas that being the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. 

Jesus doesn’t get much mention. He is drowned about by office parties, movies, decorating, bazaars, lights, craft fairs, cookie baking, gingerbread houses, concerts and all those nice activities we think must be squeezed in an already chaotic schedule to make it special. 

How about trying to make Christmas really about Him. I’d say this might be hard for some who like the idea of snowmen and reindeer way better than getting too ‘religious’. Nothing has to be done so relax. Go donate to the Salvation Army red kettle campaign and keep it up the other 11 months. Find some family who needs help. Make it bigger than about red and green. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus this coming December 25 I want to celebrate you not 10000 other things that have little to do with a babe in a manger. Direct my heart to be filled with the joy this season brings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Be Afraid

 

In God, whose word I praise; In God I have put my trust; I shall not fear. What can mere man do to me?Psalm 56:4AMP Bible Gateway 

What are you afraid of? If you still are watching news then that is one huge mistake as practically all of it is doom and gloom and can conjure up fear in your heart if not careful. 

Make the choice to stay peaceful which requires you to stop constantly looking at social media or news. I mean really do those avenues improve your life? Mostly they are stress producers. 

To not be afraid you have to recognize that God is with you. Spend time each day with him whether or be on a devotion app, reading Bible, or simply a prayer time. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel you are not doing it ‘right’ but press in. Stay peaceful and stay prayerful. 

PRAYER: I rejoice Lord because my hope is in you. Some days I don’t know what to pray but I can simply utter your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

           #Biblegatewayblogger 

Saying No To Fleshly Desires

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.Galatians 5:19-21

The world we live in is becoming more worldly and less godly and God fearing. Once you allow the world to mold you it becomes more difficult to recognize sin and call right wrong and wrong right. 

Look around and see what depravity is occurring now and you know that the Lord loves us but has warned us. God is a God of a second chance and His desire is for all his children to walk in truth and cast off works of darkness. 

Exercise your senses to godliness daily by reading the Bible. Don’t know how or where to start then start with the book of John in the NewTestament. Satan is trying to capture people through deception and that is why Biblical truth is so important. For instance just because a law is passed in the Senate doesn’t mean it is godly and right and each of us needs to be aware of how Satan tries to destroy freedom through trickery. Now go today not fearful or depressed but joyous as your hope is in the Lord.

PRAYER:Father I pray for those who are being deceived to hear the truth and let the truth bring freedom and peace. I pray for mean spirited people who want to destroy freedom to come to know you. And Lord I pray for all to know the real enemy is Satan and He has no authority unless we don’t speak up and pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Temptations

 





And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

What tempts you? Chocolate, alcohol, pornography, chatting online, gambling, returning to a former lifestyle or way of life that is displeasing  to God? Whatever it is know that God loves you no matter what you have done. 

The enemy, Satan,  likes to pull the chains of those who have had sex addiction, homosexual lifestyle, drunkenness, porn addiction, just to stick his foot a little bit in the door so to speak and sometimes getting unsuspecting helpers to misuse the word of God to justify sin. Today the world is on the side of the devil so there is a battle raging for sure. Be on guard. 

Let me say first and foremost God does not hate anyone and neither should we. There is a verse that says “such were some of you” meaning no one is clean and perfect. If you struggle God can help. If you are aware of someone believing lies of the devil just continue to pray and let God take care of it. 

PRAYER: I know you love me so much Lord and many are hurting or confused and trusting false gods to think they are okay. Use me Lord to be a light and give me the words to say when approached. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Therefore.....

 

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.[You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. Colossians 3:5-7 NIV Bible Gateway  

What is the word ‘therefore’ there for? In this passsge In Colossians 3 it follows verses 1 through 4 so please read them letting a person know that certain things need to be ‘put to death’ in your earthly body to be a true follower of Christ who will not experience the wrath of God. 

Romans 3:23 reminds us that all have sinned so don’t go getting holier than though or pointing fingers at someone you feel has the worst sin because sin is sin. Some sins have worse consequences but in God’s eyes it is sin. 

The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin and you simply pray and let God work. Are you praying for someone to be released from the tricks and deception of Satan, I know I certainly am. Don’t quit keep on. Victory will come. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for giving me peace in my heart when I pray that you heard me and will act in your way and your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

                    #Biblegatewayblogger 

 

Weary Warrior?

 

Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Have you been through a rough season praying lately? Maybe praying for a person to get healed and they die. Perhaps praying for a prodigal who has not yet returned. Whatever it is please gain strength from knowing God hears you. 

