Will It Take A Great Fish To Get Your Attention

 

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.John 6:44

Probably even non ‘churched’ people are familiar with the story of Jonah and the whale found in the Old Testament book of Jonah. If not read it for yourself starting in Jonah chapter 1. 

Mankind can play God and commit all manner of sin acting foolishly like there is no tomorrow but alas God will have the final say in the end. Satan is the prince of darkness and rules much of mankind who have rejected the Bible and rejected God. But God is way bigger and ultimately God rules and reigns. 

You may be praying for a family member who has turned their back on God. Hopefully it won’t take a giant fish experience to wake them up. It is heart breaking to see someone you love think they know better than God and to walk away from Him. Just keep praying. Pray for protection as they wander in the secular cultural wilderness that God will get their attention and Holy Spirit will draw them back. 

PRAYER:Father the world we live in has turned its’ back in many ways on believers. Guard my heart to stand strong and not quit fighting for those who are far from you and seemingly don’t care. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Keep Me Still Lord

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. Psalm  62:5-6

What breakthrough are you waiting for in your life or the life of a loved one? Sometimes do you feel you can stand it no more and jump ahead of God?

I personally find that journaling my feelings helps so I won’t make a fool of myself picking up the phone or texting and messing up what God has under control. His ways are not our ways. 

Also during this waiting room period you have to exercise the discipline of self control when it comes your mind and what you conjure up in your mind most of which is fake and not going to occur. Satan loves toying with you when you are in the ‘waiting room’ trying to be still. Now go and rest in Christ and trust He is working. Never stop praying. 

PRAYER: Father help me be still. I give my anxious wandering mind to you. I know you are working. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Letting Offenses Go

It (love) by does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.1 Corinthians 13:5

Maybe you have been wronged someway. Called hurtful titles that are not true. Had rumors spread about you or been gossiped about. It has happened to me and it is very emotionally painful. You can choose to dwell on it or let it go.

Seeking revenge or becoming bitter is the way Satan hopes you react. You have to press on. Stop thinking about it over and over and ask God’s help with that area.

Proverbs 19:11 says Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Are you sensible? Ask God to help you maintain calm and not try to be ugly. Only the enemy wants you hurt and trying to get back at who hurt you.

PRAYER: Lord help me be still no matter what. Help me not be daydreaming of hurts in the past or conjuring up scenarios in my mind. You love me that is all that matters. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Revenge Does No Good

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.1 Peter 3:9

I love watching cowboy movies on the GRIT channel and am always thankful I was born when I was and not at the start of the frontier. Seems to be common to have saloon brawls and if it stops before someone dies, the losing folks seek revenge. What good does getting back at another prove? 

In our modern times seems like getting back at someone is in the form of lawsuits.

Or revenge could be a cold shoulder, shutting someone out of your life, or calling you hurtful names. Worse yet would be divorce as it is the revenge that tears families apart.  If only there was true forgiveness. What good does fighting and proving your point do but to cause division on a massive scale? 

If you have been through any of this God offers grace and mercy. Be kind. Don’t hate. Pray for your enemies. It takes two to tango so the saying goes but ask God to strengthen you and give you peace in your heart and take away bitterness and hate. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I seek to be in the center of your will. I pray for any one who has been hurt by revenge to forgive. Guide me to show love and kindness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Is Bigger Than An Unhinged Narrative

 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.Ephesians 4:29

Not all news media are corrupt but back in the day in the 60’s the news media reported the news without giving their biased slanted  opinion. Hardly the case today with media mostly leaning against truth and conservatives. This is not a political post so don’t delete me yet please. 

Similarly not everyone is your friend and many will try to hurt you with rumors or gossip. It is the truth that sets us free, period. Don’t be an expert fact checker using Facebook as your source and just because something is printed does not make it truth so be sure to keep that in mind. Don’t feel like you have to pass everything on. 

