White Witch

Anyone  you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven-if there was anything to forgive-I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

In the movie ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ a deceptive character called ‘The White Witch’ deceived the children into thinking she was the queen, when she was really the representation of evil. She lured the children with her treat Turkish Delight. She captivated them. 

Satan does that to many people some who even claim to be believers. He plants lies in their heads, gets them hanging out with wrong people, maybe even has them go to a church that has nothing to do with salvation or the Love of Christ. He causes division among friends and family. He destroys churches. He steals joy. He causes arguments and riots. But many scoff at the idea of evil and a devil. Some of these people even embrace sin and evil because the government made it okay. 

Well hear me now. He is like a roaring lion and seeks someone to devour. Stay in the word, he hates that and would rather you read the morning paper or watch TV. 

Don’t be fooled. Satan doesn’t like anyone he has deceived but loves to get them off God’s path and onto his. Confusion is his game plan. Stand firm. Pray hard. Keep on the armor of God. 

PRAYER: Today if you hear God’s voice harden not your heart it says in scripture. Oh Lord I pray for those I know who Satan has baited and they are walking a life not glorifying you. Also help me never get lazy about reading and studying my Bible. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Final Approach

For the Scriptures say, "'As surely as I live,' says the LORD, every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.' Romans 14:11

As I was on a plane preparing to land in what the aviation community calls the ‘final approach’ I was marveling at the clouds and beauty around me and then also pondering how one day the  ultimate final approach would be entrance into heaven.

Not everyone will get to Heaven and you may say “well that is mean and doesn’t sound like a loving God” but then how many people here on Earth deny Him, don’t follow Him, reject Him. 2 Peter 3:9 says “The LORD is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Being religious or a seminary graduate is no guarantee of Heaven but having a heart that is truly sold out to Jesus. When it is time for your final approach will you have the confidence the gates of Heaven are straight ahead? 

PRAYER: Lord you are beautiful. Your face is all I seek. I pray for those I might know that feel they are saved but have been led astray by false teaching. I pray for revival to break out in our land. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song of worship: 

https://youtu.be/Fh4ac4znuRk

Designer Bible?

On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

There are designer purses, wallets, shoes, coolers,  jackets and a host of other items. Sometimes we humans think it is important to be trendy so money is coughed up for items that don’t really matter in the big scheme of things. There may be those people who can’t be seen in public unless they have a famous brand name for all to see.  

Guess what. God does not care if you or I are trendy but maybe if there was a designer Bible more folks would carry it around to be stylish and cool. Supposedly the Bible is the best selling book of all time but how often do you see someone with it out in public?  Why not carry it along on trips or even get a Gideons New Testament for your pocket or purse. 

It is time for believers to not hide their ‘light’ under a bushel like the children’s song says but to let it shine. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tote your Bible with you to work, on trips, or out to the park to just sit on a bench and read. No designer style is needed. Just do it and see how your life changes. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for the Holy Bible inspired word of God that I have daily access to. The enemy is constantly trying to pervert it, change it, make it illegal but it is here to stay. I pray for everyone who calls themselves a believer to make it part of their daily life, not a coffee table decoration. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Kodak Moment

I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength! Philippians 4:13

Only those born before 1990 will have any clue about today’s title. A ‘Kodak moment’ is that precious once in a lifetime capture of a stunning moment on film. Life can be full of Kodak moments but also it’s share of many you may want to go away. 

Maybe your life doesn’t feel like a ‘Kodak moment’ most of the time.  For whatever reason you feel there is never a reason to celebrate. Life does have ups and downs and no one is promised a 100% breeze thru life. It doesn’t work that way. Trials are what make us stronger. So you say “Well I like being weak.” Comparing your life to another is a tactic the enemy likes you to employ to get you further in a pit of despair. 

Purpose in your heart today to get up, get going, and give praises to God. He loves you and it is necessary you let Him know you love Him right back no matter what. Tell Satan to take a hike cause you are God’s kid covered with the blood of Jesus. Now say cheese! 

PRAYER: I am forever grateful for how you love me and you created me for a purpose. Forgive me Lord for times I let the enemy win. I choose to stand strong and give thanks with a grateful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Three Cords

And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Recently I was at a wedding where in the couples vows the minister reminded the couple that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. He of course was referring to the man, woman, and God. Yes you can try to do marriage with only two cords but the rope may break. Another three cords is the Trinity.

Holding onto a rope that is made of three strands is better for everyone. Think of making a rope bridge or a rock climbers’ ropes. If they were only two strands they would easily break. The third strand is so vital for strength.

Make sure the Holy Spirit  is that vital third cord in your life. Don’t do life without Him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for the Trinity, Father, Son and  Holy Spirit which are vital in a believers walk. Those are the three cords for a believer. Often times the Holy Spirit is ignored. Forgive me if I have done that. I intend to keep you always with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fretting? Why?

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Not only are we told to not worry or be anxious in scripture but it is for our overall good health. High blood pressure can kill you and when you don’t take care of yourself due to lack of exercise or being a worry wart then you can pay for it medically. Even a ‘simple worry’ such as stressing over what to wear to a social function or being concerned what people think. All this stuff is concerns that the Lord wants you to cast on Him. 

How does one just learn to really ‘chill’ and be still? Know that no amount of fretting over an issue will change it. Prayer is the key and purposefully setting aside time to spend daily in Bible reading and meditating on scripture. The world will throw all kinds of things at you to try to get you flustered but you need to recognize it as an attack and not fall prey to the clutches of the worry monster. 

Today stop using the excuse ‘I’m just a worrier’ and purpose in your heart that right now you will no longer allow petty concerns to ruffle your feathers and will stay calm under pressure. Make prayer a daily habit and truly cast those concerns no matter how small on the Lord and learn to walk in peace. 

PRAYER: Right now I choose to recognize worry as an attack from Satan as when I do get caught up in it it means I don’t trust you. I am sorry Lord. I choose to take a breath and give you my concerns. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cast Your Care...So Do It Already

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

I am pretty good, I think, about casting my care on God until the creeper worries come in and catch me off guard with things such as concern for my great niece moving to a liberal state or the concern over the state of the country with so many unwarranted vicious attacks against  the Supreme Court nominee. It boils down to one thing and one thing only and that is I allowed Satan to creep in and I consequently put down my shield of faith.

So today if you too have been bombarded and caught up with creeper concerns that are weighing you down, the what if’s of life, if you will, you must give them to the Lord. You can go nutty trying to orchestrate outcomes and opening your mouth with misspoken words to fix something.

The key is to maintain your solid prayer life. Get in a solid Bible based church. In the morning start your day with worship music.

Don’t allow the enemy one second of pleasure as he is trying to defeat you and take away your joy. Stand strong and say Satan, “no weapon formed against me or________will prosper. I will not believe your lies.” After that start praising God for what he will do to bring victory!

 PRAYER: Our peace can be robbed by so many little weeds that try to come in and choke the joyful life out of us. Fear of a bad diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end. Defeat the enemy with praise. I choose to charge on with my shield of faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.