Fix Your Eyes On Jesus

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us, looking to Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."Hebrews 12:1-2

What has your mind going in all directions? Whatever it is have you tried the mental exercise of saying “I give everything and everyone to you Lord”. That statement is found on the Pause Ap by John Eldredge. 

Mulling over situations you can do nothing about is not good for your physical or mental health. Try being still and giving stuff to the Lord. Read your Bible if you don’t have own private message me and I will mail you one. 

God’s word is key to your emotional well being. The world and culture we are living in doesn’t pay much attention to life with Jesus. In a recent interview prior to his impending death an actor was asked what was next after death and his reply, I will just cease to exist. That breaks my heart. Heaven and hell are real. Temptations are strong in our culture to deny God and live for personal pleasure but stand out in the crowd by praying for those struggling to believe. 

PRAYER: Help me not ever be haughty Father but instead bring people into my life who need your love. Help me respond and help others find the path to salvation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Is It Time For A Prayer Walk?

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.Colossians 3:2

Do you feel weighed down by the cares of this world basically things you have no control over? You say you will abandon the frivolity and nonsense of social media yet you someone gravitate toward it? 

Maybe it is time to put on those walking shoes and go prayer walking to help lighten your mental load. You can choose to walk through your community praying for various issues but particularly leadership. You can pray for revival. Walking past the various educational institutions pray for leaders and instructors. You get the idea. 

Prayer walking is not drawing attention to yourself but simply being ‘boots on the ground’ as you claim every step for Christ and pray for protection as you go along. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord my heart yearns for you. Help me stop slipping into the ways of this world by gobbling up junk on social media. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Help Me Be More Like Jesus

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."Galatians 5:22 

Ever had one of those days where you don’t really feel joyful or have a bad attitude about something? Probably we all have. 

You want to love like Jesus loves, forgive like He forgives, and just let Him take care of the problems of the people world as He didn’t make you the co-savior. The enemy would step in and taunt you into being self righteous and acting like Holy Spirit junior.

Today quiet your heart. Get rid of things causing distracting thoughts which could be anything plugged into electricity. Do not constantly feed your mind on news reports. You can’t stay peaceful doing that. Let God handle things and you pray. Don’t be like the men on the recent Progressive Insurance TV commercial trying to tell maintenance workers how to do their job.  God has things under control. Give him the steering wheel my friend. 

PRAYER: Lord help me calm my heart and learn to rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Disappointment

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

What are you waiting on? When you get your hopes up and your bubble is burst it hurts. Keeping your mind focused on something good helps. Dying to self so to speak. 

Everyone has disappointments in life things like friends who no longer want to be a friend. Loss of health. Not invited to an event. Losing a job. You can add to the list. 

Put on praise and worship music. Read your Bible start maybe in Psalms. Do something nice for someone. Send a card to a friend. Get outside and take a walk if physically able bundle up if it is cold. Find ways to bring joy to another. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to be still. I give my concerns or troubles to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help With Your Thinking

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Philippians 4:8 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you need help with wrong thinking or thought patterns that continue to plague you or stifle your ability to use the gifts God gave you? 

I know one of my struggles is this theory on aging and the enemy trying to make older people feel like they are quote unquote ‘elderly’ and really just need to take it easy in life. Yes some folks do decline and have issues in their later years but don’t assume everyone does and treat those older than you with kindness and respect. 

Put your focus instead on God’s blessings that is what I have to do. Be grateful for every year of life never mind the wrinkles and spots but give thanks in all things. 

PRAYER: I know Lord you have plans for every age of life. I pray for good health and many friendships of all ages. I pray those younger can respect those older than them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Have You Messed Up With Your Mouth?

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.James 3:5 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you have issues with your mouth being impulsive and just blurting things out that later backfire? There are many verses in the Bible about controlling what you say. 

Your words can make things happen for good or destroy you. Just like this verse implies they can set a forest on fire. 

If you have hurt someone with your words pray and then go apologize. Lately words are bashing people on social media mainly over political views. Why not steer clear and try to keep conversations kind and nice and not push your agenda on someone. What would Jesus say? Hmmm. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each day to guide me and my mouth. Help only edifying things come from my mouth or my texts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Better Not To Say Anything

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Ephesians 4:29 NIV Bible Gateway

The mouth is a powerful tool God created for us. When it is used to bless others it is great but when it lies, gossips, belittles, or says hurtful things it is not the tool God designed it for. 

Do you use the 24 hour rule meaning if in doubt over what you are going to say stop and think for at least 24 hours? Is what you plan to say going to start a fight or hurt someone? 

Words are a powerful tool so be careful how you use them. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to think before speaking or texting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.