Another good scripture for this would be Philippians 2:13 which reads “I can do all things through him who gives me strength. An old hymn lyrics says “are you weak and heavy laden cumbered with a load of care” and if you are weighed down and the enemy is toying with your thought life just say “Be gone Satan I refuse to listen to your lies” and move forward. 

Today before you get busy with your day stop and confess your weary spirit to the Lord. He hears you, he knows you hurt. He is there to comfort you. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you know ‘the rest of the story’ and when things are not going like I think they should I will trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link below and listen to lyrics of song:

https://youtu.be/fzouwlYzif0

One Of Those Days

 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 

Everyone has probably had ‘one of those days’ where everything wrong seems to come out of your mouth when talking or texting. Then you want to kick yourself for doing it. Next comes a nap. 

The key to better days is to control your ‘thinker’ and relax. When you start to speculate on what you feel others think about you or are just plain mentally exhausted maybe it is time to quiet yourself before God. 

Idle hands and idle minds are tools of the enemy (aka devil or Satan) to get your thoughts off God and onto things of the world. Go for a walk, keep electronic devices off and relax your mind. Now go be at peace. 

PRAYER: Lord I love the word of God. There are answers to all situations in there. Help me break any strongholds in my mind causing confusion. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Run To God

 

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:2

 

I need God each and every day. Those days I just rush out the door and spend zero time with him are not as good. 

God helps us get through our messes with in life. If you say you have no messes, God bless you, but life naturally has ups and downs and if you have avoided being entangled then help teach the others of us what your secret is. 

I know one thing for sure that the story of your life is not over and Satan likes to push your buttons where you have the most vulnerability. Keeping your mind on things of the spirit and not the problems surfacing in your life is where you need to be. Let God be your refuge 24/7. Push wrong thoughts and impulsivity away and put on the joy of the Lord. 

PRAYER: Lord each day help me as I navigate the waters of life which occasionally has rapids and huge waves. Help me take captive wrong thinking (2 Corinthians 5:10). In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Blocking Makes Me Sad

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

 

Frankly I am not a huge fan of social media as it is always putting the best in front of friends and family and not showing hard things.

 

One aspect is people who aren’t fond of you for whatever reason can just block you. I have been blocked by family, sorority sisters, friends and frankly it saddens me. Divisions of political views especially cause major disruption in friendships. 

If you want to be a friend you need to show yourself friendly and ignore those who don’t want to be in your life but pray for them. Don’t fall into a trap of making up something, otherwise known as lying, to avoid people you consider toxic or who you have no interest in developing a friendship with. Prayer is the key. Pray for those who are ugly and pray for those who have been hurt.

 

PRAYER: This  is another wonderful day you have given me to enjoy. Help me keep my face up and smile at others and give me the ability to stay off electronic devices. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Freedom…Do You Value It??

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.John 15:13 Bible Gateway NIV

Today is Veterans’ Day where all individuals who served in the US Armed Forces are honored. This is a time to remember what cost is freedom. Many fought and died to secure freedoms. The right and privilege to vote is one of those yet how many fail to see it as important.

Elections have consequences and one is tyrants who get into office who try to take away freedoms. It is not about a political party but to have someone who loves America so much they don’t want to see it taken over and it’s peace loving citizens jailed for saying the wrong thing or thinking the wrong way. 

I proudly served and took the oath to defend my country against all enemies foreign and domestic. Stay on guard and be careful who you get your  news from because as as the late former President Ronald Reagan said “We are only one generation from extinction.” Ponder that, thank a vet, and have a nice day. 

PRAYER: I am aware that there are those who don’t value freedom some even serving our country now. I pray for any one who wants to squish liberty and misuse the word democracy. I am grateful for those who perished on battlefields so we could salute the US Flag. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Need Quieted?

 

The Lord your God is with you,
    the Mighty Warrior who saves
He will take great delight in you;
    in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”Zephaniah 3:17 NIV Bible Gateway 

What is going on in your life now? Marital conflict? Misunderstandings? Problems at work? Not being able to be still? Being falsely accused. Fights with family members? Sadness over a loss. 

Satan works overtime to divide and as believers it is necessary to understand this that it is a battle against forces of darkness not a person. I have met a rare individual who is totally peaceful and never argues and I say God bless them. For the rest of us daily help is needed to not slip up. 

You don’t want to lie but you end up doing it anyway. You don’t want to guilt trip someone but you do it anyway. It is like the mouth and body depart and so their own thing. 

Go to God if the person involved won’t listen to you and ask for His help. Ask God to help you stay on track and fulfill the plans he has in your life. If someone engages you in a verbal battle stay peaceful. 

