Do Not Quit

Do you not know that in a race all runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

The book 'Lose your Quit'  by Danny Cahill, The Biggest Loser Ever, is a wonderful read. It is about his journey to drop almost 400 pounds and the incredible struggle. His book will help anyone who wants to give up on something, not just weight loss,as it highlights his battles and how with the help of God he overcame his challenges. I was privileged to hear him speak at a health food store in Tulsa and got an autographed copy of his book. It has helped me with my writing perseverance.

 Is there an area in life you are about to give up on? Perhaps you are discouraged over a lost dream or not being selected for something such as a school or job. God works in mysterious ways to give you the desires of your heart. When you feel as if all hope is lost, hang on and keep going. God is there to see you through.

Get into God's word and let it penetrate your heart and soul. His word can help you with whatever it is bogging you down. No situation is bigger than God Danny would say and I would say too.

PRAYER: Lord when I feel like giving up I need your strength to see me through. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Love On!

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Let's face it. Some people are hard to like, much less love. I have had friends not like me anymore and unfriend me on Facebook. Ouch, that stings, especially for someone who is a people lover. No matter if someone loves, likes, or is kind to us, we still need to press on and love on. God commands it.

I recall a neighbor we had several years ago who used to do mean things and it would irritate my husband. I would in a 'preachy' way quote the scripture above. Never, at this point, feeling the sting of rejection from friends, I pressed on, happy with my life. Then it happened. My personality or something started irking a few people and I had friends not like me. I was sad. I obsessed over it lots. But I knew God was going to get me through this and help me grow as well. Perhaps it was a training ground for my devotion writing. If that is the case I guess I need to thank those who have snubbed or hurt me. If you have been hurt or rejected by friends or family it is painful. But we need to love, keep on living life, and learn to let it go and forgive even if the person never seeks forgiveness for their hurt or ever offers an explanation.

Today if you are experiencing this in any way, give it to God. Do not hate these people but feel sorry for them that they are missing out on a wonderful friend and then just pray for God to bless them. It will make you feel better.

PRAYER:I love you Lord and I thank you for all things in my life as they help me grow and develop as a believer. I give my hurt and pain to you to use however you will. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Pesky

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Corinthians 10:12

I love to sit out on my back porch when it is cool but I hate annoying flies. Swatting at them to go away gets to be common place. One day I was thinking, wouldn't it be nice if sin could be like those pesky flies and just keep bugging us so we would recognize it and therefore run the other way, hopefully? 

Sadly, sin is a master of disguise. Satan has lots of tricks up his sleeve to deceive believers,even sometimes those who think they can never fall into his trap. Beware, and know that sin creeps around and catches even the most well intentioned off guard. Sins as simple as cheating, lying, gossip, hate, or being ugly can grab hold of anyone. The way to ward this off is to stay grounded in the truth found only in God's word. Opening up the Bible only for a few minutes on Sunday is not going to be sufficient. If this is your desire maybe you need to ask yourself if you truly love Jesus or are just a church member. 

Make it a point to make God a ritual in your day as important as eating, for after all it is your spiritual food. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and forgive me for the times you really could not tell it by me just claiming to be a Christian and doing nothing more. Create in me a hunger for the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Under Attack

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

When you hear the words "under attack" what comes to mind? For me I think of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor or in my own life time, the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks on 9-11. Surprise attacks on American soil are sure attention getters. That is what our enemy wanted in both cases. 

As a believer in Jesus Christ we find ourselves under another kind of attack almost daily. It is called 'Spiritual Warfare' and the attacker is Satan, the great liar, deceiver, killer, and accuser of the brethren. His mission is threefold: to kill, steal, and to destroy. His army are demons and people on Earth he has tricked into unknowingly work for him. Oftentimes when we hear of evil being perpetrated on people through people like Hitler we know Satan had control of him. How else would he do such unspeakable atrocities to the Jewish people? Many churches do not even talk about Satan and choose to brush him under the church rug. Believe you me, he can escape from under any rug, in or out of church. 

Today harden not your heart. Do not feel it is kooky to resist the enemy. He hates the word of God so pick up your Bible and make him mad.

PRAYER: No weapon the enemy forms against me will prosper. It says that in the Bible. I choose to run towards you and run away from evil. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Keep Running!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24

I have been running for years, actually since I was on the high school track team at age 15, then on into the military, and now because I like to. Yes I actually like to run. When I used to miss a day my husband noted a personality change and would say kindly "go run." Afterwards I was a new Becky.

