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. 

Bright Faith, Bright Hope, Bright Love

But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:13ASV Bible Gateway

One of my favorite coffee drive thrus out here in Idaho has this advertisement which is my title for a three new refreshing summer drinks. I like the Christian aspect of it for writing a devotion. 

As a believer we are to shine His light and be bright for the kingdom of Heaven and not be hiding and embarrassed by our faith. Prayers when dining out. Prayers with friends spontaneously who are having struggles in life. Basically don’t hide your light but shine like a light house in a dark world. 

Love indeed is what God wants us to strive for. Being kind to those who are different than us or to those we don’t share same viewpoints with. Showing the love of Jesus to a crippled up confused world is what we are called to do. Prayer walk places that need a touch of Jesus. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me be bold for the kingdom even when opposition is all around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Peace Only God Can Give

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

Are you fretful over world news, financial collapse, bad medical reports, and so much more? If honest everyone has been anxious at some time or other. God gave us our emotions but we are to try to be led by the Spirit instead of the flesh. 

Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes and disasters are all going to happen. Family issues may be swirling out of control in life with only your prayers to give you peace in the midst of turmoil and feuding. 

Pray and let God take the wheel so to speak. I myself have tried to take the wheel back on several occasions because I get taunted by the enemy to try to take charge. Rest my friend and keep your mind on Him. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for those people who try to do life without you. I pray for those who need to turn to you to do so. I pray for anxious hearts to be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No News Is Good News

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15

You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “no news is good news” which really doesn’t always hold true but when you go away on a vacation and have no access to the outside world no news is indeed good news because your mind can relax from the fears of things happening in the world.

If you want to be at peace with yourself and display that peace to those around you, don’t fill your mind with things that really won’t benefit you and could cause angst.  

Today make up your mind that you will walk in peace and if feeling anxious to stop and pray. Bad things are always part of the fall of man but you don’t need to hyper focus on them by filling up your mind on the nightly news. Go have a nice day. 

PRAYER: Lord I choose peace so help me ignore the cries of the world to saturate my mind and thoughts with subjects that scare me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You A ‘Crown Hoarder’?

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.2 Timothy 4:8

Once believers die and enter Heaven we are promised different crowns according to scripture. You think why would I want a silly crown what’s up with that? I really have no good response to give you. 

I have never been a beauty queen and had a crown on my head here on Earth but a crown is a reward. On Earth are you striving for worldly ‘crowns’ or popularity kind of like trophies, certificates, and so forth. Earthly crowns don’t amount to much other than boosting personal worth and proving things to others. 

Don’t get me wrong your work here on Earth matters but is it kingdom work or work to bring glory to yourself? Ponder that. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to do nothing more than to serve you and be used by you each and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Learn To Tell Yourself No

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city” . Proverbs 16:32

Do you have trouble with self control? It could be in areas of spending, eating, texting, talking so many things. A self controlled person is a real gem. 

Many times you may want to do something or buy something but that is your flesh talking. You have to just say no and set boundaries for yourself. 

Is this an area in your life that needs tweaking? Go to God and He will see you through. Guard your heart and your mind and stay away from things causing wrong impulsive behavior. Now go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me stay on track and listen to the Spirit not the flesh. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Many Will Come Few Will Enter

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.".Matthew 7:13-14

Church does not save you. Baptism does not save you. Who you know won’t save you. Social status or wealth won’t save you. Being a nice person won’t save you. A certain denomination won’t save you. 

Too many people I feel think Heaven and Hell are fictional but they are very real. The life lived by many today is one of eat, drink, and be merry. Every person has a choice to accept or reject the Lord. No one knows when they will breathe their final breath. Are you sure that if you died today you would be with Jesus in Heaven? 

We are all sinners but God calls us to repent and turn from wickedness, hate, judging, gossip, and so much more. Romans 10:13 says  "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." The Holy Spirit will bring conviction of right versus wrong good versus evil. Where is your heart today? Are you beyond the shadow of a doubt sure you will be with Jesus when you die? 

PRAYER: Father my heart aches for those people who mock you, mock your creation, and mock believers. I pray for those who need freedom in Christ to be set free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.