Behold!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.Revelation 3:20 ESV

Do you know God loves you no matter what you have done or how you have ignored him through the years? Religion kills love so don’t be religious but be a follower of God yearning for His presence. 

Have you answered the knocking of God at your hearts’ door pursuing you to spend time with Him? Somehow you may be thinking you will live forever but one day you will breathe your last breath. It will happen and can come suddenly when you least expect it. 

Are you ready to gaze into the face of Jesus? 

PRAYER: Father I look forward to my heavenly kingdom. Help me share the truth with those who don’t know you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wish, Hope, Pray, Believe, Trust, Thank God

 

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.Jeremiah 17:7

Do you ever find yourself wishing for something in your life  instead of being thankful for what you already have?

God bestows blessings on you and you may not even realize it.  Every day the ability to breathe, to get out of bed, to live in a comfortable home, to have friends that care for you and so forth. 

It is easy to look at others and think their life is so wonderful and ideal when in fact you don’t know. Stop wishing and instead believe in transforming power of God in your life to set you free from a dissatisfied spirit. 

PRAYER: Lord your blessings are new every morning. Forgive me when I have not said thanks for just another day of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Not Defeated

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 KJV Bible Gateway

Another brilliant devotion title found on a car tag in Oklahoma recently. NTDFTD translated to today’s title. Do you ever feel defeated, hopeless, wiped out? If you are honest the answer is probably yes. 

Good news is you don’t have to feel that way because Jesus Christ died for you and He wants you to live a victorious life. Not a life of just eeking by but one truly where you know you are on this Earth for a distinct purpose. 

Today wake up refreshed. You may be going through things but the key word there is ‘through’ meaning there is another side. Stand strong. Stay hopeful. Press in. Trust God. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you and your mercies never fail they are new every morning. Guard my heart from lies of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

Are You Hungry?

 



Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

When you are hungry you mostly think of physical food and in the Western world most people have a sufficient amount to the point of overeating. But another more important hunger is spiritual hunger. 

Do you consider yourself spiritually hungry or spiritually starving? Many church goers may just punch a Sunday ticket and that is all the spiritual growth they care to receive. My friend I hope that is not the case with you. 

It is good to attend worship but there is way more to growing in Christ. To grow you need food and your food for spiritual growth is the Bible. Use it daily. 

PRAYER: Help me each day to feed more than my physical body. In Jesus’ name. Amen. .

Double Yellow, Beware

Envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.Galatians 5:21

As I was driving a a curvy road one morning I noted a guy on my bumper who seemed a tad impatient and as soon as he could zipped around me even though it was clearly a no passing zone marked prominently with double yellow lines on the highway. 

Do you ever find yourself passing in the no passing zones of life because you simply don’t want to believe God has heard you and want to speed things up a bit? God gives us guidelines for our own good. 

Even if you have broken the rules there is still hope for redemption of you will call out to Him in prayer. Just do it today. 

PRAYER: Father there are times when I have not been totally righteous and have sinned against you. I thank you for guiding me and setting me free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Not Author Of Confusion

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

1 Corinthians  14:33

Do you ever get yourself into a tizzy and make decisions harder than they need to be? You get so confused in all your trying to decide and consequently others can get involved too and are upset with your wishy washy attitude. 

Recently I thought I had made up my mind about going somewhere then other factors popped up into the mix and I started trying to figure out what to do. After all the craziness and involving others I went back to my original plan before I had messed things up said my apologies and prayed for peace. 

Satan was probably loving it. Think things through. Pros and cons and then from there ask yourself how your changes affect others and if it is a good idea. Be sure to pray. That was my first mistake was jumping the gun without prayer. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for your love and understanding and patience when I go off on tangents without a real plan. Help me stay peaceful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Just Be Nice

Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.1 Peter 3:16

Are there any people in your life that push your buttons so to speak? Maybe someone who has hurt you with words in the past. Could be friend or even family. 