It is necessary to "keep running" or "keep going" on lots of things in life. There is a saying "when the going gets tough the tough get going." Whatever the task ahead of you that overwhelms you, with God you can keep going and not quit. The enemy, Satan, is who tries to get you feeling a "can't do" attitude. He does not want you to progress and feel good about yourself. Instead his mission would be to get you to drown your problems in alcohol and become addicted or make wrong decisions based on wrong emotions. 

Whatever it is that has you troubled today, know God has your back and He is only a prayer away. Keep on running!

PRAYER: I know I can do all things with your help. I will not allow a purist of discouragement from the enemy to get me down. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Ready For Christmas?

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Six months of shopping days left till Christmas. Time for card shops to put out their Christmas ornaments and gift wrap. Seems advertising for this special holiday comes earlier each year. When I was employed by Hallmark cards, customers would often remark to me about the extremely early timeframe  in which the Christmas products went on the shelves. We commercialize this day of Christ birth so much it can start to loose its' significance. It is up to each family to manage the celebration amongst all the hype merchants throw at us.

Every day we should be aware of, and in celebration of Jesus, and not just save this time for Christmas. Wake up daily and say "hi Jesus, it's me." Spend time alone with God in His word daily. For young moms this can be challenging but try incorporating your time with your children to train them in godliness. If they are older insure they know mommy has this very important thing she does daily and get them started in the same great daily habit.

Half the year is left so why not make sure Jesus is first, truly first each day!

PRAYER: Thanks for the miracle of Christmas. I purpose to make every day your day. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Shhhh!

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Psalm 34:13

How many readers would say they think they have a trouble controlling their mouth? This could be as simple as lying, yes even white lies, or gossip? Our mouths can get us into major trouble and even wreck relationships if we are not careful. It is essential to think before we engage our mouths and speak. Wanting to share  opinions sometimes is unnecessary and indeed can backfire. The less said the better is often the key. 

Let's say you are in a room with Jesus and someone is arguing with Him. Do you suppose He would continue on? First of all, He would not be verbally battling someone. We as His  followers are to set an example in words and deeds. Often it is easy to let situations make us get upset or even something someone has said to hurt us. Best to overlook an offense and be at peace than to try to start a war of words. 

Try something if you will. Make a list of people you feel angry at and ask God to help your speech and thoughts towards them be kind and pure. 

PRAYER: Today and every day Lord help me live a life pleasing to you in the things that I say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No Big Deal

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

Who has not heard the phrase, "This too shall pass"? Basically it means that whatever is happening now will not last forever. For instance, a woman's labor pains bringing a child into the world, will eventually end and the baby is born. All the bad stuff will eventually be over.  According to this verse above God has a plan and we need to know He is going to help us. Remember the story of Joseph in the Bible sold into slavery, and he ended up saving them later? Read the account in Genesis 37. What the brothers meant for evil God used for good. Our God is like that.

Sometimes in the midst of troubles and turmoil it is hard to see any purpose or good that would ever come from it. It is necessary to trust that God does indeed have a plan to establish and restore in the midst of chaos. Do not look at the problem but keep your eyes on God. Keep looking above and not allowing Satan to bring discouragement upon you. Above all do not abandon God in your trials but embrace Him and keep believing.

What is going on in your life or life of a family member in which you are waiting for the crisis to end? Do not give up and keep hope alive.

PRAYER: Even when storms of life start to make me feel like I can not go on, I will trust and continue to pray. I believe you are working. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Simply Amazing!

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

It boggles my mind to think of all that Jesus died for. All the junk we have done and all the times we ignored him and did what we wanted to even when we knew the consequences would not be good. Our free will and sin nature got in the way. Without acknowledging God we went our own way and then show up on the doorsteps of church Sunday. It is good to be in church but we need more than Sunday.  Jesus died a horrible death on the cross so we could be set free. 

Do you love Jesus and is He the Lord of your life or are you in the church club where you simply are on the rolls somewhere or grew up in a denomination because that is what your family did? Perhaps you go off each Sunday but get nothing from it and can't wait for the hour to be up. God is amazing for sure. Even though He is ignored and treated so poorly by us He still loves us. He is the God of second chances and even third and fourth chances. 

If you have not already done so why not ask Him to be Lord of your life today and change you from the inside out. 

