Jesus Is The Reason For Every Season

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Around mid July I saw my first Christmas advertisement on TV. I am sure there are probably stores with Christmas displays already. It is a little difficult to get into the Christmas spirit when it is the end of July or even anytime in the fall. 

Jesus is not just for Christmas although many acknowledge Him only on that day. Christmas starts to lose its' special meaning of a Holy holiday when it gets too commercial. It starts to become way down on the list of favorite holidays simply because of the stress surrounding the preparations. It does not have to be that way and should not. 

Jesus is the reason for every season. Without Him life has no meaning and we would seek to exist. Why not make a point to keep Jesus special each of the 365 days of the year and not get in a frantic tizzy trying to do everything just so for that one special day we celebrate this Christian holiday.

PRAYER: This is the day you have made Lord and I choose to rejoice and be glad in it regardless of what is going on around me. I thank you that in a few months we celebrate your birthday but each day is to be celebrated. In Jesus' name. Amen.  

Water Or Wilt

I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6

I received the most beautiful outdoor hanging flowers from a friend at my Book Launch party back in late April. Surprisingly for me, the lady with no green thumb, these flowers did well. I went on vacation in early July and therefore the flowers were not receiving water and when I returned and I looked at them in horror. Four days without water and they were pretty messed up and almost dead. 

This illustration reminds me of our spiritual life which for this purpose will be the flowers. If we 'water' our spiritual life by reading the word of God it will blossom and bloom. The minute we stop paying attention to the word and get too saturated by the problems of daily life, the flowers wilt, or our spiritual life in this case.

Do you want to bloom like beautiful flowers in the kingdom of God. You have to nurture your spiritual side and do it daily. Just existing and being a church member is not enough. Take time today to evaluate your time with the Lord and see if maybe it needs a little tweaking. 

PRAYER: Thanks for living where I am able to read the Bible and do it openly and publicly if I choose to. I know it is necessary to spend quality time with you Lord so I blossom for the kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Losing Stuff And Staying Peaceful

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.1 Peter 5:7

A couple weeks back I misplaced a key ring that did not have keys on it thankfully, but instead  loyalty rewards cards from stores, gas stations,  and restaurants. It can nearly make you go mental when you know you just had it and then poof, the item is nowhere to be found. You retrace steps, call businesses, look in garbage cans and eventually have to resign yourself to the fact you may have to let it go and hope it shows up. 

Precious time can be spent worrying and fretting over stuff like that we have no control over. The enemy puts thoughts into your mind such as "you are getting senile" but you have to reject that and stay at peace. People of all ages misplace items. 

Do you have thoughts that pop into your head that cause you to want to worry? Do you obsess over your stuff that is lost? Try to be still and trust God. I did and guess what? Found the cards! 

PRAYER: You are a good God. I thank you for helping me maintain peace when I feel like doing otherwise. Each day help me to slow down. I thank you for helping me find my lost items. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Cross Brings Peace

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3

At a recent visit to the local VA Clinic in Huntsville, a gentleman who apparently worked there,  was passing out American flag cross lapel pins. After I got over the shock of this actually occurring,  I proceeded to put it on the shirt I was wearing. It did bring me both comfort, hope, and joy.

During this time I sat waiting for lab work,a rather disgruntled female veteran with two knee replacements and a host of other issues was sharing her woes with me and I said to her as I saw the same lapel pin cross in her hand, "at least you have that cross to give you some hope." Life does bring things to irritate us. On this same day after waiting almost an hour for a lab appointment a kind  nurse came out and said she was sorry but someone messed up and there was no scheduled appointment. I did not get mad, even though I was starving from having fasted over 12 hours for this appointment,  but simply pointed to my cross and said it was okay and smiled. 

Is something bothering you that you need to just let go and move on?Anger only inflames many situations. Wherever you are and whatever you are going through just remember the cross of Christ and try to smile. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to pursue peace in all situations that I may encounter. Help me also let my light shine in the darkness around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Paranoid Or Trusting?