Pray for those who have hurt you. Carrying a grudge is like loading a 50 pound bag of stones on your back. Be kind to all people. Pray for those you don’t see eye to eye with. Be kind, did I say that? Now go and be a delight to those around you. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for media but sometimes I get frustrated with the clamor, chatter, need to know and just yearn for rest and Heaven. Guard my heart to not be ugly to anyone. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When You Don’t Know What To Do

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."Proverbs 3:5-6

Some reading this would say ‘get a hobby’ but getting a hobby doesn’t solve all of life’s issues. Broken hearts still exist no matter how many hobbies you participate in. 

I guarantee you there are people around you that need prayer, a friend, a smile, a card, a phone call, a happy text. Whatever is on your mind today give it to God. This is a spiritual discipline you have heard me mention before. There is that word, discipline. Does that remind you of the military? 

Nevertheless as trite as it sounds God does loves you. He loves hearing from you daily. He wants you to know He is here to set free, redeem, restore, and renew no matter what is going on or how impossible you think a situation is. Also He is patient not wishing anyone to perish.(See 2 Peter 3:9). 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you care for me even when I become speechless and don’t know how to pray. You know my heart and you are aware of my overwhelming hurts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Salty? Bright?

 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:14-16 NIV Bible Gateway

As a believer we are to be salt and light in this dark world. The darkness can’t hide from the light.

All the stuff you see going on in the news concerning sexual gender confusion is all a plot from Satan to destroy the human race as he started doing in The Garden of Eden. Sadly the culture feels compelled to buy into Satan’s lies making those of us standing for truth look like quacks.

Never stop standing for truth and sharing the truth. You are like a salt shaker making people thirsty for the truth.

PRAYER: Father I pray for revival in our schools, government, corporations and yes even churches. Help me be bold in sharing right from wrong and protect me as I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bubble Over

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

When you think of something bubbling over what comes to mind? I think of a pan on the stove or bubbles in a sink or bathtub. 

Bubbles are fun and bring delight to young children and toddlers. Blowing bubbles is a fun activity for all involved no grumpy people need apply. How could you not smile at bubbles wafting through the air? 

I love to smile at people and I feel a smile is sort of like a bubble fest in a way. You never know what is going on with those around you. Not everyone is giddy jumping for joy. Just try to bubble over with Jesus’ love as you go into each day. 

PRAYER: Another day is upon me and another day to try to shine for Jesus. I pray for those people who are hurting, alone, worn out, afraid and even people thinking of suicide that the power of the Almighty God will shine and bring them peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: if you are in a crisis and feel there is no way out dial 988 on your phone the suicide crisis hotline. 

Child Left To Their Own Way

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. Proverbs 29:15

Recently I observed a young mom letting her toddler walk down the middle aisle during a church service as if it were cute and no one minded. Quickly today’s Bible verse came to my mind. 

Seems today’s generation may be afraid of discipline of their young ones. Hey I am a wooden spoon survivor and so are my two adult sons, but many of our young parents I think are fearful of traditional spanking or a fanny swat for fear their child will be removed from their home by the FBI or something.

Boundaries are a good thing and if children don’t respect parental authority and boundaries now the road as an adult will be very difficult. God sets boundaries for we his children to obey and if not the consequences can be dire. Discipline and a little pain go a long way to molding a respectful moral adult. 

PRAYER: Father I pray for today’s families who are stuck in a quandary between the culture and anything goes versus what God’s word says. I pray for parents to have have courage to do what is necessary and right and something their children will thank them for later. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: Check out Dr James Dobson book 'Dare To Discipline' which is a key resource on raising a family. I can be purchased on Amazon. 

A Day Of Possibilities

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Philippians 4:8

It was one of those days. I had allowed Satan to get me in a funk big time. I was having trouble controlling my mind too and what usually snaps me out of it is going to exercise and having an iced latte. 

So as I got to the YMCA wearing my ‘Pray First’ shirt from my former awesome church,  Church of the Highlands.  I had four cool smiley encounters, make that five if I can count lady I said hi to in parking lot who smiled and said hi back. 

