Jesus Walked Among Sinners

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”Matthew 9:10-11

When you think you are a pretty good person look out because all of us are sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory(See Romans 3:23). Jesus went to where people needed help not to huge church gatherings. Basically he walked among sinners. 

The world we live in is a broken place and many have wandered from the faith and had their ears tickled by teachings that justified their beliefs and sins. Deceiving spirits have caused many to believe lies and follow the world’s ways rather than God. 

Guess what? You need to not cave in but you do need to go out and share your faith with a broken world. When wrong is called right and evil is called good we are in trouble. My friend take time daily to read scripture and pray that you will not be led astray and tempted by Satan. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to open my eyes to the truth. I pray for all those people who have never known you to have a Holy Spirit encounter and for those who have walked away to come back. In Jesus’ name. 

Waiting-Not Easy

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."Philippians 4:6

Waiting is a part of life and it is not fun nor easy. Whether waiting on medical news, return of a prodigal child, hearing news on a job or a host of other things at times you may want to help God and speed things along. Prayer shouldn’t be an ASAP thing but should be when God will it in His plan.

Is waiting an issue in your life? If you are honest I would say it probably is a part of everyone’s life story. 

Guard your heart. Keep your mouth closed. Be still. Pray. 

PRAYER: Father I get overwhelmed at times wanting things to be snappy but realize you are working. Keep me still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Look At Me!

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom"Proverbs 11:2

I admire those people I know who live a happy life without social media. It can be done. Social media can breed hurt and dissatisfaction as you compare yourself with another. Social media for sure doesn’t promote humility but promotes putting self on the throne. 

I use social media to put my devotions out and try to limit what I feel a need to post. Also try to not look at others stuff because you might find you were left out of something and feel hurt. I think social media is the devil’s playground but why not turn it into a ground for believers to reach out and comfort others. 

Today ask yourself why you feel a need to share everything with everyone. Talk to God and seek to put Him first above social media postings. Maybe fast from it for a while. Delete unnecessary apps like Tik Tok, Snap chat or Instagram. Go and enjoy your life and if you have to make a post make it one to lift up Jesus. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for giving me wisdom and for guiding my life. Help me get my boosts from you not from ‘likes’. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Maybe God Is Not Done With You Yet

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Do you ever get discouraged and wonder what you possibly could be contributing to other people’s lives? The enemy is the one who brings discouragement and a host of other things. 

First don’t compare yourself with other people that too is a tool of the enemy. Count your blessings which you will find are many. Show love when you don’t feel like it. 

When you feel confused get busy doing something. Try to find someone to help. Send cards to people who need cheered up. God can use you all the years of your life. 

PRAYER: Father I know you love me and I know you have made each person unique. Help me embrace where you have me, stay off social media, and pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Well Done Good And Faithful Servant

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’"Matthew 25:21

Do you believe God has a distinct calling on every believers life, a path you were predestined to follow to help bring the Kingdom of God to those without a personal relationship with Him?

Your job is to try to win souls to the kingdom of Heaven and help people steer clear of a culture dragging them the total opposite way without them even realizing it. You do your work not trying to win pats on the back or material rewards but simply because God has called you. 

Do you feel a call of God upon your life? Does your heart break for those straying from the truth or those with no interest in heavenly things. It should. Don’t live for yourself but live to try to help everyone come to Jesus. Make Heaven crowded. 

PRAYER: My heart aches for those people I know and love who simply turn their backs on you and live like today is all there is. Use me Father to help draw others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Why Is Saying Sorry So Hard?

 "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." James 5:16

You’ve messed up and you know it but yet why not tell whoever you hurt you are sorry. Humans make mistakes. Only God can redeem us and set us free. 

Admitting you were wrong is sometimes difficult and it is humbling to have to admit your mistakes. I have been hurt by people who eventually came back and apologized and then I have some people in my life who never apologized at all. Regardless you have to choose to forgive even if they never personally came to you seeking reconciliation. 

It’s take a big person to admit they may have been wrong or they may have said things that wounded. The Holy Spirit has to convict so continue to move forward in life and let God work. If there are friends  who have hurt you give them to God. 

PRAYER: Lord I seek your face today and choose to be joyful. Help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Focus On Joy

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."

Galatians 5:22

Joy should not be dependent upon circumstances in your life but should be an inner peace and contentment attained only through following God. You don’t allow your environment to drag you down but purpose in your heart to overflow with joy. 

Joy is more than a feeling but it is an action too and a mindset. Not feeling joy? Send a card to someone or write down your blessings. Or don’t feel joy? Clean your house or car and keep active. 

Don’t make your joy dependent on other people. Keep your focus on good things and not bad and seek to be kind to all people you encounter. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for blessing me use me to bless another. In Jesus’ name. Amen.