Jests First, Others Second, Yourself Last

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.“Philippians 2:3

When you do something outstanding resist the urge to tell everyone and let others praise you. 

 

In the Olympics you are seeing the best of the best of athletes and families who have sacrificed so much to get to the podium for the chance of a medal, hopefully a gold one. It would be tempting to beat your chest upon victory like saying “look at me” and maybe it is justified in this case because they are thrilled to be at that level and received their earthly reward. But it is God who gave them their abilities and stamina.

 

Believers who reach that level in achievement often give God the glory or point to the sky indicating ‘it is because of Him’. Remember to use the ‘J.O.Y.’ acronym meaning Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last and your life will truly have joy. 

PRAYER: Father help me stay humble whenever I am tempted to boast. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me-Who Are Your ‘gods’?

I am the Lord your God, have no other gods before me.Exodus 20:3

Is God truly first place in your life or have you exalted something else or someone else to first place? 

Could be a hobby, sport, habit, TV or computer usage, your church, your minister, a movement,  whatever if it is taking up most your waking hours it must be an idol of sorts and ‘god-like’ only you can determine that after searching your heart. 

Don’t allow anything to become more important than God. Start your day in prayer and end your day also talking to God. Find a method to make sure He is the priority of your waking hours.

Like I said this is not meant to bring condemnation upon you but to make you examine your heart. 

PRAYER: Lord when I get praise for something it is you who gets the glory. Guard my heart from a self centered life and forgive me when things in my life become more important than you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Internalizing God’s Truth

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

Someone close to me told me my devotions were like me publishing my personal journal for the public to see. I don’t see it that way but instead sharing some things from my own life that maybe someone out there can identify with and know they are not alone and bring comfort. God can get you through anything. 

This world today is trying to make an alternate version of God’s truth and it is Satan trying to divide family, friends, communities and yes the nation. If only everyone would pick up their ‘paper Bible’ and just start the day reading Psalms asking God to keep them centered on Him for the day. When you use your phone as the Bible it is too tempting to be diverted and distracted from the truth going off on rabbit trails and pop ups.  

Are you struggling today? Are you being led astray by too much screen time be honest. Maybe today is the day to start being serious about hiding God’s truth in your heart. 

PRAYER: Lord help me put down my devices and give more time to prayer and knowing scripture. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

One Word

A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 15:1

One word can build people up or tear them down. Social media makes it easy to blast someone and crush them without face to face contact.

 

There are so many verses in scripture about the mouth, the tongue, and words. If you could master your tongue you could probably master a ship. Try to think before you speak and don’t be in a rush to get the last word.

 

Can you purpose in your heart to start paying attention to your words including texting and social media. Perhaps give social media a rest.

 

PRAYER: Father help me learn to think before I speak and choose my words wisely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For Two Weeks We Are All On Same Team

 "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you."1 Corinthians 15:58

 It is that time again.  Time for the Winter Olympics coming this year from Italy. It is a time for opposing sports fans in the US to join as one to root for America.No rivalries. No politics. 

On the world stage countries can be at peace for two weeks. Only God can bring true and lasting peace and sadly wars will still happen and divisions will still occur but for two weeks cheering is in unison. 

I pray you find joy in your spirit all the time not just for two weeks. You can marvel at the accomplishments of world class athletes who had a dream to become an Olympian. But do you truly want to be joyful then let go of burdens and let God have them. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for differences that we can celebrate and appreciate. Help me keep my eyes on you and not judge others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

An Air Brushed World

That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 4:22-24

Often people today are concerned about perfection. Getting older and looking older is not fun so remedies are concocted to make people into a different version of themselves. 

Your concern should not be with the outward appearance but with your inner self and your mind and attitudes. Have you taken your medicine today meaning have you sat down with a cup of coffee and tuned into God in your ‘paper Bible’ where pop ups don’t try to steal you away. 

Is Christ at home in your heart? Does He really take first place? Have you let go of inner turmoils and worries dragging you down? It’s up to you. It is the Bible makeover. Go for it. 

PRAYER: Father I need you daily to stay focused and on track. I trust you and ask you help anyone struggling to find joy only you can bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fuss Free, Effortless, Simple

 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."Philippians 4:4

All these are buzz words in my title help the lives of busy people of all ages but there is not always going to be an easy way some things take brain power and effort to accomplish a desired end. When you feel overwhelmed like say with planning a dinner you like effortless answers. 

What about in relationships? They take more prayer, more patience, more work, more really trusting God. Are you hoping right now for a miracle in a relationship matter? It is not easy to wait. You know ‘God is at the wheel’ but somehow can’t relax and let things progress. 

Take it from me trying to jump in and orchestrate things does not work and only can cause misunderstanding and confusion in addition to potential heart break. Just keep talking to God. Don’t run to the phone run to the ‘throne’ to tell God what you are anxious about. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for my brain and how it works sometimes a tad overactive. You know my concerns and you are working so help me trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.