This verse to me speaks tons referring to letting others see you smile, see you not getting bent out of shape, and handling problems in a Christlike manner. 

It takes lots less energy to be happy and kind than to be vindictive and spiteful. Learn to be kind, joyful, and if someone asks you what the secret is tell them. For instance today a man at coffee shop came up while 3 of us were doing a Moms in Prayer sheet and said “don’t cheat” and my response was pointing to my Bible and saying “It has all the answers”. Now go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: I thankyou for giving me your joy Lord to spread to others. Open doors to show your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ah Spring!

You send forth your Spirit, they are created; you renew the face of the ground.Psalm 104:30

Spring has sprung at least in many places in the United States. Always a time of new beginnings, beautiful flowers, gardens, festivals, wearing sandals, warmer weather. 

Spring is a time when you can really see God’s design for new life as flowers bud, grass gets green, baby birds tweet from the nest, and so forth. 

On sunny spring days sometimes it is easier to have ‘right thinking’ not cluttered by the culture around you. Focus on good things and keep your mind refreshed and renewed. Make it a point to daily read and study scripture. Don’t forget this is God’s beautiful creation and thank Him for it daily. 

PRAYER: It is so nice to wake up fresher and renewed each day. I pray for anyone not feeling refreshed to receive a powerful touch from the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Buckle Up Believers

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Do you realize we are at war between God and the devil, good and evil? There are scoffers that don’t believe in hell or a devil and think the rapture of the church is a thing of fairy tales. 

Many churches do not prepare their people to fight in a spiritual war. Each and every day the prince of darkness lies, deceives, confuses, manipulates and tricks many, some who once followed Christ into believing the lies of the culture. 

Brother and sister stay alert as the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy,  it says in 1 Peter 5:8. Are you praying for a loved one who may have been deceived and has gotten on the wrong path? Keep praying. God hears you. 

PRAYER: I choose to fill my mind with scripture and truth and to continue to press in and lift up loved ones led astray by the craftiness of Satan. I will stand strong. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pause, Look Up, Reflect

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.Psalm 119:105

Do you rush through life so much that you never take time to give yourself time to reflect on the goodness of God? I have been guilty of it. 

Endless wasted fruitless hours of TV viewing don’t really get you closer to the kingdom of heaven. There have been a few zombie TV sessions at my home and I am so happy when the ‘idiot box’ as some refer to it, is flicked off and another more important activity engaged in. 

Maybe it is time to dive head first into getting to know God better through His word. Pick it up and start reading the Psalms. You will find after you feed your spirit your flesh won’t desire so much coddling. Dig deeper. Memorize scripture. Don’t let your Bible gather dust. Reflect on just what the passages mean as you go along. Now go look up! 

PRAYER: Your truth Lord is so important. The world has a great need for a savior as people, some I know, wander like a lost sheep needing a shepherd. Bring the lost to know you Lord and those who wander home. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

She Walked With The Lord

 

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.Psalm 116:15 NIV Bible Gateway

A dear long time friend of mine went to be with Jesus in Heaven on 29 March 24 and her husband said as he said his goodbyes she “walked with the Lord” which I loved that word picture. 

Death is not a thing to dread for a Christian who knows 100% when they take their last breath the next thing will be seeing the glory of Heaven. Grief is real and sadness over our human loss can be profound. Death can be a real mystery. 

Isn’t death what the Christ follower is preparing for all along? It should be. Even my friend while still alive had asked for powerful prayers of healing and in my mind I am thinking here on this Earth, but God did heal her in her Heavenly dwelling place. Are you prepared to leave Earth? 

PRAYER:I know your love for me is higher and deeper than I could ever imagine. I look forward to when I am called home. In the meantime keep me grounded on helping others come closer to experience you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Been Wrong Thinking Lately?

 

Be careful what you think,because your thoughts run your life.Don’t use your mouth to tell lies;don’t ever say things that are not true.Keep your eyes focused on what is right,and look straight ahead to what is good.Proverbs 4:23-25 NCV Bible Gateway

Putting scenarios in your head that don’t even exist nor will exist is not a good idea. Trying to be a mind reader isn’t a good idea either.