PRAYER: Lord you are worthy to receive glory, and honor, and power. Your name is above all names. I praise you forever and ever. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link before to worship the Lord in praise. 

http://youtu.be/XFRjr_x-yxU

Kerplunk

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been calledaccording to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Recently in northern Alabama sink holes developed on I-65 Northbound. Not sure if any cars or trucks wrecked as a result. Can you imagine if you were driving along then 'kerplunk' into the sinkhole you go. Hopefully it would not require an emergency room visit but still would be frightening and unexpected. 

In life we have 'sinkholes' of sorts that happen unexpectedly and send us to our 'emergency room' which is at the feet of Jesus. Unexpected events such as deaths, finding out a family member has a drug or alcohol problem, being fired or laid off, finding out your son or daughter is gay, being told by a parent he or she was remarrying after having just lost a spouse, being given a terminal diagnosis, failing to get into a school you had hoped for, being passed over for promotion when you clearly expected it to occur and many more things. Stuff just happens and life goes on. We deal with things the best way we know how. What do you do when life has unexpected events happening? The first thing is to not lose control but to pray and ask God what He wants you to gain from the journey you are now on. Don't try to figure things out but go to God. Pray. Search the scriptures daily and realize you are not alone.

Now is the time to not think God has forgotten you but to know He loves you and everything is going to be okay.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus when things around me seem to not go according to what the life was I envisioned I still trust you and know you love me and have a plan. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Listen to the following praise and worship song to help you start your day. Be blessed to be a blessing. 

http://youtu.be/zC1MgLr2LqE

Birthdays Are Great!

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures, yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

Why is it people complain about getting older? What is wrong with growing up and becoming mature? Today is my younger sons' big 3-0 birthday but it is really no big deal. Turning 30 signifies old age for many, but once you get older you see it is nothing. Thirty years ago today was indeed a special and joyous day for my husband and I and our older son, who was now gaining a playmate. 

God blesses us with years of life to do things to serve the kingdom of God and impact the world we are in.  It is hard to understand why some die so young and others live to be 100 but the thing is we need to be living life to the fullest and honoring God each day we do have. Tomorrow is never promised.

What are you doing today and on your birthday to live for Christ? 

PRAYER: I am thankful Lord or each birthday you bless me with. I am thankful for of life you add to give me opportunities to serve you. Help me use my time wisely. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Fixated? Stop It Now!

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

What is your mind constantly fixated on? Is it something good or do you consistently dwell on things that drag you down and make you feel bad? Many in our world are fixated on celebrities some to the point of stalking them as was in the news recently with actress Sandra Bullock. Fixations can be on tragedies where perhaps you can not get enough of bad news about disasters. Maybe you are fixated on mistakes from your past and can not seem to forgive yourself even though Jesus forgave you. There are those fixated on conspiracy theories. Today's world sees a new fixation with Facebook, You Tube, and Twitter where some feel a need to know every detail of a person's life.

             In life it is necessary to strike a balance and not let your mind be saturated to the point where you can not think on anything else. For a believer, a great thing to keep your mind on would be 'things above' and the word of God. Whatever your mind dwells on is often what rules your life. If you have difficulty keeping your mind fixed on Jesus and things that are good and perfect as it refers to in Philippians 4:8. My recommendation would be to get away and let go of things you know causing you to fixate. Spend more time in prayer and Bible study. Basically things that build you up and not saturate you with meaningless activity. 

The challenge for reader's today is to check your life and see what it is you may be fixated on that  really does not bring you closer to God and turn that around to glorify Jesus.

PRAYER: Just as the verse in Philippians 4:8 says to think on good things, help me Lord to resist spending too much time on things that take me away from you and get me into a pit of despair. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I Blew It! Not With God!

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12

What have you done that you are really not proud of? Perhaps treated a stranger poorly such as a waitress at a restaurant or a clerk at a store. Maybe you hurt a family member or are dealing with resentment after being hurt. Anger might have gotten the best of you and you broke something or said something to someone you wish you could retract?  

Whatever it is that has you ashamed and concerned,God gives you a do over and a second chance. If you have been wronged even when the person who hurt you never asks to be forgiven you can still choose to let it go,move on, and forgive. If you spewed forth angry words you now regret, that too, can be forgiven. We beat up on ourselves so much when forgiveness is a prayer away. 

       Today's assignment is to trust that God has forgiven you and learn to forgive others and      have a pure heart. 

