Stop Prying The Door Open

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."Proverbs 16:9

What are you waiting on? Waiting on God is hard to do but my friend take it from a person in ‘the waiting room’ you have to be still and stop trying to pry a door open that is shut. Doesn’t seem fair you say. Maybe it isn’t but for now that is where you are at. 

Waiting for answers to prayer and changes to occur can be gut wrenching. You can’t make things happen on your own but can indeed make a mess of things trying. 

So today be still. Chill. Get occupied with other things rather than dwelling on an issue or a person. Trust God and go back in that waiting room. 

PRAYER: Father your will not mine is my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fads

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."1 Peter 2:9

What is the latest cool fad?I was thinking maybe the ‘weighted vest’ where you hear of celebrities walking or hiking with them. Trending as the saying goes. Do you fall for fads or are you happy and content in your own bubble? 

Can you be yourself or do you have to be like everyone else? Not pointing a finger at anyone but why do we feel we have to let everyone know what we are doing? Blame it on social media I guess. Fads start with peer pressure. 

Are you able to resist peer pressure or do you allow the culture to shape you? Something to think about as you go about your day. Be blessed to be a blessing. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be happy with who you created me to be. Help me resist cultural peer pressure. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dealing With Retirement?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10 NIV

The late Pastor Charles Stanley used to say retirement was not a concept found in the Bible and indeed it is more of a man made concept to retire at 55 or 65 and then what? 

My husband entered that phase recently but he wants to work but has not been called upon to work on any more government contracts right now. He is super talented and has hobbies but what if you have no goals or gifts then what? 

You can’t assume you can just travel the world, golf, hang out with grandchildren all the time, go non stop camping or hiking but you have to be realistic. Finding a way to serve others expecting nothing in return helps. I was not in a job long enough to retire as my years I would have worked I was a stay home mom. 

Above all don’t let the comparison monster get you because it has reared its ugly head in my life many times. Every one is different. Seek God first and be still. If you want to get a job by all means don’t let your age stop you. I joke saying I want to be a 72 year old flight attendant and I know I could do it just would get lots of stares like where did you put the young flight attendant. Get involved in ministry. Samaritans Purse has many opportunities and there are other groups. Think beyond yourself and ask God to use you 

PRAYER: Help me Father look beyond myself. Open doors of opportunities for service to your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Trusting God Even In The Silence

“But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."Habakkuk 2:20

One of the best spiritual exercises you can do is to learn to be still. No phone to use as a crutch but simply to sit with your thoughts and be still. I had the joy of doing this one morning recently watching humming birds zipping through my yard. A gentle rain fell adding to the moment. 

You can’t truly ‘be still’ clutching your devices. No looking at even Christian sites but set the phone down and look around you. Use your brain and ponder life. Don’t go into stinking thinking but instead just relax and think of things to be joyful about. 

This is another day God has given you so make good use of it. Don’t worry if you don’t have a monster to do list because being busy doesn’t produce the joy of the Lord but yet is a way maybe to try to prove to others you matter cause your life is full. You matter to God. Go talk to Him. 

PRAYER: Thanks for another day on this earth you blessed me with. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Are

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."Colossians 3:12

I was on my weekly prayer call originating from Huntsville, Alabama when one lady declared ‘You are’ with ‘you’ meaning God.  

You are Almighty. You are righteous. You are set apart. You are Holy. You are the great I am. You are the Redeemer. You are the restorer. You are Lord over all. You are Omnipresent. You are Light. You are My Peace. 

I challenge all people reading to take a moment and realize no matter what is going on in your life God is there. Don’t stumble in the darkness being stressed and worried but talk to God. Let God fill your tanks or allow the world to do so. It’s your choice. 

PRAYER: Father God help me as I run my race with your hand upon me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Watch Out For Potholes

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."Proverbs 16:9

As you go down the road of life you will have yield signs, detours, dead end, high water, one lane ahead, and many other ‘warning’ signs. Some take you by surprise others just happen. 

A surprise medical diagnoses catches you off guard. A friend refuses to be your friend anymore. Your church implodes and friends scatter to other places. A job loss or reduction in pay comes unexpected, and you can add to this list. 

Everyone has trials of some sort but it is knowing that God is there and when you seek the Holy Spirit and wait for that still small voice you are better off. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I seek your face and guidance in those unplanned moments in life. Help me know how to comfort those struggling in their life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

But You Don’t Know How I Am Feeling

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Feelings are a tangible real emotion for all people probably even an infant who can’t talk yet using their  crying to express how they feel at a particular time. 

If you are a parent of a small child listen to your children if they try to explain something to you or indicate their feelings because it could even alert you to dangers with teachers, adults in their life, coaches,  or even possibly child sex traffickers depending on what the individual shares. Not saying this to get you to worry but don’t be so mesmerized by things you can’t see beyond for what might be underlying causes of emotions. 

Yes we often don’t know how people feel because none of us are mind readers so be still, pray, stay in the Word of God. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be alert to any dangers of anyone I might know or be close to and help me listen when someone wants to share how they feel and never make lightly of it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.