Staying focused on what is ‘above’ and not dragging up things to fret about that you have no control over, is the habit to develop.

So you can choose peace or choose to have scattered mind. The choice is yours.

PRAYER: Each day is a new opportunity to stay focused on things that uplift not drag down and depress. Help me stay in the Word so I do this on a regular basis when the enemy starts throwing firey darts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2 #Biblegatewayblogger

Work Diligently

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. Colossians 3:23-24

What is your job or what do you see as your calling? If a homemaker you have the most unappreciated and hardest job in the world. A business executive. A maintenance worker. A ditch digger. A chair lift operator. Whatever it is work at it hard and don’t slack off.

When you work act like God is right there beside you cause he is and you are a representative of him if you claim to be a believer. You wouldn’t want to shame your boss now would you?

Everything you do should be as a representative of the kingdom of Heaven. You are not there yet but someday if a follower of Christ you will be.Enjoy your temporary duty station but work hard and press on each day for a higher calling.

PRAYER: Lord I choose to not slack off no matter if working in my home or in public. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Need To Reconnect With God?

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

How is your life? Have things been topsy turvy or have you felt sort of blah? Maybe issues in your life have created a sadness and a void. 

Good news is that God has not gone anywhere. When you mock his name, insult his followers, or pursue other interests than ones from the Lord He still loves you. 

If you feel an emptiness perhaps it is time to cry out to God and ask Him to come fill you with The Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER: Lord most high I praise you and thank you for who you are. Even when I don’t know how to pray you are there. Guide me to the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Is the Master Of The Universe

 

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1

One of the greatest displays of God’s handiwork in creation was the total eclipse on 8 April 2024 yet in all the ooing and ahing by news reporters did anyone hear anyone say anything about the glory of God? This isn’t science it is the Almighty God the creator of the Universe! 

There are those misguided souls who worship the universe but forget about the creator. How can people witness this incredible event yet not want to shout out ‘glory to God’! I heard one reporter say the forces in the universe. 

God’s creation is amazing but yet somehow the enemy wants people to worship the Earth like on Earth day or call it Mother Earth but call it what it is  and that is God’s creation, every bit of it! For the day of April 8 for a moment the evil in the world was on the back burner while broadcasts were made of the Eclipse. The next one is 20 years from now. Look up because when the Lord returns He will come in clouds of glory. You can’t deny His existence. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.Mark 13:26. 

PRAYER: Father I pray for those people who deny your existence or try to explain away the wonders you created. Touch their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Finding Joy When You Don't Want To

 

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.Psalm 126:5 NIV Bible Gateway

Okay so a few days ago my dear longtime Arizona friend Elaine lost her short battle to gall bladder and liver cancer after many were praying deep heartfelt prayers for a miracle. She didn’t want whamsy pamsy prayers as she put it but prayers of warriors. My heart breaks for her husband and sons she has a beautiful family and legacy. 

But does God want us to crawl into the fetal position and bemoan her passing mad He did not give that miracle healing? The answer is a resounding no absolutely not. She is healed in Heaven of course her loving spouse of nearly 50 years and her sons wanted her whole and living an active pain free life again. So did I. 

You have to move on from hurt, pain, and grief. It comes in stages but anger at God is not a stage. The Bible says “in all things give thanks” so does this mean for the untimely passing of a beloved friend? Yes I think it does. God knows the big picture and earth is only a temporary home for us and while here you are to serve and honor Him. It is never too late to get right with the Lord. 

PRAYER: When we all get to Heaven what a joy it will be. I know that Lord. I also know Satan tries hard to get grieving people down in the dumps. Lift the spirits of anyone grieving and give them happy remembrances. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Discouraged?

 

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11 NIV

Bible Gateway

Many things can discourage you or give you a case of the blues. It is part of life. 