I chatted with three people waiting on equipment and one girl Olivia new from Portland, Oregon, on the rowing machine, trying to emulate ‘Boys in the Boat’ movie. Then I ran into a man with a Clemson shirt on who I spoke to and finally a girl from my church. Needless to say I kicked the devil in his fanny because I was now filled with joy and the junk I had allowed to weigh me down was gone. How are you doing today? Time to tell Satan you won’t let him toy with you? 

PRAYER: Help me break Satan’s chokehold on my thinking Lord. He me be still. Help me encounter people more and my cell phone less. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Buzz Words

With God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

I don’t know if men fall for advertising gimmicks as much as women but marketing executives are brilliant coming up with words and packaging to entice the new customer to charge, charge, charge and no real way to know if the product works. It is maddening. 

The Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost offer no tricks just the truth to those who want to die to self and learn from God’s word, The Bible. Every word is true. 

Our culture is dissing God and changing the Bible to make certain sins acceptable but don’t be fooled. God is God. Period. Nothing is impossible with Him. Trust Him to deliver you from darkness and evil and give you wisdom to recognize lies and tricks. 

PRAYER:Lord there are no gimmicks to being part of your kingdom and the enemy likes to trick many into turning their backs on you and believing lies. Open the eyes of people’s hearts to the truth of the gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Super Religious Or Just Follow God?

 

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.Galatians 5:18

Has anyone ever labeled you a religious zealot or  hyper religious? Usually those who do this don’t understand really what religion is to someone who really loves Jesus. Religion kills and Jesus sets free.

The people being critical of you can’t see your heart. They don’t know your joys and struggles. When I hear the word religion I think of the Sadducees and Pharisees in Jesus’ day. I don’t want any part of being compared to them.

Satan is the one who brings this division and any kind of divisiveness because he wants to destroy relationships, get people bickering at one another, and keep people from a dynamic ‘non religious’ church where they could actually grow in Christ and maybe then understand why the term religious is not a warm fuzzy term.

PRAYER: Many people don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus’ and call people they think are a bit wacky for Christ religious. I pray for anyone I know who feels this way that you will help them know Jesus as Lord and not as religion. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

That Accidental Text-Oops

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.Proverbs 21:23

Have you been the person who sent a text to the wrong person and maybe to the person you were talking about? It is embarrassing and teaches a life lesson as well. 

Aren’t you as a believer supposed to guard your tongue and not do such things as lie, gossip, spread untruths and so forth? This ‘telling’ nowadays most commonly could come from the keyboard of your cellular device. You may be in such a hurry to send something you didn’t fully check who it went too. Ouch when it backfires and you start shoveling yourself out of a hole. 

My sweet friend Kim back in Alabama always says to use the ‘24 hour rule’ when in doubt of any communication. Best to left things unsaid, not share everything or to give your opinion. Say what is necessary that is all. 

PRAYER: Father please help me not say everything that I feel like saying and to think first before quickly acting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Yourself

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.1 Peter 4:10

This has been a common theme I write about probably because I need to remind myself. God made you unique and special not a carbon copy of someone else. In the eyes of God you don’t need earthly cheers and awards to be special and important. 

There are some people truly gifted with skills and talents even though they may take instruction it comes natural such as musicians who rise to fame, athletes, artists, skilled craftsmen, and so forth. But don’t discredit yourself and know God can use you too. 

Always be humble and thankful. Don’t ever assume you are God’s gift to the world but let God exalt you. Show love to your fellow man. Keep running your race to win. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for all you have blessed me with and where you have me in life. Use me to bless another. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Did Jesus Win A Trophy?

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24

As I sat here on Super Bowl Sunday watching the game I pondered this blessed land of America we live in as compared to many other places in the world. Fame, wealth, favoritism, privilege were all on display in Las Vegas. 

Trophies, medals, rings, all seem to be of utmost importance in this land of opportunity. Symbols of arriving or making it. Jesus didn’t need a trophy or medallions hanging from his neck. He was a humble servant here to serve. 

I think for a celebrity Christ follower it would be difficult to stay centered and focused. A constant battle with temptations of the flesh but not impossible. The opportunity to do good with wealth instead of storing up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy. (Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;Matthew 6:19-20). Do you best and when you get honors give the glory to God. 

