Just Be Still-Really?

 

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”Exodus 14:14

Many places in scripture we are reminded to be still because God is fighting our battles. When you or I try to help Him along it messes things up and takes away your peace. 

I don’t know what you are going through today but keep praying. Don’t give up and keep still. Don’t start trying to fix things yourself it will always backfire. 

Download the You Version Bible Ap and not only do you get a daily reading and time to pray but there are many wonderful devotions on there on various subjects. Let God fight your battles. 

PRAYER: Today Father I thank you for friends and family and my church home. Help me reach out to others and not always be centered on self no matter what is going on. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Come On In

 

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?Isaiah 58:7

If a friend were to just drop by would you freak out and not answer the door? I hope not. Hospitality and friendship should be open doors anytime. 

Don’t concern yourself with dirty dishes, unkempt home, laundry not put away. Before coffee shops were the norm friends got together at friend’s homes. International coffee was my go to beverage at my late friend Luanas home in Illinois. We ‘celebrated the moments of our lives’ while our toddlers played. 

My point is you are to be able to minister the gospel even by kindness and love.If you worry your place is not good enough you will never let someone drop by. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for my home, my back yard, the friends you have blessed me with. Help me be relaxed and do things that bless my day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Did You Do For My Kingdom?

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have wenot prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-23NKJV Bible Gateway

Are you drifting through life without real purpose? How about your spiritual life? Is God your friend or do you leave Him waiting on a bench somewhere waiting to talk to you? 

My opinion is some faiths don’t teach how to be close to God or don’t even encourage reading the Bible. You have to purpose in your heart to read daily if you expect to grow. 

Also God has a plan and purpose for your life and it breaks my heart to see people fritter away their time on earth as if this is all there is. Some who do this may even have once lived for Jesus but somehow the devil pulled them away with deceit and lies. Where are you my friend. This Earth has pleasures but God has way more waiting for those who have made Jesus Lord of their life. 

PRAYER: Lord I pray for those people who have gotten off track and knowing more about Jesus is not important. Wake them up to encounter you in a miraculous way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Live The Laid Back Life

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2

Recently I was walking on a greenway in a high end area of Boise where many condo’s are under construction facing the Boise River and a sign advertised ‘Live the Laid Back Life’ as if somehow forking over a million bucks for a river view was going to make you feel laid back and all your issues and problems in life would disappear.  

Temporarily human goodies make you feel some relief but if deep down you have something in life that needs to be dealt with moving to a luxury condo won’t make it magically disappear. Many drown problems in drugs, alcohol, internet and none of those will make your issues go away but will exasperate them. 

What are you struggling with today? Have you spoken to God yet? I suggest to begin your day on your knees if you can physically get on your knees and put the phone away and cry out to God. Let Him hear what burdens you and ask Him to give you strength to be still in the journey. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each and every day my heart yearns for you like after walking a dry and weary land. You alone can lead me beside still waters. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Overthink?

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Proverbs 12:1

Your mind can become a haven of fear and doubt if you have a personality trait of over thinking everything. It is easy to do if you don’t employ the spiritual fruit of self control. 

When your mind starts to get on a subject you have been trying to conquer I suggest going to get your Bible and start reading in the book of Psalms on the Old Testament. Just focus on the words and less on your drifting conjured up thoughts. 

If you have a real problem with overthinking that is interfering with your life you may need the help of a licensed Christian therapist. Pray and seek god first and foremost. 

PRAYER: Lord I so much want to have my thoughts centered on you not silly things I can’t control. Help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Remembering Those Who Sacrificed Their Life For America

Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Memorial Day is a solemn day that I feel businesses shouldn’t take advantage of by having sales like “buy a sofa honor your grandpa who died in the war” just doesn’t get it. This is the day to go to a military cemetery and honor those who died in service of our great nation. 

Many use the day to honor and respect all deceased but the true reason for this day is to pay tribute to our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who gave their all to keep Americans free and keep our homeland free from all enemies both foreign and yes even domestic. 