Losing a family member or friend to death is one that comes to mind for me right now. It is a period of adjusting and grieving and focusing on the new normal whether thrilled with it or not. Discouragement also of losing a job or not being able to find a job can affect you. 

The main thing is to stay focused on the goodness of God. God is good even in our sad times. God is there and He just wants you to trust Him in the days ahead and not try to figure out the whys of life. 

PRAYER: Father emotions are part of life but I need your help to not let them control me and to focus on joy in hard times as well as not so hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hopes

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.[Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Bible Gateway

What do you hope for? It could be something large or small. A call from adult child. Healing for a life threatening disease. Maybe even the ability to be still while God works.

When hoping stay focused and positive. God’s ways are bigger than our ways and His plans above ours. For instance believing in faith for a medical miracle that never occurs doesn’t mean you prayed wrong. You may wrestle with this notion as I have after fervently praying and a person dies anyway. 

Regardless keep praying as you strengthen your spiritual muscles as you do. I know miracles do still exist and if one didn’t happen for your loved one don’t despair. Just trust him. 

PRAYER: I choose to stay hopeful no matter what. Give me the right response to those who have lost hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

End Of Your Rope?

I  consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:18

Have you just about given up on life? Maybe everything is going haywire and you don’t understand where God is. 

My friend don’t let go of God’s lifeline which is prayer. Things won’t always be bleak. Satan is the one coming to steal, kill, and destroy(See John 10:10) but beat him at his game and cry out “in the name of Jesus Satan you take your stinking hands off of so and so” and see what happens. 

God loves you. He wants to set you free from whatever it is you are dealing with. Suicide is not the answer. Drinking is not the answer. Divorce is not the answer. Joining a cult is not the answer. The answer is Jesus. He will make a way when there seems to be no way. 

PRAYER: Father I know there are hurting people who need you. Maybe their home life wasn’t the greatest but you can restore and redeem and set free. Direct anyone who needs you to drop to their knees and cry out. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Puncture Wounds

 

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6 KJV Bible Gateway

For the purpose of this devotion puncture wounds refers to wounds to your inner man, your spirit and heart from people who throw word ‘darts’ at you maybe not on purpose but they still hurt. Have you experienced that?

Punctures can occur from thorns, knives and so forth but a ‘forked’ uncaring tongue is the ultimate worse painful puncture although not drawing blood it hurts your soul. 

Have you been the victim of a puncture from a thoughtless person maybe not walking in the Spirit. You don’t want to strike back but be calm and forgive. Some punctures may take therapy to truly get healed. Don’t be responsible for hurting another with careless words. 

PRAYER: Words when spoken in a mean spirit can ruin a life. Help me Lord to watch out for wounded people who may need special care. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh Wait Lord You Can’t Call Me Home Today I Want To Go To New Store Grand Opening

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Matthew 24:37 NIV Bible Gateway

What a ridiculous statement if you were to make it knowing you really wanted to enjoy an earthly pleasure and put off a heavenly welcoming party. You don’t know from one day to the next if it will be your last day. People in dire situations might have more of a general idea but really only God knows. 

I thought of this because today 6 April in my area a brand new sports superstore has its’ grand opening and people may plan to be there at O dark thirty when it opens for prizes but what if you are called to Heaven today? Wow nice that would be the ultimate grand opening! 

You may make your earthly plans but God ultimately calls the shots. Don’t be so in love with this world you dread leaving. This world is not your home and be thankful for that because when you die if Jesus is Lord of your life  you leave behind all the pain and suffering. Rejoice! 

PRAYER: I love the life I have on earth but I know this world is not my home. Help those people in my circle of acquaintances realize there is way more than parties, trips to Vegas, going on vacation and so forth. I rejoice because you have a place prepared for believers in Heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ultimate Healing

 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV).

This verse rings true so much. Right now one of my dearest friends lost her battle to cancer even though we prayed hard and knew God could heal her. Why didn’t He? 