PRAYER: I hate it when I slip into half truths and ask for your help. I pray for anyone going through major disagreements where Satan is trying to drive a wedge. Help me mind my own business and spend more time in prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and listen carefully to words of this song: 

https://youtu.be/h1Lu5udXEZI

#Shut Up Devil

Submit yourselves  then to God resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

It takes mental and spiritual discipline to keep your mind focused on ‘above’ without mulling over things in your head the devil wants you to fixate on. You know what I mean. 

I have a mug that says “Shut Up Devil” and I have heard once that you should be the kind of prayer warrior that when your feet hit the floor in the morning the devil says “oh darn she is up!”. 

So many churches don’t even talk about evil and the devil but give feel good sermons that leave you I’ll equipped to fight the powers of darkness in the world.Many people have Bibles but how many actually use them? There are many helpful Bible apps to help you study and grow in your walk with the Lord. This is about putting on the full armor of God and standing strong against wicked forces of darkness. Are you ready to prepare for battle? 

PRAYER: I pray for those people who are in dead churches that don’t fight the darkness. Wake up those who need you in their life. Help them to recognize evil and run from it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mixed Up World

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV Bible Gateway

We are sure getting to a state of confusion in our world today when what is wrong is being called right and vice versa. Satan has done an excellent job lying and deceiving many and some of those even Christians! 

You as an American have the great privilege and honor to vote. There has been cheating and trickery when it comes to voting machines and today I am in Arizona and already there are major issues here in Maricopa county with tabulating votes. The enemy is even working in the election. 

Freedom is not free. This nation is founded upon the word of God. When right is being called wrong believers need to be on their knees praying for our great nation to survive. Pray for honest elections and anyone trying to cheat to be caught and dealt with. Freedom is precious and we don’t want to lose it. 

PRAYER: Lord thank you for freedom. I pray Lord for anyone trying to cheat to win an election and pray for honesty to prevail and anyone listening to wrong voices to be set free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Who Are You At War With?

 

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

Spouse, ex spouse, friends, strangers, adult children, fake news, neighbors. The only person to be at war with is Satan not a person. Our real enemy is never a person. 

Ask God to help soften your heart to whoever it is that has hurt you. It’s not easy but it is the best thing to do. 

Try to do something kind for your enemy. One of the best things you could do is to pray for them whether you feel like it or not. Many people are wounded and consequently hurt others. Today make love your aim and love those who are different than you. Let God take care of the rest. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you so much for forgiving me and loving me even after I did goofy bad things. Forgive my wrong thinking as well and help me to love like you do. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Is Self Too Important?

 

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

 

Have you ever given thought to being self centered and not Christ centered? It may be hard to come to grips with but the times we are living in encourage us to think only of ourselves.

What can you do in your life to change things up if you are a bit too much in the selfie mode? First you have to maybe honestly admit you need to post less selfies. But thinking of others first can you do that? Maybe try posting one thing a day you are thankful for since Thanksgiving is approaching. 

Take a deep breath, let it out. Do it again and thank the Lord for his goodness to you. If you have too much of self on the throne ask God to help you step down and let Him get back in it. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord. It is so easy to completely be saturated with self these days making sure everything is perfect, but I want help to make sure my time with you is perfect and I break any stronghold of self in the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Quest For Peace

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 1 Peter 1:13 

Do you often feel rushed, agitated, disturbed, too busy, confused, sad. Emotions are tricky. A couple ugly political posts on social media can bring you down in an instant. 

Kudo’s to my friends Beverly, Sherri, Geraldine, Liz, Sheba, Thea, Julie, Trudy,  Debbie S, Mona, Debbie P, cousin Mark, husband Dave and so many more who made the choice to not do Facebook. Except for my recent birthday I pretty much have disciplined myself to not go diving into everyone’s lives and using up over an hour of precious time. 

Time can be better spent by pursuing a life of godliness abs also spending quality time with the Lord. Often I can start pinging off the wall so to speak after I have missed my time with the Lord. A ‘prayer closet’ is terrific but not if it hardly get used. What do you do to insure you put God first? 

PRAYER: Lord God forgive me when o let the issues and problems of this world squeeze you out of my day. Satan is rejoicing when I let world issues weigh me down. I choose to look up for my redemption draws near. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Trouble With Money

 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.1 Timothy 6:10

Seems to me most problems in the world center around money. Power hungry leaders trying to manipulate it or families fighting due to poor money management skills. Robberies to get other peoples wealth. 

Even the pioneers coming out West in the 1800’s were in search of money in the form of gold strikes. Money can cause problems indeed but it is intended to bless when managed properly. A line in the classic film ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ had Jimmy Stewart’s character George Bailey in desperate need of money due to some error and he asked Clarence The Angel “you don’t happen to have $5000 do you Angel? “ The Angel replied “we don’t use money where I come from” then proceeded to tell him Heaven. Then Stewart’s character says “well it comes in pretty handy down here bubb.” Watch the movie. It will play many times during Christmas season. 