Freedom is truly not free. Keep that in mind. My prayer is schools will not lose sight of the valuable lessons and how we have freedom because of the brave men and women who answered the call to serve some at the expense of their own life. The flag still stands for freedom. If you have not been to Washington,  DC make travel plans to go there and visit the monuments to this nation. 

PRAYER: Lord today I say thanks for America. I say thanks for freedom. Help people here truly stop and think what it means. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: Click link for a great video on why we observe Memorial Day. It is not to buy a sofa, get a new car, or go to the lake.

A Brief History of Memorial Day Traditions | Memorial Day | Drive Thru History

https://youtu.be/NOwADSw36Zo?si=M04DqkYSBOb7fKLG

DON'T QUIT

 

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!1 Chronicles 16:11

Today after a very short 2 mile hike I was at coffee shop and ran into a group of road bikers who were 70+. Wow. Encouraged me. As long as God has blessed you with strength keep going. 

And in life in general don’t have a quitter attitude but charge on to greater heights no age limit. Now if you have physical limitations of course some things may have to be shelved but for the most part get out there, eat right, read your Bible, get rest, and try to stay positive. 

Whatever you have to do do it with gusto and a “I can do this” attitude not in a smarty pants way but in confidence giving glory to God. Now go seize the day. 

PRAYER:Help me Father to press on for what you gave me to do giving thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Kindness Leads To Repentance

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?Romans 2:4

Did you know each and every person is a sinner saved by grace. If you want a person to be restored and repent you don’t tell them what a scum bag they are and are going straight to hell but you are gentle and loving 

Remember the verse let he who is without sin cast the first stone referring to the woman caught in act of adultery.(John 8:7).  Why is it humans like to classify some sins as the worst ever?

Don’t get too high and mighty as each of us is capable of falling into Satan’s traps if not careful. Pray for those you know who are deceived. If an opportunity arises to forgive do so. Bitterness has deep roots hard to pull out so be kind. 

PRAYER: Lord thank you for your second chances, third chances and even fourth chances. Help me not be haughty. Keep me praying. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Tag Team

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

When you run a relay race you pass the baton on to the next racer who proceeds on the course. In prayer often hearts are heavy and maybe you just can’t handle the load so you get a tag team of sorts that can be trusted. 

In Moms in Prayer you have that tag team ready to support you and not judge you. All prayers are confidential. I have been a part of this ministry since starting a junior high group in 1996 for Poston Junior High in Mesa, Arizona and what a joy it is. 

Maybe you are a man who needs a tag team or you are not a mom and just need prayer. Many fine prayer networks exist to help you share your load as they pray over you. At the end of this devotion I will share some links. Do not let the enemy lie to you and torment you that “what will people think” because God loves you and wants you set free. 

PRAYER: Father give me eyes to see and ears to hear when someone is hurting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

*Www.momsinprayer.org

*1-800-365-3732 World Harvest prayer

* 1-855-771-HELP 6-8 weekdays

   Focus on the family

Reaping And Sowing

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.Galatians 5:6-7 NIV Bible Gateway

It is spring and many are planting gardens sowing seeds that hopefully will reap a harvest. After proper watering, fertilizing and some sunshine hopefully the reward is good. 

You can reap and sow in spiritual world too. If you sow hatred you reap ugliness in your life. If you sow love and respect you will get love and respect. If you sow generosity you likewise will be rewarded. 

Are you sowing good seeds?

PRAYER: Lord help my heart always be turned to love and generosity and not selfishness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Put On, Put Off

 

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.Romans 13:15

It takes discipline to lead the Christian life but it is a joyful life once you conquer the ‘flesh’ and wrong thinking. 

There are many verses in scripture about putting on the new self and imagine yourself dressing in your spiritual outfit. Take off the guilt, shame, anger, comparison, jealousy, and all the freshly things that rob you of joy. For some it might be putting away sensual desires, pornography, lies of Satan and other earthly pleasures that lead you away from Christ. 

Today take stock of your life. What do you need to gravitate towards and add to your spiritual wardrobe and what do you need to put off and throw out? 

PRAYER: Father I know Satan likes to torment those wanting to stay on the right path of life. Give me strength to break any strongholds and keep focused on above. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Put On, Put Off 

Double Minded?

