Internalizing God’s Truth

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

Someone close to me told me my devotions were like me publishing my personal journal for the public to see. I don’t see it that way but instead sharing some things from my own life that maybe someone out there can identify with and know they are not alone and bring comfort. God can get you through anything. 

This world today is trying to make an alternate version of God’s truth and it is Satan trying to divide family, friends, communities and yes the nation. If only everyone would pick up their ‘paper Bible’ and just start the day reading Psalms asking God to keep them centered on Him for the day. When you use your phone as the Bible it is too tempting to be diverted and distracted from the truth going off on rabbit trails and pop ups.  

Are you struggling today? Are you being led astray by too much screen time be honest. Maybe today is the day to start being serious about hiding God’s truth in your heart. 

PRAYER: Lord help me put down my devices and give more time to prayer and knowing scripture. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

One Word

A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 15:1

One word can build people up or tear them down. Social media makes it easy to blast someone and crush them without face to face contact.

 

There are so many verses in scripture about the mouth, the tongue, and words. If you could master your tongue you could probably master a ship. Try to think before you speak and don’t be in a rush to get the last word.

 

Can you purpose in your heart to start paying attention to your words including texting and social media. Perhaps give social media a rest.

 

PRAYER: Father help me learn to think before I speak and choose my words wisely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For Two Weeks We Are All On Same Team

 "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you."1 Corinthians 15:58

 It is that time again.  Time for the Winter Olympics coming this year from Italy. It is a time for opposing sports fans in the US to join as one to root for America.No rivalries. No politics. 

On the world stage countries can be at peace for two weeks. Only God can bring true and lasting peace and sadly wars will still happen and divisions will still occur but for two weeks cheering is in unison. 

I pray you find joy in your spirit all the time not just for two weeks. You can marvel at the accomplishments of world class athletes who had a dream to become an Olympian. But do you truly want to be joyful then let go of burdens and let God have them. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for differences that we can celebrate and appreciate. Help me keep my eyes on you and not judge others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

An Air Brushed World

That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 4:22-24

Often people today are concerned about perfection. Getting older and looking older is not fun so remedies are concocted to make people into a different version of themselves. 

Your concern should not be with the outward appearance but with your inner self and your mind and attitudes. Have you taken your medicine today meaning have you sat down with a cup of coffee and tuned into God in your ‘paper Bible’ where pop ups don’t try to steal you away. 

Is Christ at home in your heart? Does He really take first place? Have you let go of inner turmoils and worries dragging you down? It’s up to you. It is the Bible makeover. Go for it. 

PRAYER: Father I need you daily to stay focused and on track. I trust you and ask you help anyone struggling to find joy only you can bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fuss Free, Effortless, Simple

 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."Philippians 4:4

All these are buzz words in my title help the lives of busy people of all ages but there is not always going to be an easy way some things take brain power and effort to accomplish a desired end. When you feel overwhelmed like say with planning a dinner you like effortless answers. 

What about in relationships? They take more prayer, more patience, more work, more really trusting God. Are you hoping right now for a miracle in a relationship matter? It is not easy to wait. You know ‘God is at the wheel’ but somehow can’t relax and let things progress. 

Take it from me trying to jump in and orchestrate things does not work and only can cause misunderstanding and confusion in addition to potential heart break. Just keep talking to God. Don’t run to the phone run to the ‘throne’ to tell God what you are anxious about. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for my brain and how it works sometimes a tad overactive. You know my concerns and you are working so help me trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mind Your Own Business

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1Thessalonians 4:11

Today’s world leaves followers of Christ in a quandary when it comes to spending time with the Lord or diving into the meaningless world of social media which adds nothing to your life if I might add except maybe heart break in comparing yourself to others on Facebook. 

To raise a child in this selfie obsessed all about me generation is a challenge. You do pretty good while the little ones are at home but when you put them out there beyond your protective walls watch out. I tried the 21 day fast from social media but you really have to discipline yourself in staying off of it. In raising children insure you are giving them personal time apart from devices. 

Truly you do have to mind your own business. Junk on social media isn’t accurate most of the time. You can think you are an expert by sharing must read medical advice but you don’t know it is true. Perhaps the pink jello challenge for weight loss which takes you on an endless quest where there is no real answer. Are you able to get up without your phone and do a devotion and perhaps read the Psalms and then ask yourself why all that celebrity gobbly gook matters anyway? Have a Blessed day. 

PRAYER: Father I need you and I need discipline to guard my heart from the lies of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Need To Laugh?

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.Proverbs 17:22

I was recently watching the best Super Bowl commercials. Most of them are comical and a few pull at your heart strings. Laughing for sure helps lifts anyone’s spirit. 

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to laugh. Humor helps healing just like the verse indicates. If you are in a constant state of doom and gloom and allowing Satan to drag you in a pit you will have a hard time escaping. But alas laughter is the best medicine. 

I don’t know what you are dealing with now but having laughter of some form in your life will help set you free from the darkest pit. Let God work. 

PRAYER: Lord God thank you for the gift of laughter. Use me Lord to help someone smile. In Jesus’ name. Amen.