PRAYER: Your love for me is so very great. Satan wants me to condemn myself when I know your grace has set me free. I want to say thanks. In Jesus' name. Amen.

     

Little Baby Steps

          Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

          When I rededicated my life to Christ and became 'born again' on March 19, 1975 I did not become a spiritual giant all at once nor am I one now. Sometimes I have been kidded, since my passion is to write devotions, that I should go to seminary. Well I do not plan to go that route. I am simply being obedient to what I feel God called me to do. I did not instantly know scriptures but I am every thankful to The Navigators ministry who discipled me in Anniston, Alabama while I was assigned to Ft McClellan awaiting assignment  to Fort Lee, Virginia. It was through a wonderful book entitled 'Disciples Are Made Not Born' that I really started to learn to grow. I had a rough period when I kind of fell away a few months in Virginia until arriving at Fort Ord, California where I got involved with Officer's Christian Fellowship. 

When you accept Christ you have to stay connected to other believer's and try to find a good Bible study and a growing church. If you stagnate and compromise you can easily be led down the wrong path.  There is a verse in Colossians 2:8 which says "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."  Stay grounded in the word and it will be easier to be caught off guard by Satan. 

Take those little baby steps as they are important in growing but do not expect to know everything and take time growing in Christ on the journey He has you on.

PRAYER: Thank you that each and every day is a new challenge and new opportunities to grow in Christ and serve you Lord. Help me go out in love and know you are with me and will sustain me. Protect me from evil. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Links to the two ministries I mentioned are listed below:

http://www.navigators.org/Ministries

http://www.ocfusa.org/

 http://www.christianbook.com/disciples-are-made-not-born/walter-henrichsen/9780781438834/pd/61442

Suns Up! Begin Anew!

²⁴ The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Psalm 118:24

Yeah for new days! If the previous day left much to be desired the good news is that it is gone never to return. Whatever it is that is getting you down and keeping you in despair now you have another new chance to start again. Don't you just love fresh starts especially if you have messed up? God makes all things new and He is on our side. His desire is not for you to wake up and go "oh no not another day" but to get up out of bed and say to Him "thanks for being alive!"

Instead of complaining about having to go to work maybe thank God you have a job to go to. Start a new habit of waking up and instead of saying "I'm just not a morning person" try quoting the scripture above. The New King James Version translation is often more familiar and it says "This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."

    Now rise and shine and give God the glory and enjoy your day!

PRAYER: Each new day is a wonderful gift from you Lord. Help me to use it wisely and to shine your love today wherever I go. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hey There Daddy!

Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live. Hebrews 12:9 Today in America we celebrate Father's Day. For many this is not a happy day because of neglect, abuse, rejection, or the absence of their father. It brings hate in some people's heart of how they were treated and anger in others for the things their dad did. But many others have happy memories of good times with dad. Some folks lost their dad when they barely had time to make any memories. Sometimes step dads do the fathering but a "step" is a dad. I know many people where the 'step dad' was much better than the biological dad.  If you are one of the people having trouble with this day of remembrance or celebration, go to God and share your heart with Him. It is good to not harbor resentment and hate and even if your earthly dad never asked for forgiveness for whatever he did or said you can forgive never the less. It is hard to go on in life harboring bitterness in your heart.       Today think of a list of things you are thankful for your daddy did for you. If you have difficulty simply thank Him for using your dad to bring you into this world.  PRAYER: Fathers have a big responsibility. Typically they bear the huge job of earning an adequate income and providing for their family. Ideally they are the spiritual leaders. Help dads everywhere who know Christ accept this and perform it with your help. Thanks for the dad you blessed me with. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hard To Go Forward If You Keep Looking Back

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13

How many people do you ever hear of yearning for the good old days? I, for one, am happy just where I am. There is no time machine to transport me back to fix things I messed up at. Our enemy Satan likes to drag up the past. The past is gone and we can learn from it good or bad, and move forward to new experiences. The natural progression is to keep looking ahead and know you might have done things you regret but God is full of mercy, it is Satan who is not. 

I serve a big God and He is able to forgive, restore, redeem, and set free. He is your friend when humans friends or family want nothing to do with you. His love endures forever. He is not limited by our human rules. 

Today why not get going making up your mind you will not allow Satan to torture you with things from the past you can do nothing about. Move ahead with peace and joy. 