 

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.James 1:8

Trying to decide what movie to go to can be difficult when no faith based movies are currently playing in the theater. Sure you have an excellent selection of R rated movies, and even movies where they don’t seem bad but in reality may have subliminal messages even for children. Better to stay home and play a game. 

As a child of God it is necessary to value what God values and put to rest those things that can harm your soul. Not going to go self righteous on you but discernment is necessary because some movies are not just entertainment. 

Psalm 101:3 says “I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.” Each individual has to come to their own conclusion. I guess maybe ask yourself if Jesus would enjoy what you plan to view. And the Holy Spirit should bring conviction. 

PRAYER: Father God help me to think about what I put before my eyes and around others to not act haughty but humble. Each person has to decide for themselves. Help me protect my eye and ear gates to my soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be At Peace

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭18‬ ‭

Is there an area in your life you need peace or a person you need to restore peace with?

Satan is the great agitator, divider, liar, schemer  and does all he can to keep relationships in turmoil. You have prayed and asked God to work so let Him.

While you wait keep giving thanks for the answers that are coming.

PRAYER: I seek your face and I seek peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What To Do When You Don’t Feel Joy

 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Sometimes you can get worn down by things in life and let your mind start rambling all over the place. Gotta keep busy don’t let those brain cells accumulate lies and garbage. 

What weak point do you struggle with? Waiting? Listening? Being still? Trusting

 God? Not believing lies? 

Stop and just take a breath. Tell God you need Him and that you need peace and want to avoid conflict. If you are allowing wrong thoughts in your head start reading some Psalms. Continue to believe God is working and in control. 

PRAYER: Lord help me when I get stuck in a rut and feel trapped. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Follow After Jesus

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have you denied yourself lately? What do I mean well have you put other people or other things in front of your own selfish pleasures and desires? In ‘first world’ America even the poorest have it pretty good compared to the rest of the world. Have you shared your earthly goods with others who need them or just heaped up more ‘toys’ that gather dust? 

Can you imagine carrying Jesus’ cross for Him literally like giving Him a break and putting it over your shoulder for a while? As heavy as that cross would be it is light compared to what Jesus carried for us. 

What crosses do you need to carry? Choosing kindness over anger. Choose love over hate. Choose forgiveness over bitterness. You get the idea. Jesus paid it all though. Ponder that. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord daily not just punch my morning devotion ticket like a get out of jail free card but help my life be transformed daily by the power found in the Holy Scriptures. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Remain

Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. John 15:4

Can you remain in the vine? Can you be still? Can you keep praising God when things don’t seem to be going the way you thought? 

Keep worshipping in the storms of life. Don’t try to manipulate and rush things along. Spend time in the Lord’s presence. 

Let God grow the fruit that you need in your life. Let your roots go down deep in Him. You may live in this world but you are to be different apart and not cave to ways of this world. Lean into God my friend. 

PRAYER: Father I know you love me and want the best for me so help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Swim Against The Current

 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"Matthew 16:24

Many of you are probably familiar with The Chosen series. A lady at coffee shop I go to at counter has their shirt on with fish swimming in a circle but twelve fish of a different color going the opposite way. I love this depiction of the twelve disciples and going against the pull of culture to share Jesus love and wins souls for Christ. 

Even in Jesus day without electricity, computers, social media, and so forth there were mockers, haters, debauchery and those who wanted nothing to do with following Christ. 

Today be bold and unafraid and don’t be shy about speaking up for truth. You may have friends or family who think you are a religious nut be so be it. Keep spreading truth and love and help set people on the right road to being redeemed and following Christ. 

PRAYER: Lord I am in awe of all the wonders of creation. I lift up people who refuse to listen to truth. I know Satan has his schemes to trip people up even those who once walked with you. I pray for any who have bought into the lies of culture. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh What To Share Today

 

This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.Psalm 118:24

 Are you waiting on a breakthrough in some area? Waiting is difficult to do but sometimes if you try to ‘fix’ things yourself it will backfire. Be still, God is with you.