Basically my friend is way better off than we are as she is walking and leaping and praising God. Why is it we yearn to stay here just one more day, week, or year when ultimately Heaven is our reward and a mansion awaits us when our last breath is breathed? 

So many things take us by surprise and some are harder to understand than others but ultimately God’s plan will prevail. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for each and every day of life and each opportunity to share your hope and love with others. Help me not fear the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dedicated in loving memory to Elaine Manning 1955-2024. 

Stay Out Of The Ditch

 

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.Psalm 40:2 KJV Bible Gateway

I have a sign on my refrigerator that looks like a traffic light with red for stop, yellow caution and green to proceed with caution. It is a helpful reminder in conversations or texting to use wisdom and prayer before moving on. It helps keep me out of the emotional ditch so to speak.

Whatever is going on in your life only Satan wants you in a ditch. God wants you to thrive and grow and develop spiritual muscle through your trials.

Don’t allow the enemy to trick you and push you into a ditch. You are better than that. Whatever you are believing God for keep at it my friend. Keep your thoughts on God not troubles.

PRAYER: I want to be strong and grow through trials and setbacks. Help me run my race daily not looking back but reaching forward toward victory. In Jests’ name. Amen.

The Comparison Monster

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.Galatians 1:10

The world you live in full of social media creates a vacuum for comparison. Maybe not intended as bragging but all the posts of cruises, accomplishments and so forth can tend to make a person feel inadequate. 

Brother and sister you are far from inadequate. You were created by God for a distinct purpose on this earth. You are to be a beacon of hope in a world getting darker and darker. 

Get rid of junk in your life that creates discontent and run a race towards Jesus being thankful and grateful for everything in your life. Give it a try. 

PRAYER:Help me today to stop and say thanks for the gift of life, friends, family, and to not fall into the trap of feeling I need more. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Reap What You Sow

 

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.Galatians 6:7

Reaping and sowing is a farming concept but also a spiritual one. You plant a certain kind of seed and it produces a certain crop. 

Sow peace, reap contentment. Sow joy, reap joy. Sow hate, reap anger. You get the point. 

The man or woman who sows to the flesh will reap a harvest of misery. Fleshly things go against the spirit of God. Satan is working hard to confuse people making them feel debauchery and perversion are okay whereas God loves all people but he wants them to run from those things that war against their souls. Where are you today my friend. Talk to God. He loves you no matter what you have done. 

PRAYER: Today is a good day to sow a harvest of peace and contentment. When the enemy tries to get me up in arms I refuse to get fretful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Go Fly A Kite

 

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.Romans 1:20

I heard somewhere about a tradition of flying a kite on the day after Easter Sunday. A symbol of Resurrection and New Life Christian ascending to Heaven. 

I like it and am hoping to give it a try weather permitting. Showing children God is now in the heavenlies. But also He is within reach of your every hurt, pain, grief, rejection, sickness and when you can’t figure things out give it to God and let it go! 

Today open your heart to the Lord. Don’t try to fix things yourself. You may be going through some pretty deep things and you hurt very badly. I know I have been there and so has God. Talk to Him and trust He is taking care of whatever it is. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for helping me to stop trying to be all things to all people and trying to fix things beyond my ability. Keep me in the shadow of your wings. I need your covering. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hallelujah Christ Arose!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.1 Peter 1:3

This is probably the second most important time in history the  first being Christ born to a virgin then his resurrection after being dead three days. 

An old hymn lyrics say ‘Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph over his foes, he arose a victor from the dark domain and he lives forever with His saints to reign.’ There is no fear in death. There is sadness which is understandable but for a believer nothing to be scared of. Death is part of life, you are born you die. 

Satan doesn’t want people to go to Heaven, he wants them to have false security that they are ok if raised in a churches home or go once a week. My friend Jesus wishes none to perish but ALL to have eternal life. Are you ready? 