PRAYER: Lord you are good and forgiving. Your love knows no bounds. You love me when the world runs out and for that I am thankful. In Jesus' name. Amen, 

Respect

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband? Ephesians 5:33

Both Ephesians chapter 5 and 1 Peter Chapter 3 have allot to say about marriage between a husband and a wife. Not meaning to leave single people out, these chapters are good for all of us to read and take to heart. The foundations are love and respect among other things. But love and respect are also needed in our world in general.

Respect is defined by Bing online dictionary as "esteem: a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something."  Some husbands may not be kind verbally to their wives but with God's help those ladies can master respect. Always remember to love unconditionally. Respect will get you a long way. 

Your job today and everyday is to show love to others and be respectful regardless. Go change your world. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to show respect not only to my spouse but to those around me. I want your live to flow through me like a mighty ocean. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Wow! Wow! Wow!

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him— 1 Corinthians 2:9

Who doesn't ooh and ah at a beautiful humongous mansion? Perhaps those who live in them? As I drove through Brentwood, TN on the outskirts of Nashville recently I passed by gorgeous homes where I could not stop saying to myself "Wow, wow, wow"! It is not that I am ungrateful for my own home ,because indeed I am blessed, but these stunning 10,000 square foot plus homes looked  almost like miniature hotels.

Each of us living in the United States is blessed to live pretty adequately compared to most of the world. Even those in homeless camps have tents that are pretty nice. To covet someone's else's property is not what God desires. As I gazed at these beautiful homes my thoughts drifted to our heavenly kingdom that awaits us once we breathe our last breath on Earth. The time we spend on Earth is so very short in the big scheme of things. In James 4:14 we are told "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." We are to live well and seek God while we are on Earth. Not everyone will enter this heavenly kingdom. Those who reject Him need to accept Christ so they do not miss out. You never know when your last day will be so be ready.

Are you imagining what your mansion in heaven will be like? God has glorious things in store for those who know and love Him. 

PRAYER: Thank you dear Lord for the blessings I enjoy here on Earth. Thank you for my home and the other possessions you have blessed me with. Help me never put possessions before you. In Jesus name.Amen. 

Click link to worship God in song. 

http://youtu.be/K_OB7d-B1Vw

Prayer Rooms Abuzz

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

I have had people wonder why I go to Starbucks since they tell me they are anti-Christian.  I say to them that I am to be like Jesus and go spread His love not just in Holy places. One day as I sat in Starbucks early in the morning  the place was so loud with people talking. Every table was occupied. I was in my cubby hole back In a corner writing. With all this activity buzzing around me I got to thinking about how excited people seemed to be while enjoying their friends, coffee, and socialization. I thought "wouldn't it be great if there were little prayer houses similar to a Starbucks that is so popular and people could get excited about congregating to pray and have fellowship"? 

It was not my place to stand in judgment of anyone in the coffee shop but I did wonder how many had spent time with the Lord before rushing into their busy day. Often times it is so much more convenient to do worldly things such as the morning shows on television, stop for coffee on way to work, hit the gym, read the morning paper. All these are fine activities but if anything takes the place of Jesus that is dangerous territory. When you spend less and less time with Him your thoughts can become more and more like the world. 

So what do you think. Anyone want to open a chain of morning prayer houses? 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I allow other activities to squeeze you out or only give you a passing thought. You are so patient but I know you miss me when I rush into my day without you. Help me in time management to put you first. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Broken But In For Repairs

Persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:9

Cars break and we take them to the dealer for repair unless we know how to do it ourselves. Break your leg and it is time for a visit to the doctor for a repair. Clothes are torn and need to be sewn. Tires get a flat and have to be patched. When a dish is broken we often glue it back together. When I was a child my little teddy bear named  "Bucky Bear', which I still have on a chair in my living room, fell in a child's swimming pool a few times. I recall my mom taking the stuffing out and hanging it on the clothesline to dry then re-stuffing it with perhaps old hosiery. It had many operations to put it back together. 

"Life is fragile handle with prayer" is a familiar phrase. Broken spirits, broken hearts, broken relationships, broken promises all can add up to a very broken person.  Often times it is hard to visualize every being whole again when you hurt. God is the great repairer of brokenness. God is the great healer and deliverer of brokenness in life. Often overwhelmed perhaps there is no hope. That feeling is from the enemy whose purpose is to destroy hope and make us feel helpless. Don't allow that to happen. Rise up my friend. 

Time to go to God's repair shop and cry out to Him to help you through. 