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." Matthew 10:16

The world we live in here in 2016 can cause us concern, fear, anxiety, and paranoia but only if you let it. Who do you believe? What can you do? 

The one standard that never changes is Jesus Christ. Even though many individuals, groups, and sadly our own government try to erase His existence, He is not going anywhere. If your mind constantly feeds on a steady diet of bad news then naturally you may be fearful of tomorrow. 

God is the author of peace and you can choose peace, love, stillness, and quietness as you stay grounded on God's Holy Word. Don't let the enemy cause you to be scared. Keep praying and keep the faith. 

PRAYER: You are Supreme over all things. When I see stories on the news that make me want to run and hide you alone can see me through. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Spitting Time

So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16

What or who takes center stage in your life? Your job? A hobby? A cause? Would you say you love Jesus and are you more than just a Christian in name only? Many questions to give some thought to. 

Today's verse is pretty easy to understand. No one likes anything lukewarm. When you think of your walk with the Lord, is it non existent or on fire or just ho hum? Now I am not referring to all the good things you do or your devotion to a particular denomination, but your love for the Lord and your desire to please Him and live for Him. 

So here in lies the question..."If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?"(author unknown). Answer the call and follow Him. 

PRAYER: Help your joy radiate in my life. 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. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9: 24-25

I love to run and am thankful I still can. Granted I am not as fast as I used to be but still enjoy it. In life each of us is a 'runner' pressing on in this race we call life.

Sadly I have known people who have taken their own lives and those who attempted to, but thankfully failed. My heart goes out to especially the parents and families of these individuals. Life is not a bed of roses all the time and there will be challenges. Don't catch yourself judging these individuals who gave up on their race. That is not your job. 

Fix your eyes on the cross of Christ. If you catch your mind drifting into negative thinking patterns immediately get into the word of God. Talk out loud and tell Satan to get behind you and that you belong to Jesus. Keep pressing on to the finish line! 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus sometimes it is so hard to keep on keeping on. You gave me life and have a reason for me being on planet Earth. When negative thoughts come into my mind I will counteract them with praising you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Offended?

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19

Taking offense, being hurt, getting angry and shutting someone out is not a characteristic of a believer. Being offended is earthly and only leads to hurt feelings, misunderstanding, and angry. 

Has someone ever offended you? Probably the answer is yes. Have you ever offended anyone either intentionally or unintentionally? Probably another yes reply. 

Just as today's Bible verse indicates, the offended person is very hard to win back. Very sad. The definition of offended is resentful. Not a fruit of the spirit obviously. So if you struggle with this ask God to help you. If you have offended someone go make peace. 

PRAYER: I thank you for forgiveness and mercy. Help me be extra careful that I don't cause offense. Help me to learn to let go of past offenses in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Keep The Faith

“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

There is much in the world today to get a person discouraged and overwhelmed with paralyzingly fear. Feeling at times our own government is out to get us, you may say "where is God". I know one thing. God rules and reigns and is the Supreme Commander In Chief.

Your enemy Satan would love nothing better to destroy this once God fearing nation of the United States. When evil is allowed to seep in you see the consequences. Yet many are blind to this evil and call those of us who speak out, hateful, racist, bigots and other names.  

Satan is the great liar and deceiver and he wants total control. He hates prayer. He hates Christians. He loves confusing people and making them believe lies. Pray for those you may know being made to believe lies. Pray for those who have ended friendships with you over politics. Above all pray for our leaders and America. 

PRAYER: Lord I love freedom and I hate the enemy Satan. He tricks so many into so much that only the Holy Spirit can set them free. Guard our hearts and deliver us from evil. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Temporary Residents

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

As a soldier in the US Army later also married to a soldier there was a familiar acronym TDY which stood for Temporary Duty. This was when a soldier was sent away from their home base for an additional duty for a few weeks. Not necessarily deployed as in wartime. Once I did TDY as a Reserve Evaluator. 