PRAYER: I pray for anyone who is agnostic, atheist, has been  lied to by Satan or tricked by man. I pray anyone I know who truly isn’t right with the Lord makes that a priority. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Holy Saturday-The Waiting Begins

 

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.Luke 23:55

There is much said about Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter but what went on all day Saturday at the Crucifixion site? No eyewitnesses alive to tell us so documents and Holy Scripture recall this day. 

For the Jewish the Sabbath was Saturday so they were to rest. The women were going to go to the tomb Sunday to anoint his body with spices and oil but He had risen just as He said. 

Perhaps today is a time to reflect. Watch Passion of the Christ again. Make Easter Sunday special. Don’t stress with cooking and so forth but try to take time to ponder what this weekend is about. 

PRAYER: Lord I ask you help me stay humble and grounded and grateful for all you have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Can Only Imagine

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; John 11:25 NIV Bible Gateway

I love the song by Mercy Me entitled ‘I Can Only Imagine’ and the movie of same title starring Dennis Quaid. Today marks the agonizing day of Jesus being forced to carry his cross to the hill where he would be crucified. What is ‘good’ about that?

Jesus was to become the final and complete sacrifice for the sins of the world and those who mocked him at the cross would be amazed with His resurrection 3 days later the day known as Easter.

Even though mistreated, whipped, beaten, spat upon, mocked, and insulted the scripture says “He opened not his mouth.”

As a matter of fact He said at the cross “forgive them for they know not what they do”. Could you do this?

PRAYER: Father God you have done so much for us and I am certain your heart breaks when your children mock you even today. Open the eyes of spiritually blinded people to find a place for you in their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Do You Need To Reconnect With God?

 

And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.Mark 14:22-24

Easter week day 4 was when Jesus had the last supper and celebrated communion and washing of feet with His disciples. This would be the last day of any kind of joy. He knew what awaited him. 

You and I often don’t know what awaits us but you do know that Jesus’ died a horrible death beyond imagination all for us. He paid once and for all for all of our sins past, present, and future. 

It breaks His heart I am sure when those who once knew Him and followed Him get caught up in believing the lies of the modern culture instead of the truth in God’s word. If you have a family member straddling the fence keep praying and believe the Holy Spirit is at work. Don’t cave in to worry. Pray for eyes to be open, ears unstopped and His voice clearly heard. 

PRAYER: Help people realize Easter is not about baby chicks, egg hunts, bunnies, and pretty clothes. Lord forgive me when I fail to appreciate the magnitude of this most Holy day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Alone

 

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

“Not tapping out tapping back in” was what one contestant said on Defy TV series entitled ‘Alone’. My husband and I are hooked on it. Ten people are placed in various wilderness situations and must live off the land and the one remaining wins big money.

Loneliness is not fun. If you can drive and have money for gas you can go somewhere where there are people. You can choose to go visit someone less fortunate than you.

On this show it may not be the fear of a wild boar, puma, or bear killing them or not being able to find edible leaves and plants or catch fish or find a mouse to eat, but the sheer loneliness of their situation. That is why one contestant said he was not tapping out but tapping back into the world. How about you? Do you have friends and family who love you? Be grateful. Jesus spent time alone and rejected but he opened not His mouth. Would you be able to do that?

PRAYER:Help me Lord not live to please myself. Show me someone who needs kindness and help me to be an instrument if that kindness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BGblogger;#BG2

If You Love Me, Keep My Commands

 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.John 15:10

With Resurrection Day fast approaching I was just pondering how you show Jesus you love Him. By loving Him and loving other people. 

For a list of the Ten Commandments go to Exodus Chapter 20:2-17. Read them. Let them enter your soul. 

Walk with the Lord daily, talk to Him in prayer and pray for those who don’t care to live for Jesus and create their own version of the bible. Jesus loves you even if you don’t give Him the time of day. 

PRAYER: I choose this day and every day to love you by loving others. Loving others doesn’t mean I agree with sin but that I love without judgment and will allow Holy Spirit to do the convicting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail-NOT!