PRAYER: Lord oh Lord you are so great and mighty. You have the power to do it all. I need only cry out to you and you can heal wounds of brokenness and set me free. In Jesus' name. Amen.

All I Can Do Is Pray

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Have you found yourself in an absolute state of despair wondering when something you have been praying for will end? I sure have. You cry out to God. The end of your rope is near. Anguish builds up. There is no where to run, no one to talk to who will understand. 

The good news is God is there in the midst of everything seemingly going wrong. He loves you and He wants you to hang on. His ways are not our ways it says in Isaiah 55:8. Once you pray you need to let it go, so why is it so many of us can not seem to do that? In your time of need do not abandon God and become angry. He knows the "big picture". Try telling this to someone who prayed for a child to be healed and he died. Do I know why? No I do not but I do know that the Lord Jesus loves us and has gone through the same sufferings we have. 

Hang on and look to Jesus and above all keep praying!

PRAYER: I love you Lord and I know you love me no matter what. I will continue to not quit praying. In Jesus' name. Amen.

End Times

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. Matthew 24:12

Ungratefulness, unholiness, being led astray, strange weather patterns, wars and rumors of wars, and complacency  about sin are just a few of the signs of the return of our Lord. There is nothing to fear if you are a believer and following Jesus. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that  "the Lord Himself will come down with a loud command". Many may see this as frightening. Others anticipate it with joy and hope to see it in their lifetime. 

There have always been those people trying to predict the end of the world, doom and gloom. Many signs point to the fact we are getting closer but it says in Matthew 24:36 that "But about that day no one knows not even the angels  in heaven or the Son, but only the Father." Predicting the apocalypse sells many books and makes a great movie, but it can also create a  tremendous panic.

Do not be afraid my friend. Fear and worry about an event that has not even happened is wasted energy. Instead make sure you are ready for His return. Be loving, caring, kind, and be ready. Have you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life? If not why not do it  today. 

PRAYER: Lord oh Lord how majestic is your name in all the Earth. I fear no terror. I know you are coming back one day and look forward to that. Help those who do not know you to be ready. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I've Got Your Card

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.Galatians 1:10

In my many times being in coffee shops writing, I often can not help but hear others dialogue when little groups come in for meetings. After one recently, the group asked each other for their business cards. This little card sure seems to hold status. I know I have a card for my writing and often am able to give it out if necessary. 

It just struck me though that this tiny item can hold so much power or status like 'I've arrived'. Sort of gets your foot in the door in some places or makes you seem more professional. I wondered if Jesus had a business card what would it say?  Perhaps it would read "JESUS The Almighty, Healer, Teacher, Counselor, Willing Listener. Call on me." 

We do not need a business card to be accepted by Christ. He loves us with or without a card and with or without Earthly importance. Just run to Him. He is waiting for you. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for loving me and accepting me just like I am. I know you love me and I thank you I know I can run to you at any time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Rock the Cradle and Rule the World

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13

There is a saying "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world". Bear with me male readers for a moment, but this is true. This most important job is often degraded as meaningless to the point mothers feel they have to stay in the professional world to gain self esteem and feel worthy. Well young mothers out there, your job is the most important!  You are raising future leaders of this world of ours. You have a window of opportunity to raise and teach them the things of the Lord as well. These little blessings will only be around a very short time. There are some grandmas who have been tasked with being "moms" and what a awesome responsibility they have as well.

Do not ever feel that you have to be out in the corporate world because you feel it looks so exciting compared to what you do at home with dirty diapers and potty training.  All those little things add up and impact this little human under your care. This is not to say that everything will turn out perfect as children have a free will too but what you do will impact them immensely in years to come. 

Remember Proverbs 22:6 says "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." That my friend is a promise you can believe in.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the gift of children. Thank you for giving us what it takes to raise them up for you. We hold on to hope that they will always love and serve you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Note: Do yourself a favor and go see an awesome family Christian comet which has been out since Mother's Day weekend. It is called 'Mom's Night Out'! http://momsnightoutmovie.com

Also two awesome ministries for moms to get involved in would be during the preschool years Mothers of Preschoolers found out www.mops.org and later for kindergarten and beyond is Moms in Prayer International formerly Moms in Touch with info found out www.momsinprayer.org. 

It Hurts So Bad!