PRAYER: All of mankind is your creation and you can use us if only we are humble and allow you to. Guard my heart so I don’t succumb to trying to be ‘hot stuff’. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Is Love?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.1 Corinthians  13:4-7

Many people use Valentines Day to celebrate romantic love between a man and a woman such as proposing on this day, getting married on this day but one thing my younger son used to say when he was  single is you don’t ask a girl out on Valentines Day or they get the wrong idea. 

So is this a Hallmark holiday? Yes. Play along make florists, candy sellers, and restaurants profitable on this day. But stop and think about what love really is. Romantic love for singles doesn’t mean you run hook up with someone and have sexual relations. God’s gift of sex is being destroyed and those who use it wrongly pay a huge penalty emotionally. 

Love is the definition found in the Bible verses I included for today. The culture tries to mess with the word ‘love’ and confuse people. Satan has tried to destroy the very Biblical foundation of love. Do nice things, put others above yourself, show respect. That is love. 

PRAYER: No one likes to be alone so throughout time men and women get together and form a union as man and wife. Love in this Biblical sense is true love. Putting the other first, sharing, giving. Help me as I seek to show friends and strangers Christian love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Dwelling There

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Philippians 4:8

Do you find yourself camping out with wrong thoughts, imaginations, speculations and things that cause you to become fearful or stressed? 

What makes these negative unhealthy thoughts come to mind anyway? The enemy knows how to poke your weak spots and get you dwelling on things you have no business thinking on. You concern yourself with scenarios that will more than likely never occur. 

Many times continually having your focus on social media and others lives may contribute to these wrong thoughts and feelings. That is why it is best to mind your own business, which I have to remind myself too. For what it is worth, the unnecessary worry does nothing to improve your life. Try giving it over to God instead. 

PRAYER: Lord I know you are king above all kings and in control and my senseless speculation dies nothing to improve my life or anyone else’s. Help me break this stronghold. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Holy, Holy,Holy🎼

But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct. 1 Peter 1:15

I love the old hymn ‘Holy,Holy,Holy’ and I love to sing it. What does it mean to be Holy? The definition is dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred: 

Several years ago I used to always flippantly say ‘Holy Cow’ Or ‘Holy Moley’ until a sweet prayer sister who was on a car journey with me to a retreat could take it no more and had the courage to say “Hey Becky only God is Holy” and from that day forward I try to not say it. 

It is a cutesy thing for some such as a business near me called ‘Holy Cow’. It isn’t necessarily taking the Lord’s name in vain like when you use ‘God’ in a disrespectful way. But maybe this writing will bring conviction on you as well.  I will save that for another devotion. Not meaning to be legalistic but to make you think. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord help me be Holy as you are Holy and to grasp what that really means. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Offload Your Burdens To God

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 ESV Bible gateway

What is weighing on your heart? Do you want to be able to live in peace?

There are minor issues and really big ones but to the person going through whatever they are all huge. Unexpected death, scary medical diagnosis, broken family relationships no matter what God is in the middle and here to help you gain composure and come out peaceful on the other end.

Life has ups and downs and the junk you go through may be used to bring you closer to Him or help you grow in your walk with Him. Keep praying. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in peace, breathe out fear.

PRAYERS: I need you Lord and am thankful no matter what is going on in my life you have not forgotten me. Give me strength to keep smiling. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Fearful?

 

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

What frightens you? Economic collapse? Communist takeover? Losing your health?

Basically your mind has to practice focusing on good things so my first suggestion is stop looking at Twitter, the nightly news, or even good news feeds that might stoke the tiny ember inside you into a roaring flame.

Do you believe God is in control? His ways are not our ways and sometimes He allows bad stuff in order to accomplish his purposes in us and in this world. Just hang on and tune into happy thinking.