Waiting is a not fun. Think of the many situations in the Bible when someone was told to wait yet rushed ahead. Not good outcomes. God can restore, redeem, heal, deliver, and change a heart.   

Be thankful and be still. Yes I am writing to myself. 

PRAYER: Lord I need your help daily to keep on keeping on. Sometimes I feel spoiled as I have so much but catch myself whining. Give me the ability to hold on til breakthroughs come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are You Paddling Against The Current?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Bible Gateway

Recently I watched a duck feverishly swimming against the current of a fast moving creek in my town. Eventually the duck got smart and took flight flying over the rapids landing in calmer water. 

Is your life like that? Do you ever find yourself paddling so to speak and not just relaxing and let life carry you? When you try to do things your way without letting God take the wheel things can have poor outcomes. 

Wherever you are at in your life’s journey may I first encourage you to not run to Facebook or social media for solace of your soul. Download the You Version Bible app and dig deep into devotions and God’s word. Enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I say thanks for another day of life. Forgive me when I try to take the wheel instead of trusting you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Mom Worthy Gift

 



“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” – 2 Timothy 1:5

 

This devotion is not intended to guilt children but a statement of I feel as a mom the best gift to give your mom is time with her. Sometimes geographically that is not possible.  

If you are not a mom you can’t truly understand or appreciate a mom’s heart. No matter what, a mom’s love is still there. 

I know I  am blessed as a mom and thankful for the lives of my adult sons and my grandchildren. This Mother’s Day reach out to your mom and let her know you care. 

PRAYER: Father I know there are wounded children as well as wounded moms and my prayer is for forgiveness and reconciliation to occur. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

On The Road To Lonely

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10

Have you had one of those days where you just felt sad maybe like on the verge of a huge pity party? You don’t like that feeling but alas it is there what do you do to break that stronghold? 

First get your mind off yourself. Yes self centeredness causes much hurt and emotional pain. Before I go further know that the enemy Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy as it says in John 10:10. 

I don’t know what is going on in your life but know that God loves you and comes to set you free from the pain and heartache of this world. Disagreements, arguments, misspoken words, rejection and all the garbage the Prince of darkness causes. Hang on to hope that is only found in Christ Jesus. Run from pity parties and lean into Jesus. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for the Bible and for friends and family. Guard my heart from self centeredness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Answer The Door

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.Revelation 3:20 NIV Bible gateway

Do you ever sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you trying to get your attention away from the noise and distraction of this world? This scripture speaks of God knocking on the door of your heart in effect saying “Hey here I am. Can I come in?”

This verse appears on wrappers at the In N Out Burger and unless a person knows to look they may miss the three strategic verses placed on their paper products. 

God knocked at my hearts door 19 March 1975 and this is when I became what is known as being ‘born again’. This didn’t mean every thing was peachy from then on cause I had a couple slip ups thanks to not telling the enemy to leave me alone. But I am redeemed and set free and you can be too. Some denominations don’t even teach this and some don’t even encourage you to read and study your Bible. Maybe it will mean leaving a church you grew up in but the most important thing is the assurance of eternal life. 

No one is too far gone. 

PRAYER: Father my heart aches for people Satan has lied to and deceived. I pray for people to wake up and hear God’s voice. He is ready when you are. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Let It Go!

 

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

Are you carrying weight that God never intended you to carry? Satan loves you to hang on to heavy emotional loads and loves seeing you fret and struggle waiting for God to show up. 

My friend God is with you in whatever you are going through. His plans and His ways are not yours. Keep holding on to the rope as God has the other end. 

Read today’s verse over and over a few times and believe it. I sign my book with this scripture yet at times I don’t act like I believe when waiting in God’s waiting room. Do you believe God is at work? 

PRAYER: I know Lord you are working in my life and the life of my loved ones. I trust you. Help me not listen to negativity but focus on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Live Life With Eternity In Mind

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—1Corinthians 2:9

Many scoffers mock the fact that believers have peace of eternal life in Heaven and joke that it sounds miserable like why would I want to go there and wear a choir robe and play a harp all day. The devil has twisted many people’s minds and even some churches theology to give incorrect information about Heaven. 