As a Christian we are TDY of sorts as well. This world is not supposed to be our real home and it is not! We are TDY waiting for our ultimate assignment to the heavenly kingdom. That is if you have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life and are sold out to Him.

If you become too in love with the things of this world it becomes where your affections lie. Being here on Earth is so very temporary. It is a training ground for our real home in Heaven.  Are you allowing this world to shape you too much? 

PRAYER: I thank you for the place I live. I know many are not as blessed in other parts of my country and the world in general but help me never fall in love with temporal things. Use me as your instrument to spread your love while I am here. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Taming The Social Media Monster

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

Okay so it's 2016 and everyone is into social media, the latest craze being a Pokemon app. Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, and many more sites beckon us to waste valuable time peering into others lives and playing games. A challenge for today's parents whose children knew nothing but electronic devices is to back away from them and do other things. We adults probably need to listen up as well and ask how much time we're using these sites and what are we gaining from them.

Many wonderful things can be found on the internet(God's Lemonade Stand) but if people in society just sit glued to tiny screens all day long the valuable social interaction of face to face communication is lost. I sat by a young woman on a flight from DC several years ago who was concerned her generation was going to lose the ability to have face to face interaction.  

So what do you do? First, similar to other things, discipline is required. Do other things besides being on communication devices throughout the day. For those with full time jobs this is no problem but others with free time may tend to gravitate to their mobile devices. Stop and make sure you are giving Jesus quality and quantity time. Maybe using a paper Bible to get you away from looking verses up on computer. I guess the main thing is to make sure you are not neglecting God's word and your quiet time to check statuses of friends and family. Believe me I am preaching to the choir of one, myself. 

PRAYER: Lord help me as I seek balance in my life online and offline. Convict me of what I need to do that is really important. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hanging On

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Psalm 130:5-6

Waiting is hard to do in this instant society. You want things to happen yesterday. After praying and praying for something, sometimes you can grow weary and just give up. I like to run and have been in a few races in my time and believe me it is discouraging when you want to quit and walk, but the finish line is just around the bend. Losing weight can take effort particularly for those not prone to much activity. Waiting to hear back after a job interview. Waiting on your test grades or a medical report. The list goes on.

What is it that you are waiting for that is requiring you to keep hanging on and not letting go of hope? I feel waiting and patience is all part of God's plan for each of his human creatures.  Can you imagine if you got everything just when you asked? You would be like a spoiled baby demanding your own way. God intends to grow and shape us through life experiences and sometimes that requires being still and patient. 

Try to purposely make your mind be still. Get anxious thoughts out of your head. Meditate on some of the Psalms in the Old Testament. Above all stop doubting that God does not care or hear. 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and I choose to rejoice and be glad in it no matter what! I know you have a plan and know the 'big picture' so when I tend to try to rush things help slow me down Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be Kind To Everyone? Really?

Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?Romans 2:4 NLT

 I often have heard those I know to be followers of Christ saying they can't stand someone, or worse yet say they hate them. Maybe they call them derogatory names. In this time of political unrest and breakdown of our countries laws you may be tempted to utter those words, that you hate someone but instead try to pray for them. This is very hard when a person intentionally is doing harm or evil.

Is there a difficult or mean spirited person in your life or do you have trouble showing love to those who perpetrate evil deeds? Try uttering a prayer for those whose hearts are bent on evil. Ask that they turn from darkness to light.

Don't talk ugly about your fellow man whether or not you feel endeared to them or not. Ask for the strength to love the unlovable.

 PRAYER: Only you Lord can help release hate from hearts that are prone to darkness and evil. Help me never stoop to the level of putting down others, making fun of them, or wishing evil on them. Instead help me humble myself and pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Bring It On Lord!

“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mournwhen they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven,with power and great glory.And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. Matthew 24:30-31

Sometimes do you wish  the trumpet would sound and Jesus would come back and take His followers to Heaven?  So much corruption in our country makes one weary. You may say "where is God" but He sees it all and has a plan.