PRAYER: Father I thank you for watching over me and my family. I thank you that you are in control. Help me smile more and stress less. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/yPB9ENSd1Xc?si=sN2NRGRWxilx3dTu

When You Are Spoken To Unkindly By Someone Close To You-What To Do/

 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.Ephesians 4:31-32

Many people may lash out when under stress for something else but if a person close to you ridicules you or pokes fun at you that is uncool. The saying goes hurting people hurt people so what if you are on the receiving end of being beat up with words and worse yet the other person sees nothing they said as wrong. 

Birth order has much to do about how you react to things. Also if a person was abused as a child or hurt with words they may be programmed to not realize they are wrong. Your job is to not sling words and accusations back but to remain calm and non combative. Only through the love of Jesus will this behavior be squelched. 

PRAYER: Father I give you my day and all people I will encounter today. Help me be kind and loving even when strangers or people I know are rude to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Respect The Water Boy

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?James 2:5 KJV

Every person deserves respect no matter what their station in life, personality, appearance, deformities, economic or social status. Kind of reminds me of what the menial job in football season that of the water boy but his job is vitality important to insure the team is hydrated.

Do you find yourself judging people wrongly and you don’t even know them? I am ashamed to say that I have done it and am not proud of it. Crazy thoughts can enter your mind and you have to take captive every thought like it says in 2 Corinthians 10:5.

If you struggle in this area it could have been modeled in your past but that is no excuse. If you claim to be a child of God you must try to emulate Christ and that means treating all people fairly. Now go and think of all the people that may not have fame or social status but God loves them just the same and so should you.

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I prejudge someone or look down on them. I don’t want to do that. Help my behavior be like yours so that others can see you in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Didn't Keep Your January Goals? Don't Beat Yourself Up

 

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! Psalm 31:24

When a new year rolls around seemingly you may have lofty goals about losing weight, going to the gym, being a better neighbor, joining a Bible study, or journaling and before you know it it is the first of February and you have stalled out. Don’t beat yourself up and just keep pressing forward.

Life is not a race and a big no no is comparing yourself to another. God has made each of his creations unique and with a specific purpose. Maybe you know yours and maybe you are yet to figure it out. Keep getting up, breathing, trying to be a good citizen and helping those around you who seem down and out. Life isn’t just about you but it involves many facets around you.

May I challenge you to not quit. Download the YouVersion Bible app for starters. So much good stuff on it. Set up a date with a friend for coffee or lunch. Wake up daily and don’t dash to turn on the TV or dive into Facebook but be still and read Psalm 1, then Psalm 2, and so forth. Talk to God he is waiting to hear from you.

PRAYER: Today is another day you have made I will rejoice and be glad in it. I will stop trying to be like others and be who you made me to be. Use me Lord to cheer up others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stop The Chattering-Tune In To God

The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin.Proverbs 10:8-10

Do you chatter on the phone, on social media, in person and in chattering often don’t really know if what you are passing on is even factual? This is a big time to start the rumor mill running and a statement catching fire and taken out of context and not a good thing to do. 

Everyone has probably been guilty of talking too much and passing on stuff that sounds true but you don’t really know if it is true. Probably best to leave the ‘fact’ unspoken, and perhaps talk to the savior first for guidance. 

The times today are filled with wrong information everywhere. The internet says so and so is dead and in fact they are very much alive so therein starts the rumor mill. Ask God to give you discretion and also give you love for others so you don’t talk about them and try to not be guilty of setting a forest ablaze with your words. 

PRAYER: Lord help me be kind with my words and think before I spread misinformation. Help those responsible for giving news be truthful and not out to destroy someone. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Satan Lies In Wait

“For from within, out of man's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23)

The world we live in is run by Satan changing the culture to get sin normalized. Unless a person, like moms and dads for instance, have a relationship with the Lord they will fall for the utter nonsense on parade and celebrated today and pushed on children in school libraries and many public schools. People like me who write devotions are considered quacks or religious extremists. 

There have been churches who caved to the culture and edit the Bible in order to not offend anyone. We are at war my friends. Lovingly make corrections when you have an opportunity, speak up at school board meetings when the words ‘gender affirmation’ come up. 