Point being money is good when used properly but it can cause hurt, pain, despair, even death. When God blessed you with money make sure to be faithful in using it for kingdom work. Remember it all is his anyway. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for giving me the things I need in life and when I have money and see a person in need give me a heart to share. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Blessed?

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

As I got on and off my pity party soapbox I felt ashamed for guilting people with my ‘whoa is me’ and for even acting the way I was all over a silly birthday. Another year of life praise God. Instead of complaining and feeling sorry for myself over certain things I should have realized that was the enemy trying to get me to not be thankful for what I had. 

First friends all over the place. Next excellent health. A great place to worship. A wonderful husband. An awesome family. Two beautiful grandchildren. A way to get places meaning a car or bike. I get to serve in church and have an awesome place to worship. Great neighbors. I could go on. 

Can you make your list as well? I am probably not the only one out there who has thrown a pity party with no one attending except you. Before you start feeling sorry for yourself over whatever is on your mind stop and tell Satan to get behind you and lift up your arms and praise God for all you have. 

PRAYER: Oh what a glorious day each day is when the sun comes up and I live under freedom. I am blessed and want to be able to be a blessing not a complainer. Help me Lord to get rid of the stronghold of pity and embrace grace and truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Getting A Grip On Rejection



"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not" (Isaiah 53:3)

Do you ever feel rejected? I know I have and if you do maybe it is time to seek help from a Christian therapist to help you deal with issues that are impacting your life and relationships so you can deal with them and move forward. 

It could be child hood rejection from foster parents or a real family. Maybe feeling rejected by playmates as a child. At work you may sense rejection from peers and co workers. Perhaps you are rejected by your adult biological children. It sadly even could be a spouse or sibling. A host of things may impact why you feel this way. Maybe behavior patterns or new ways of thinking will assist in the healing process. 

Think of Jesus. As today’s verse says “He was despised and rejected” and it is hard to imagine how that would feel. It hurts my heart to even think of it. Today start the day being thankful and make a list of things you are indeed blessed to have in your life. Another thing could be to list those experiences in life you were blessed to have. Stop comparing and give God glory for what He is doing and will do in your journey called life. 

PRAYER:I love you Lord and I thank you for being with me on my journey of life many times when I did not even acknowledge you. Today I am where I am  because of you. Help me be a part of someone else’s journey to wholeness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35

The verse for today speaks of a ghost but a special ghost not intended to frighten but called The Holy Ghost or The Holy Spirit. So I say on Halloween no ghosts welcome here except the Holy Ghost. You may think “oh my gosh Becky is one of those fanatics” and I say proudly “yes I am.” The Holy Ghost is part of the Trinity meaning Father(God), Son(Jesus) and Holy Ghost(Holy Spirit). 

Today is when the world celebrates Halloween and I celebrate my birthday, no joke it really is. Anyway as a child Halloween was fun and it still seems innocent to many people to frighten them with ghosts, Witches, wolves, demonic things in front yard. No harm in getting candy and enjoying a fun day but beware of the evil side as well that takes this day to celebrate the ‘underworld’ which is real. 

Go and enjoy life and if you don’t have a church home make sure you pick one that speaks of the Holy Spirit because as a child of God you have the Holy Spirit and can utilize that power. In this world there is good and evil. Evil is Satan’s kingdom so please don’t make a joke of it my friend. Fight against the evil in the world instead of embracing it. 

PRAYER:The kingdom of light is here and I love to praise your name. On this day where evil and fear is innocently celebrated may there be opportunities for your kingdom to shine to a broken world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Demonic Traps?

 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV Bible Gateway

 Jealous, offended, prideful, angry, bitter,  disrespectful including not respecting your spouse, fudging the truth and much more are actually traps of the enemy that take you away from living a spirit filled life. 

You may not think of those things as demonic but having any of those active in your life means you are not drawing close to the Lord and therefore opening a door to the enemy Satan. 

Many people may be in denominations that don’t encourage using your Bible and getting into it daily. You have to my friend because in the word are scriptures to defeat the lies of the enemy. Don’t become a lethargic religious person who thinks you are perfectly okay the way you are. Fact is you have to strengthen yourself by knowing and reading scripture. Today start with the small book of Galatians found in the New Testament and just ponder what it says. Now go have a good day. 

PRAYER: Lord help me strengthen not just my muscles at the gym but strengthen my spirit by not neglecting my time with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.   

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