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Matthew 28:5-6

One week til Resurrection Sunday the day Jesus Christ after suffering a horrible flogging and crucifixion was risen from the dead just as He said. This is not bunny day, daffodil day, spiral ham day but a day to rejoice that our savior came back to life and is alive today!

Even non believers know there is something significant about this most Holy day. The traditions like wearing new clothes and an ‘Easter bonnet’ are all fine and good but I am not sure how a bloody death on a cross is commerorated with all the frills. 

Tell children about Jesus. There are ways to make it appropriate depending on age level. I have a display on my mantle of an open tomb with an angel and a cross. Pray that those you know far away from God will fall on their knees in repentance on this day reflecting all Jesus did to forgive our sins. 

PRAYER: Father I love you and thank you for this Easter week and all it means. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Are Your Eyes Fixed On?

 

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:2

Are you judging  others? Perhaps the world’s  problem's have you stressed. Or maybe you are concerned what the future of your children or grandchildren will be since the culture is permitting so much contrary to God’s word. 

I admit it is hard to not get concerned but then why worry, what will it do? Nothing. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Don’t look at others pointing the finger at them but pray instead. 

Imagine yourself in a race and you see the finish line and you run harder and faster to try your best cross it before others. When you start looking at others you may trip. Keep focused on things above. Let Jesus’ fight your battles. 

PRAYER: Father I want to trust and believe and never doubt. I believe you hear my prayers and care deeply. Keep me still and trusting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No Connection

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.“ John 3:16

Don’t you just hate it when you are someplace or maybe just at home and you can get zero connection on the Internet. I often think we older citizens who grew up doing fine without it can be able to help life go on when this melt down happens.

Anyway connectivity is crucial to life. Not necessarily internet connectivity but staying connected as family, friends, church family, and neighborhoods. Stay connected with the latest updates from your Heavenly Father who you never lose connection with if you desire His presence daily 24-7 in your life.

There are those who turn their backs on God or once walked with Him but they got influenced by the lies of this culture and decided Jesus and God were not their ‘thing’ anymore. It is sad to me when small children don’t even get exposed to knowing anything about the glory of God and His wonderful creation. Friend Jesus will make room to connect with you all you have to do is ask.

PRAYER: I am glad I know Jesus loves me and gave his life so I could be free. I pray for anyone I know who needs to recommit their life to Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don't Let Hardships Or Setbacks Steal Your Praise

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

It may be hard for some of you to understand that many problems in your life are there to shape you more into a Christlike image. I know people who have turned their back on God blaming Him for everything that goes wrong.

Don’t dwell on bad stuff but ponder instead on the gracious and most merciful God who watches over you neither slumbering nor sleeping. Don’t fixate on the why’s but ask God how He can use what you are going through or been through for His glory.

I don’t know what you may be going through but I do know that you should keep praising Him in and through the storms swirling around you. Rejections, losses, death, bankruptcy, estrangement, and so forth are not bigger than our God.

PRAYER: Lord lead me to the cross in all I say and do. Forgive me for not saying thank you in all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/MgpaULjZOl8?si=gSLN8i6aPG5yzG1v

Mad About March- Say What?

 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23

The word ‘mad’ for purposes of this devotion means crazy not mentally crazy just wild about something. In the USA in March it refers to NCAA Men’s Basketball called March Madness.

If only people could go wild about Jesus and do it all the time. Probably if you are in the midst of a trial it is hard to be excited about anything and you probably fight against depression. It may be even hard to pray and just talk to Jesus.

You never know what a person may be feeling or dealing with so be kind. I have friends suffering from cancer, rejection, family trials, estrangement from loved ones, addictions, death of loved one, loss of employment and sometimes it pales in comparison to whatever inky dinky thing you or I may be enduring. Really friend just force yourself to reach out to God and stop Satan in his tracks. His plan is to destroy you and your family. Don’t let it happen.

PRAYER:Father help me to get up and say thanks every day thinking of the immenseness of your kindness and blessings. Guard my heart from depression or fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.