Satan has been at work deceiving people since the garden of Eden and he messes with marriage and gender then society crumbles and we are on track for another Sodom and Gomorrah. Be on your knees. Don’t get to the point you are not bothered by the indoctrination of children and God fearing Christians who love this country being called ‘Christian nationalists’. The media loves to slap negative titles on groups they wish would go away. Keep praying. Be kind. Pray for those who are blinded. Stay calm. 

PRAYER: Today let me hear your voice Lord. Open the eyes and ears of any I know who can’t see what is happening. Help me be on guard so I am not deceived. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note- Moms out there who want to pray for the schools, the teachers and the children check out Www.momsinprayer.org of which is worldwide ministry in over 160 countries. #Momsinprayer

Help Is On The Way

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:13

I am not sure what you may be facing today and maybe everyday. Physical challenge, mental challenge, wayward children, sickness, but God hears you and has not forgotten you even though you wonder when the tables will turn. Why me Lord? 

Recently I became very discouraged over something I have been trusting God for for many years. I realized two factors where Satan was at work in my mind trying to taunt me and that was completion of 21 Days of Prayer and also a wonderful Moms in Prayer city gathering. The enemy hates when you pray and he hates when you stay peaceful in the storms of life. 

Whatever is going on know that God has a plan and He is growing you just as much as the person or situation you are praying for. You need to be still, keep praying, don’t try to work things out on your own, and yes did I say pray? 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for all you have given me in my life. Even when situations seem dire and unchangeable I know you are there. Help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Friends - Make You Or Break You

“Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" 1 Corinthians 15:33

You are only as good as the friends you choose to hang out with. If you are a parent of a child still at home continually pray for them to make wise choice of friends.

As the verse says “bad company corrupts morals” it is so very true. To be on the path God wants you to be on you need to be wise in selecting companions. This could apply in adulthood too as it says in Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

If you are praying right now for an adult child who may have left his friends at the door of the church so to speak and has picked up with a crowd who affirms his choices keep praying. Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers and many people who claim to love the Lord don’t love His word if they are giving the okay to some sorts of behavior. Pray for those you know who need drawn back by the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER:I am thankful for prayers of people in my life for me and help me never doubt or stop praying for those being fooled by Satan to believe lies. In these last days many are fooled. I pray for protection of those in my family to stay on track with the Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lonely?

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 

Everyone needs friends. There is a saying if you want to have friends show yourself friendly. In my life as a former military member and military spouse we have moved many times. Each time comes with the task of making new friends. I know the feeling of being alone and don’t like anyone to feel it. 

If you are in a neighborhood keep an eye out for those who look new and show a gesture of kindness. If you are new get involved by finding a church home. Not all churches will be friendly I visited one several years ago in Iowa and their church sign said ‘The Friendly Church’ but the only time we were spoken to was when pastor said to greet person next to you. That was it! 

Sometimes being alone is okay because solitude is good for the soul especially when communing with God. Pray for God to show you someone to befriend. I did this prior to a Women’s conference years ago in Mesa, Arizona and made a lifelong encouraging friend Elaine. Ask God to use you to brighten another’s day. 

PRAYER: Lord God use me to help someone in a pit to be lifted up and restored. Guard my heart from self pity as that is a tool of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

How Are You Doing Today?

 

Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.2 Corinthians 1:4

Depending on what is going on in your life is how you answer this question. I know people struggling with a gravely ill adult child, a few with cancer, some making decisions on moving to a new state, some believing for deliverance from an addiction, and so forth. I don’t have on my list any third world problems such as hunger, homelessness, violence, war, and unclean water. 

The way to navigate through any problem either here or on another country, is to trust in the Lord, pray, stay positive and never lose hope. If you aren’t on this list you can stay positive for these people by not letting negative speech concerning them come from your mouth. 

God can and will use every situation that comes into your life. Trying to refocus any fears to something positive. Satan hopes you will forget to talk to God. Make time to get alone and just chat with God. He can set your feet to dancing again. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for good times and bad for in all things you have a plan and purpose. I will trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.