Jesus Who?

"Then beware lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."Deuteronomy 6:12 

The state of Kentucky boasts many beautiful tourist sites and lots of history like Daniel Boone and Abraham Lincoln. Beautiful small mountains and rolling hills. The Bluegrass State. The state is known for distilleries and horse racing but is also the home to The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. Part of the ‘Bible belt’ meaning lots of churches and so forth. 

As I observed mankind on my recent visit to Kentucky to spend time with my adult son Matthew I wondered how many people really knew or cared about a ‘walk with Jesus’ but were having so much earthly pleasure He had been written off. Actually I could be observing any of our 50 states and apply same scenario. How many people truly could care less about eternity. Sad to think I know. 

As you go about your day smile at people even those who are outwardly different and hold different views morally, politically and ethically. No one is won to Christ by being smacked over the head with a Bible. God is on the throne and rules and reigns even when it does not seem that way. Love people the way God would. Go places and share His love. Prayer walk areas when you can. Keep on keeping on for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Don’t be surprised. Be ready. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you each day to help me walk and talk wisely. Use me to help share Christ with a lost world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Side Effects

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Romans 6:23

When you take medicine it will usually list the side effects which sometimes are scarier than taking the prescription itself. All sorts of bad things listed that could happen to you probably listed just so you can not sue the pharmaceutical company when you might get something bad going on. 

In life there are side effects too of when you don’t follow Christ. Satan will tempt you to sin and lie to you. 

Your conscience will speak to you and that is the Holy Spirit. Deep down you know something is not right but feel compelled to keep on. Cry out to God and He will rescue you. 

PRAYER: Father you can redeem those who have fallen into sin. Convict hearts to turn back to you or to turn to you for the first time. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Little Turtle Trail

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

I was watching ‘The Last Song’ on a recent flight a film made on Tybee Island, Georgia several years ago. In one scene featured a raccoon scanning for turtles eggs as no momma was protecting them. When they hatched the newborn marched off to the vast Atlantic Ocean hoping to make it to adulthood hood but facing fierce challenges from predators much larger than them. 

Why am I talking about God’s creation the sea turtle in my devotion you ask? Because it gave me the idea of how believers and non believers go out into the world mostly unprepared for what lies ahead and the attacks the enemy will throw at you. If you pray, read God’s word, hang out with the right kind of people you have a better chance of making it safely to your Heavenly home after you first have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life   

If you were to take your last breath today do you know for sure you would wake up in Heaven? 

PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for your protection if I stay under your protective umbrella so to speak, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lions, Tigers, And Bears Oh My!

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”Psalm 27:1

Have you watched any disaster movies lately? Well I happened across one ironically about a worldwide pandemic where the entire world minus one US Navy Battleship had been eradicated by this disease sweeping the world. The series was filmed in 2018 entitled ‘The Last Ship’ starring the late Eric Dane and albeit a little far fetched after our Covid 19 ordeal it made you think. 

First God is on the throne. Nothing happens to us He does not allow. He does not want us fearful biting our nails and reaching for handguns to commit suicide as one sailor did in this fictional series. You can decide what you choose to think about and what you take into your mind. I normally don’t veg out on corny disaster movies but it did give me an idea for my writing. 

Hollywood can churn out some real thrillers and blockbusters but the thing to remember is unless it says ‘based on a true story’ or ‘true story’ it is fake and is  there to reel in viewers,no pun intended,  wanting to be scared. Brother and sisters feed your mind on wholesome entertainment that makes you feel good. As Halloween approaches in just a couple months train yourself in godliness not a diet of horror films. Parents of small children be cautious of books they are allowed to fill their minds with in this approaching season of ghosts and witches. Keep your thoughts on things above. Now go have a good day. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me not hyper focus on the fear the culture tries to feed me but instead to read your word and trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Garment Of Praise For A Spirit of Heaviness

 To all who mourn in Israel he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.Isaiah 61:3 TLB Bible Gateway

Have you ever just felt weighed down and sometimes you don’t know why? If honest you have to say yes. Sometimes the best thing to do is get out for exercise or better yet start thinking of things you can praise God for. 

It’s okay to have slow or unproductive days every now and then. When you get like this stay off of social media as it is no cure for the ho hum sort of day. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself for blah days and give yourself permission to just kick back every now and then. Now go think of your blessings and be joyful. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me stay focused each day and to keep my eyes on the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

They’ve Got A Mom And A Dad And They All Have A Story

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:11

As I sat in the concourse of Louisville International Airport recently I was watching people. I thought to myself these people are all loved by God their creator and they all were born to a female mom and a male dad. Everybody has a story too. Some are happy people some are sad. All people are unique. 

Everyone who is born has a purpose some people find their purpose and others struggle due to various reasons to really know what it is. I hope you know your purpose and are not allowing the enemy to make you feel worthless because you are not! 

Everyone from a ditch digger to a banker is valuable to God. No matter your age you still have a purpose of you are breathing. Each day is a gift from God so rejoice and be glad. 

PRAYER: Father help anyone who is struggling with self worth to find their peace in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Ready

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Romans 10:9

Eat, drink, and be merry. Really. Are you preparing for your real home?Are you beyond a shadow of a doubt that if you were to breathe your last breath you would wake up in Heaven? 

No one knows the day nor the hour of their death or of Jesus’ return. You are born, you grow up live life and then you die. Hopefully time on this Earth was spent doing things for the kingdom of God. 

There are many things to keep you away from the kingdom as Satan who is the prince of darkness finds plenty of distractions to lure you away. Many a grandma and grandpa is on their knees praying for their grandchildren to find Jesus and serve Him. Where is your heart today? 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for giving us many chances to come to a personal relationship with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.