No man to include Hollywood screen writers can even begin to imagine what it will be like. It is a real place so on this Earth for the short time you have been given you need to be living constantly with eternity in mind. Are you doing that? Only you can honestly answer that question. 

When you are born you have a sin nature and of course Satan wants you to cave to the culture and lies of this world and choose to live a lukewarm or life as a ‘religious’ person instead of a true follower of God. You are here for a reason. Remember that. Search your heart and make sure you feel peace at knowing you will enter Heaven one day. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you and there is no one I want to see go to Hell not even my enemies. Use me to help others come to know you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Yearning For Peace In A Chaotic World

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Ephesians 6:12 NIV Bible Gateway

First I need to point out that we are in a battle, spiritual warfare, God and the devil. The sooner you can grasp that concept the easier it is to ignore certain social media rants and not try to prove a point at the expense of a friendship or worse broken relationship with a family member. 

What does it matter who is right or who is wrong and my best suggestion is to completely stay off social media and don’t go being a cheerleader for a person or cause and trash another person because God is the judge. 

Stay peaceful, stay on your knees, and be able to let things go and move on with relationships minus the hassles of politics and trying to be right. 

PRAYER: Hatred is from the pit of hell and the division dividing families is also a tactic of Satan. Help me Lord to resist the devourer. He has no claim over myself or my family. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Solo Act

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10

Do you ever just want to be alone? I can imagine the citizens of bustling New York City yearn for quiet every now and then. 

When you are alone you can clear your mind and have time for alone time with God if you make that the priority.Friends are nice but every now and then you need to sit and be still without clamor all around you. 

In Luke 5:16 it says But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Shouldn’t you be practicing the habits of the savior? 

PRAYER: Lord today I seek your face. I need your wisdom to do the right things in my life. Help me guard my heart from allowing too much ‘not of God’ in. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Look At Their ‘Heart’ Or Their Political Views?

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7 NIV Bible Gateway 

Sad to say in this current cultural climate there are many people who have stopped talking to friends and relatives simply because of who they chose to vote for. That my friend is from the pit of Hell and many of these who are raging don’t seem to care about the bonds of love and friendship they have shared so many years. 

There is no winning this battle on your own my friend only the Holy Spirit can touch a person and change their heart and put love firmly on the throne. Your assignment is to stay cool and not engage others and pray for wisdom when you do decide to speak. 

Satan comes to kill, steal, and destroy it says in John 10:10. Just stay calm and peaceful and give your concerns ro God. Keep loving and praying for a breakthrough. 

PRAYER: The enemy has lied to so many people and created deep divides in families. I pray for anyone who has cut a person off over politics to rethink their decision and to put Jesus on the throne again or for first time if He was never there. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

But God Can, He Really Can!

"Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You."Jeremiah 32:17

Do you have something you have been praying about and you start to be a doubting Thomas thinking no way will it ever happen. Not talking about praying for a Cadillac or stuff like that but for things to turn around in a situation in your life. 

You have to stay hopeful and positive. Write down one hopeful thing per day and try to spread joy to at least one person daily. Doing that helps refocus and get your mind off your self. 

Don’t get back down in the ditch with wrong thinking and dwell on people who have hurt you but instead pray for your enemies and keep focused on above. 

PRAYER; Father I thank you for yet another day that I can get up rejoicing and being glad. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Day For National Prayer

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”2 Chronicles 7:14

Today has been designated the National Day of Prayer and all over the country non denominational prayer events are occurring to pray for the all of society things like education, government, military, media, family, church, and business. 

This day should not be seen in a negative light as some naysayers  will try to say it is the dreaded term Christian nationalism which has been wrongly used to label those who love our country and want to see Christ influence every area. As today’s scripture says if we continue to pray God will heal our land and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see America needs healing. 

I have included a link at end for you to find the national event occurring this evening via live stream or an event in your local area. Don’t take freedom and righteousness for granted. 

PRAYER: Father today and every day I lift up this nation and its people for spiritual healing and an awakening. In Jesus’ name. Amen.