The Fixation

          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

What does it mean to fixate on something? Basically it could be almost an obsessive way of continually looking at something or thinking of something. To have a fixation on Jesus is a very good thing. To be fixated on problems is a very bad thing. 

Is there something in life you are fixated on? Job issues? Family matters? Empty nest approaching? How to pay for college? A big final exam on the horizon? How you are going to die?  Point is, this fixation leads to worry and fear. Fixation on Jesus leads to peace and joy. 

Tomorrow when you get up since you are already up today, decide that you will not let negative thoughts enter your head. Be intentional about keeping your mind on Jesus and see if things aren't somewhere more pleasant. 

PRAYER: I choose to get up and get focused on you Lord. Problems are not going to change by worrying about them so I intend to fix my mind on you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Sheep Among Many, Many Wolves

 "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you feel you are the only committed believer? For a college student it could be on the college campuses of many state, private,  or Ivy League schools. To try to 'fit in' a person may do things or believe things they know deep down are not right and not in line with scripture but they are sucked in anyway.  Even when not trying to 'fit in', the teaching at so many institutions of higher learning is trying to get our sons and daughters to conform to a worldview never taught at home. There may be parents reading this who know just what I am talking about. 

The verse above says it all. Sheep among wolves. Imagine a poor innocent little sheep stuck out in the field when all of a sudden a wolf or pack of wolves appears. Only the shepherd can save this little lamb. Only our savior and shepherd, Jesus Christ, can save us. You do not need to despair but need to be on your knees in prayer. And pray for places you know where it seems that outspoken believers may be in the minority. 

It is easy to stay in Holy huddles, as I heard one person call it once, where you never have to be uncomfortable or encounter situations where you might have to speak up in love. You could be the only one and really get scared. It could be at the office, school, sports team, or even in your family. Be bold for Christ but not obnoxious. Jesus is love and we are to be loving. He came to seek and save those who were lost and that is exactly what our job is too. 

PRAYER: My job is not to just feel like a happy Christian all the time but it is to get out there and witness, but as I do help me not be sucked into strange philosophies not of your teaching Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Believe In Miracles

Now Jesus did many miracles other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31

Do you believe in miracles or do you define the unexplained as luck or good fortune? I am here to tell you God is a saving, miracle working God and he did not just do them in the Bible. They happen today. The recent movie 'Miracles from Heaven' is just one example of the awesome power of God.

Merriam-Webster defines miracle as "an unusual or wonderful event that is believed to be caused by the power of God". Note that word 'believed' because so many skeptics are afraid to admit to God's mighty power still at work today and call it luck, chance, or a coincidence. Not this writer. I almost drowned in a rip current once and know God's hand got me safely to shore. Another kind of miracle is when your car runs out of gas and there 'just happens' to be someone stop by right then and there to help. That is one of mine too.

When you experience the unexplainable, tell others, and also keep and 'God Thing' journal and make notes so years from now you can see how much God has worked in your life and lives of others. To God Be The Glory!

PRAYER: The birth of a baby is one of the best miracles ever. The seasons of the year are miracles. When you get cancer and doctors tell you there is no longer any trace of it. Yes you are a miracle working God. Help me Lord to share your miracles with others in this world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Vote On!

See to it that no one  takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

Voting and exercising our Constitutional right to vote for President is fundamental and important. I heard statistics that in the last election for President over 54 million who call themselves evangelical Christians stayed home. This saddens me. Whether our candidate wins or not it is up to us to not quit striving for freedom. Just think about how that many votes could have changed an outcome.

This election cycle I hear talk from well meaning Christians that how could we vote for so and so he is horrible. First off I believe God can, and will use anyone for His purposes. He used the twelve He chose for His disciples. Each of them was not from a stellar background. Then with the other party there are those who have stuck in a certain party only because that is how their family always voted and this too needs to stop in my humble opinion.

 It is up to God fearing men and women who love this country to be on their knees in prayer. Pray for all those candidates. Pray for God's will to de done. Do not speculate why you feel a certain person is the wrong one. Pray for truth to win out and for our country to be rebuilt on values, morals, and the word of God to hold a place of prominence again.

 PRAYER: I love my country Lord. I am saddened when I see us going bankrupt and not caring about freedom anymore. I am saddened at the destruction of the military that is essential to maintaining freedom. The truth and good, will win out in the end. Help all citizens exercise their right to vote and do so with enthusiasm. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Just Gonna Relax A Moment

This is the day the Lord has made;We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Everyone, regardless of how crazy your day, needs to schedule time to just sit. No noise, no books or papers, no cell phones or laptops. Oh maybe one book...the Bible. 

Point being, for the past three days, I have been taking in the whole feeling of having a long awaited project come to fruition. Pondering I guess one would say. So now I sit and listen to geese squawking out here in the country where I live and the cat purring on my lap as a storm has left the air crisp and cool. Thanks Jesus! Serenity. 

Try this sometime, granted harder to do as a young mom of babies, toddlers, and school children, but your time will come before you know it, trust me. Just sit quietly somewhere safe and don't think of anything. Clear your mind of problems, deadlines, worries and just let God fill your thoughts. Your problems will start to diminish. 

PRAYER: Lord I am thankful to be in a country where I have the freedoms I do to just sit. Many communist regimes in the world control their populaces every move and try to control their thoughts. Thanks for peace, democracy, and freedom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click link and just relax and take God in!
https://youtu.be/vWxb6VvPrkE

Good In Fact Does Go Around

         Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Back in 2005 when I was hired by Delta Air Lines their motto was 'Good Goes Around'. Think about that for a moment. Good does really indeed go around. If you put a cart back in parking lot at grocery someone else might see your example and also do it. Perhaps you pay for groceries for someone running short on money. Someone may witness this and in fact do it for someone too.

There is enough ugliness, self centeredness and hatred in this world so as a follower of Jesus why not do as he would have done. Have you washed any feet lately? Most of us have not. The point is, be kind and willing to sacrifice your pleasures to help another person. Don't always be thinking of me, myself, and I. 

The point is doing good always negates evil. Satan represents evil and God represents kindness, love, and goodness. Are you ready to do good to someone today?

PRAYER: You are good all the time. I am not. I want to be more and more like you. Do what you need to do to conform me more to your image and less into the world' s image. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Intentional Thinking

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Have you ever gotten off track with your thinking? By this I mean dwelling on negative things or comparing yourself to others. Guess where that originates from? The pit of Hell as it certainly is not God's speciality to drag you down. 

I like, lots of writers, get some ideas from things I have gone through in my own life. When I get victory I like to share it. You have to think uplifting thoughts on purpose. I caught myself one day just in a major self pity thing. Thankfully two great friends were standing by on texts to help uplift me and restore hope. 

What is it you are allowing to torment your mind? Have you talked to God and realize this torture you are putting yourself through with wrong thoughts is from Satan. He has no claim to you. Tell him that then remember the joy of the Lord is your strength! 

PRAYER: I am ever so grateful for the word of God. Of course Satan loves it when we never read it and treat it like a good luck charm. Help me daily gain hope and strength from the word of God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for awesome worship song that is sure to lift your spirits:http://youtu.be/cIvDCV4e318