Oh What Needless Pain We Bear

 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

There is an old hymn entitled ‘Take It To The Lord In Prayer’ that one line says today’s title but adds all “because we do not take it to the Lord in prayer”. 

Think about that. Why do you stress needlessly over something you have no control over? I do it you probably do it too. Human nature right? But aren’t you and I supposed to be trusting God and letting things go? Why don’t we? 

So yes we are weak and heavy laden the hymn says. We don’t need to be heavy laden or burdened as it will only destroy you and your health. Don’t cave to fear and doubt but press into prayer and then go do something and get your mind renewed. 

PRAYER: Father thank you that you are in charge. Period. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Happy Birthday America!!

 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free."Galatians 5:1

A country founded on Biblical principles is still alive and well at 250 years. Many have tried to destroy us and still are trying because freedom, true freedom comes with a price. 

Divine guidance contributed to the nation’s founding and morals are extremely important to our founding. Even the Washington Monument capstone has the engraved inscription Laus Deo which means Praise be to God. Visitors used to be able to take stairs instead of elevator prior to 1971 and I have done that! Inside were Bible verses and tributes to states. 

America is definitely a unique nation founded on scripture and prayer that is probably why so many, even from within, try to destroy us. Stand firm my friend. Stand for truth. Get a copy of Constitution and Declaration of Independence and read them. Pocket copies are available. Know your rights and know that the enemy Satan hates the freedom you and I enjoy. 

PRAYER: Today I give thanks. I pray for those people in our country who try to destroy our freedom. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

For a free copy of the Constitution and Declaration click link below: 

https://info.hillsdale.edu/free-pocket-constitution

Stay Positively Positive

“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

Do you try to look at the glass half full or half empty? It can be easy to get all bent out of shape about things and it is better for your health if you lean into God and learn to blow things off. 

Try to stay off social media and keep the news off too to stay positive. But you might think you have to stay informed. Not really. Your peace of mind is more important. 

So do you want to be positive? Read your Bible daily. Stop overthinking things. Don’t micromanage people. Above all thank God daily for His blessings. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life and I thank you for the word which helps shape me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

John 21

So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.John 21:11 NIV Bible Gateway 

My title today is yet another auto tag I encountered here in Idaho so I looked it up and it is the account of Jesus telling his disciples to cast their net again and they would get fish and they did get some 153 fish to be exact. 

He was giving the account of them becoming fishers of men. Not sure if the significance of the number 153 but pre pandemic there was a coffee shop in Huntsville, Alabama where I lived called Cafe 153. The 153 is puzzling but perhaps shows the nature of Jesus details. 

Are you casting your ‘net’ to win souls for the kingdom of Christ. Once you have accepted Jesus you should desire to have more people won to the Lord and get away from the deceit and entrapment of the devil. Yes the devil is real. Keep casting truth and sharing with others and pray for the lost. 

PRAYER: Lord help people who don’t believe come to a saving knowledge and escape the traps Satan sets for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Party Will Be Held

 "In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent."Luke 15:7

When someone repents there is immense joy in Heaven as this scripture today indicates. You like parties if you have back slidden and come back to the fold so to speak there is great rejoicing. 

Of course Satan will lie and say “that’s not true” or make you feel Heaven isn’t real or this life is all there is. Denominations make their own entrance requirements but God is the gatekeeper and only His rules matter. 

Matthew 7:13 says  "For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." I personally will opt for the narrow gate. What about you? The older I get the closer I get. Are you ready? 

PRAYER: Today I choose to follow you and ask that you draw those I love to you and help them embrace salvation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Outside Your Bubble

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."Phillipians 2:3-4

Outside your bubble of existence there are hurting people. People who are neglected, teased, mocked, estranged, scorned, sex trafficked, ridiculed, and on and on the list goes. You may have problems of your own but peek outside the bubble and see what you encounter. 

It isn’t just the pain of rejection but pain of so many kinds where people don’t have anywhere to turn except a bridge, booze, or bottle of pills. The world seems to have forgotten them but God never does. Every nation has people who hurt. 

Whatever you are going through my friend Jesus is there and wants to comfort your broken heart. Don’t run to the culture to get comfort but run to God. 

PRAYER: Father help me to help others who are hurting or who the world rejects. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note- Click link for 24-7 prayer resources 

Hisradio.com

How Is Your Fruit?

 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23

Fruit in this writing is meaning spiritual fruit not your bananas or things like that. But believers walking with the Lord daily should be producing fruit listed in the verse for today. 

If you in fact are the complete opposites of the type of fruits listed then it is time for some fertilizing so to speak maybe like picking up the Bible and getting it into your spirit. 

I know I don’t like the feelings I get when I am not walking in the Spirit and my fruit isn’t healthy so I have to counteract these things with prayer and Bible reading intentionally knowing that Satan would love to see me fall on my face. Go run your race and grow good spiritual fruit. 

PRAYER: Help me to develop good fruit even when trials come my way to get me to cave. In Jesus’ name. Amen.