When the news frightens you turn it off. Go turn on a good Christian radio station instead. Don't be feeding your mind with doomsday scenarios which make you feel all hope is lost.

Above all don't go wishing God would 'beam you up' like you are in Star Trek but instead ask Him for the strength to be strong in these troubling times and those yet to come.

PRAYER: I admit sometimes the news overwhelms me. The media seems to be on the side of evil too and I get a feeling of despair. I know you don't want me to despair but you want me to stay engaged in my culture and help win the lost to Christ and encourage the faint hearted. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Everything Is In Order

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all church. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Do you feel like your life is in order or does it often feel chaotic and confusing? You can achieve a life with less confusion if you change a few things.

First of all don't feel like everything needs to be squeezed into life. Young parents often have their little ones running from this lesson, to that lesson, to this sports team, to that sports team. No time to teach the value of peace and being still and having quiet time with God. You alone can control this if you want to.

Being still is a good thing. Taking time to ponder, meditate on God's word, relax. No television, no computer, no video games, basically no distractions. Can you do it? Yes you can!

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to make my days less chaotic and insure that time with you is a top priority. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Note: If you have missed any of my devotions you can see them all at www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com

Also to order my recently released book go to Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.com.

Third Chances

“God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out.” (The Message) Psalm 30:2

Can anyone reading this identify with being given second chances, third chances and even more?I know I can. Our Heavenly Father always is ready to give you another chance. 

You may be overlooked for promotion. Didn't win an election due to cheating. Laid off of a job you liked and needed. Suspended at work or put on probation. Whatever it is as the saying goes "God can turn scars into stars".

You yourself perhaps need to give others the benefit of the doubt and a second chance instead of hurting them. Ask forgiveness. Turn the other cheek. Reconcile a relationship. Is God speaking to you today? 

PRAYER: I am thankful you are the God of a second chance, third chance and more. Help me to remember to treat my fellow man the same way. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Emotionally Attached?

"Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:37-40

On a visit to Nashville with my great niece and nephew recently we were leaving a place called The Listening Room

Cafe carrying out my leftovers in a styrofoam box. Passing several homeless looking people on the street on way back to the parking garage, one man said to my nephew Brian, "Are you emotionally attached to those leftovers?" Obviously we were not and let the man have them. As we strolled away to our comfortable car for the ride home I glanced back and sure enough this man was eating my leftover pulled pork, slaw, and potatoes not caring about my germs. He was hungry. 

Most of us have it pretty good compared to the rest of the world. Even a poor person in this country is better off than someone in a Third World nation. Opportunities to share the love of Jesus are all around you. Many are familiar with those people typically men you see at exit ramp asking for money. There are possibly many frauds among them. Much easier to ask for a handout than to work. But if in your heart you feel led to give then it is between that person and God if they lied about their need. 

What kind of needs do you see that you could meet? 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to be kind to those hurting and broken hearted. Perhaps maybe it is time to check into visiting a lonely person at a nursing home or shelter. Maybe just paying for the guys food behind me in the fast food restaurant line. Direct me to meeting a need. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Carry My Own Cross

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24

Recently when visiting Nashville with my nephew Brian and great niece Rylee we visited The Upper Room ministry near the Vanderbilt University campus. I purchased a wall cross for my nephew and during the course of the day he said "Aunt Becky I can carry my own cross." Bingo, devotion idea,thanks Brian!

The vivid picture we have in scripture of Jesus on his way to be crucified was Him dragging the heavy cross on his back. No complaints just the look of pain on His face. Each of us daily is to bear our cross. We must deny ourselves and our desires and earthly pleasures for the purpose of advancing God's kingdom.

Denying self is a pretty tall order in our self absorbed society. Are we able to forget ourselves, concentrate on God, and look forward to helping others. Sit and ponder that for a while then see what changes need to be made.

