What Is A Birthday?

The day you were born regardless of the circumstances is pretty important. You were created by God for a distinct purpose whether you have discovered that purpose or not. 

A birthday is not something to dread but seemingly after someone hits 40 they start bemoaning their wrinkles, age spots, gray hairs. Give thanks for each day of life and celebrate whatever milestone you are at. 

The culture makes older people out to be helpless like ‘put them in a home’ so you aren’t bothered by their aging issues. Older people are to be honored and respected. Open doors for them. Help lift carry on bags into the overhead. You get the idea? Eat healthy food, watch your weight, and get exercise to take care of your ‘temple’ as lots of medical issues stem from not taking care of yourself properly. And give thanks for the gift of life. 

PRAYER: Father I ask you help me to show respect for all people and those who are older than me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Run To The Marvelous Light

 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Do you realize that God is not the author of confusion or pain? No matter what is going on in your life right now He is with you whether you feel it or not. 

Don’t base things on feelings but on faith. You have to believe that God has heard your prayers and is working things for your good and He knows the big picture so to speak.  

Lean in to God. Talk to Him daily just like He is right there sitting next to you on the sofa. No fancy King James language required. He loves you and wants you to love Him back. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord. Use me in lives of people you place in my path whether family, friends, or strangers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Sit Tight?

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Sit tight means to refrain from taking action or to be still. This takes self control which is a fruit of the Spirit. When you try to play Holy Spirit Junior you can make a real mess of things. 

What are you waiting on in your life? Waiting and ‘sitting tight’ takes discipline. When your human nature wants to take matters into its’ own hands trouble and chaos is knocking at the door. 

Our world does not like waiting. There is instant everything. No wonder you have a difficult time being still. I am dealing with something now and my fingers want to text or my mouth wants to open so I have to cry out to God. What do you need from God? 

PRAYER: Father in the big scheme of things are have things pretty good yet when I seemingly want more or try to orchestrate things it is not good. Help me remember to give all things to you and to smile when doing it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Cease Striving

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

I was pondering this one day exactly what it meant to cease striving. Maybe to  stop trying to figure things out and do things on own power. Perhaps stopping the treadmill of life trying to always be busy as you feel if you aren’t you may not be worthy. Maybe you want everyone to like you and when they don’t you have wasted brain cells trying to understand why. 

Let things go that are weighing your mind down. Things you have zero control over. Pray without ceasing. That is one thing to not cease from. 

Fill your mind with things above. Talk to God regularly. Don’t try to get everyone to like you. Mainly try to please God. 

PRAYER: Father God help me rest. Period. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When Words Hurt

 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18

Depending on your birth order or your personality harsh words or downright rejection can hurt really bad. I  am second born and feel like I am always wanting peace and harmony. 

If you claim to be a Christ follower it is essential you try to represent Christ even when speaking to others. If you screwed up humble yourself and go apologize. You may say “what I said was true” it still does not give you a license to be downright mean. Jesus certainly would not. 

Kindness leads to repentance it says in Romans 2:4. So you may have been hurt by people who claimed to love Jesus so let them go and pray for them. 

PRAYER: Words can bring joy or sorrow so Father help my words be few and help me be careful what I say or text. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into Temptation. Luke 11:4

Today’s Bible verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer. Every child should learn this prayer from an early age. It is powerful but especially this part about  forgiving people. 

Is there anyone in your life you need to extend an olive branch to and forgive and if so what is preventing you from doing it? Pride? 

Today stop what you are doing and pray for your enemies or anyone you are holding a grudge against. Harboring stuff in your heart and soul only will make you sick and won’t get you any closer to God. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each and every day to help me to be kind and loving even if people don’t love back. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

While You Wait

 “The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD,” Lamentations 3:25-26

What are you waiting on? Why is waiting essential in healing and mending hearts? 

I am not sure what you are going through but our secular culture has a challenge awaiting us and that is to set your ‘devices’ aside.! Go for a walk. Call/not text a friend or family member. Learn to let things go and forgive. What does that have to do with waiting? 

Don’t pre occupy yourself with everyone’s life on social media. Stop comparing. Be still and don’t try to play Holy Spirit junior. Pray. Don’t dwell on what you are waiting on. You gave this person or situation to God so be still my friend. Put that Bible on the coffee table where you can easily read it. Sure the Bible on your phone is fine but it will soon lead to rabbit trails keeping you on your device. Give up anger run for truth. Mend those broken relationships. 

PRAYER: Lord my heart aches for people who need you but don’t think they do. Intervene and use me to help shine light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.