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

There was a song in the sixties whose lyrics said "And you know that it hurts so bad to see you again"  and it was referring to a young couple who had broken up.  If you can remember back to high school days it did hurt when you broke up. It also hurts for children to be left out. It hurts when a spouse leaves. It hurts when a spouse dies. It hurts to lose a child. It hurts when you are excluded from your extended family. It hurts when you are a grandma being kept from your grandchildren. It hurts to be abused and abandoned. It hurts to be fired or laid off.  It hurts to be shunned. It hurts to be rejected. It hurts when you feel like a failure. There are many scenarios where a person can suffer excruciating emotional pain which at times they feel they can never escape from.

We all come from different backgrounds and have different stories. The one thing to remain is that God's love for you will never go away. He is there. He loves you. When you are deep in  pain you feel like your world is just falling apart and you can't possibly go on. The good news is it takes time but you can heal and even grow from whatever it is you have suffered. Our enemy Satan would love to use your pain to cripple you and keep you away from God. This is when you need Him more than ever. Cry out to Him my friend! He is listening and cares! 

PRAYER: Lord I need you oh I need you. Every hour I need you. Oh bless me now my savior, I come to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for wonderful song of praise and worship.

http://youtu.be/6_KXsMCJgBQ

Dead To Sin

By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Romans 6:2

Bad sinful habits are often justified. The more you engage in them the more you begin to overlook the sin.  Say to yourself out loud,"I am dead to sin!" You are perhaps doing something you know deep down is not making God happy. It is dragging you away from Him and making you excuse or defend it. Maybe you feel trapped.

Habits are hard to break especially when you have convinced yourself you are doing nothing wrong. Ask yourself if what you are doing is drawing you closer to God and if it isn't maybe it's time to flee and run to God! If your choice or activity is keeping you from being close to God that is a warning flag right there. 

Satan is the master deceiver who will do all he can to keep you away from God, the Bible, church as it is through these you can discern good and evil. Don't let Him win. Run far, run fast, and seek God.

PRAYER: Lord you are good and there is none other as good as you. Your ways are perfect. Help me not stray from your path and to seek you always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and be blessed by a wonderful son of worship!

http://youtu.be/ipwEtvWL_3c

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Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you. I do not give to you like the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Aren't error messages on your computer frustrating? For those of us in the baby boomer generation we remember the error messages on our television sets back in the 60's would reading "Please Standby. The Trouble is Not In Your Set". Oh the joys of technology whether new or old. In cowboy days wagon wheels broke. Whatever time of life a person lived in I am certain there were frustrations that came in their time as well. We get to a point that our peace is disrupted by simple messages such as found in my title.

 How is a person to achieve peace in a chaotic non stop world? The answer is simple. Get away, take breaks, breathe, and do not squeeze God out of your daily existence. Many may call themselves a Christian but their minds are far from Him. How do expect to feel peaceful and close to God when you rarely spend time with Him? As a reminder, I just wanted to point out the enemy,Satan, tries to keep us overloaded and busy because then excuses are made why there is no time for God. He's just for Sunday, then for some nature will do just fine. After all He created it. What's your excuse?

Wherever you are today in your walk with God, if you are experience the frustrations of daily living take time daily to give Him time and see if things don't get better.

PRAYER: Oh Lord open my eyes to things in my life that are causing me frustration and lack of peace. Help me as I learn to re order my priorities daily making sure you are first not just in words but in my actions. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Vacation With A Purpose

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Most parts of the country are no doubt having school vacation right about now unless making up snow days.  The typical places to go on vacation seem to be the beach, Disney properties,a cruise, or an amusement park of some sort. Why not this year take a worthy educational vacation to a place your children will come away with more than mouse ears or a sunburn? I was so proud of my husband when he spoke at church on Memorial Day weekend about the suggestion of going to Washington DC and learning about history and freedom. There are many places where you can go to learn about the Biblical foundations of this great nation.

You can learn about the faith our Founding Fathers had and the scriptures seen throughout the various monuments in our Nation's Capitol. Venture to Arlington National Cemetery for a lesson on the cost of freedom.  God truly has been behind the great blessings this unique country has experienced. Evil forces are always at work to take freedoms away. We the people need to emerge from our protective complacent cocoons and take part in preserving freedom. This can be as simple as voting. With small children at home get them out to places to learn history. Here in my area we are blessed with Early Works Museum and Constitution Village, where I worked for a while a few years ago. Write letters to the editor. Stay informed. Freedom is only one generation from extinction. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for the blessing of freedom. I thank you for vacation time as well. Help me educate myself on how freedom is tied to the Bible. In Jesus' name. Amen.