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. 

Truth Or Consequences

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."Proverbs 14:12

There was a TV game show in the sixties entitled what my devotion title is today. Catchy title and basically premise was be truthful or lose. 

In life you are better off being truthful at home, at school, with friends, on the job, and basically everything. In John 8 it speaks of the truth setting you free and indeed it does.

In the Garden of Eden the first lie was told and everyone should know the consequences of that. So my friend as much as Satan may entice you to tell half truths, fibs, or white lies it is still lying and will result in trouble and many harsh consequences in the long run.

PRAYER: Lord help me be discerning of truth versus lies because deception is rampant especially on social media. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Live For Jesus Not The Culture

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."Romans 12:2

How many people do you think live like this is all there is so live with gusto and don’t worry about consequences?Laughing and mocking at any consequences to actions that deep down people know are sinful. 

For instance I started to watch a Prime Video that was touted as new and popular based on a romantic novel where the actress’ character talked about hooking up all the time for fun and I knew what she meant in other words no morals when it came to dating. This movie had no  redeeming qualities other than feeding lust so I didn’t watch it. It could also be in books you choose to read that feed the flesh not the Spirit. 

If you are a parent it is your job to guide your children to what is pure and wholesome and hopefully Holy.Also you yourself need to guard your heart and mind. If Jesus came to visit you would you have to change the channel or put away magazines you were looking at? Something to think about. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me stay holy and set apart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Prying The Door Open

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."Proverbs 16:9

What are you waiting on? Waiting on God is hard to do but my friend take it from a person in ‘the waiting room’ you have to be still and stop trying to pry a door open that is shut. Doesn’t seem fair you say. Maybe it isn’t but for now that is where you are at. 

Waiting for answers to prayer and changes to occur can be gut wrenching. You can’t make things happen on your own but can indeed make a mess of things trying. 

So today be still. Chill. Get occupied with other things rather than dwelling on an issue or a person. Trust God and go back in that waiting room. 

PRAYER: Father your will not mine is my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fads

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."1 Peter 2:9

What is the latest cool fad?I was thinking maybe the ‘weighted vest’ where you hear of celebrities walking or hiking with them. Trending as the saying goes. Do you fall for fads or are you happy and content in your own bubble? 

Can you be yourself or do you have to be like everyone else? Not pointing a finger at anyone but why do we feel we have to let everyone know what we are doing? Blame it on social media I guess. Fads start with peer pressure. 

Are you able to resist peer pressure or do you allow the culture to shape you? Something to think about as you go about your day. Be blessed to be a blessing. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be happy with who you created me to be. Help me resist cultural peer pressure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.