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for opportunities you put right before us at times to deny ourselves and help others. Many do it in their careers such as doctors, nurses, and first responders. Help me Lord look for ways to get myself off my mind and reach out to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Guilt Trip Express

"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” (MSG)Galatians 5:10

Yours truly, the devotion writer, has to read my own devotions at times. Many writers say they get their material from their own life and I am no exception. 

One of the things I absolutely hate doing is making someone go on a guilt trip such as my own adult children. Not sure how it transpires but mainly a 'self' thing done unintentionally. Any parent out there will probably identify with me that it is hard to parent at times and get everything perfect.

The worse kind of trip that is no vacation at all is the guilt trip. It involves saying things to make yourself feel better or heap up a pile of self pity at the expense of someone else. Probably a tool of Satan to try to drag down relationships because it certainly is not a Christian thing to make someone feel bad. 

If you have this problem ask God to help you recognize when you are doing it. Ask Him to help you with things you say or do. Above all think before you say something stupid that hurts people or starts a fight. Just let it go and try to not do it again. 

PRAYER: Every day I know that I need to wake up and thank you for a new day. When I do help me tear down any barriers in my life that are hurting myself or worse, others. Help me learn from my errors how to live life without guilting people. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Deceived?

But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3

You know what happens when you saturate yourself too much in the world? This world that should not be our home tries to shape you into its' mold. Lately this mold has not been God shaped or inspired. 

Teenage girls can be really susceptible to the Hollywood and cool girl mode more than the godly girl mold. Pressure to conform and fit in often overrides common sense. But not just teen girls but all of us that spend too much time listening to news, reading Hollywood magazines, saturating ourselves in some other place other than God's word, are easily led astray. 

Make up your mind today you will live in this world but not let it seduce you. Satan loves to lasso people into evil. To combat this attack stay in prayer and make sure you spend daily time in what really matters and that is the Bible. 

PRAYER: I pray for those who may easily be trapped by Satan's cunning tricks and that includes me. Help me remember to put you first and run from worldly temptations and recognize lies of the enemy before I am trapped or tricked by them. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Note: Want to remind you about my recent book release available on Amazon, Kindle, Nook etc. God's Lemonade Stand:101 Sips To Refresh Your Soul. To order signed copy from me email me for details. 

Training In Patience

For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may enjoy to the full what is promised. Hebrews 10:36

How many of you have experienced these things. Overly loud person on their phone in a coffee shop, library, airport terminal waiting area or airplane. Perhaps a disgruntled person in line in front of you at a fast food restaurant constantly complaining. A driver who chooses to tailgate you for miles. Many things try our patience.

There are all kinds of people in the world. God did not make any of us alike and it is probably good. In life patience is required so you don't end up spouting off and getting into an argument that could even escalate into the police being called.

As a believer you are to be set apart. You are to handle situations in a different manner. If you find yourself in the middle of a trying situation ask God for strength to say and do the right things.

PRAYER: Each day Lord I need your help to love all kinds of people and to let you work through me in the lives of others. Sometimes it is hard so I know you will see me through. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hidden Vegetables

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.” Mark 4:18-20

I have a fairly large garden but I am not the world's best gardener.  There are so many weeds I need to pull to be able to find the vegetables sometimes. Recently when my great niece and nephew were visiting she was fascinated by the country life and our garden but had to admit it was difficult to find the vegetables ready to harvest among the choking weeds. 

Our spiritual life can be sort of similar to my weed infested garden. There maybe good 'fruit' in you, but at times the cares of the world, acting too much like the world, trying to fit into the world's idea of success can cause us to be choked out and not grow for Christ. Maybe at times our 'fruit' can't bloom because of all this junk. 

Is it time to pull some weeds in your own life and let your good fruit have a chance to grow and blossom for Christ? 

PRAYER: Many times Lord I allow worldly things to push you out and thus choke the fruit of the Spirit out of my life. I choose to 'weed' my spiritual garden each day so it produces good fruit. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hug Your Bible

"The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land-- not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. Amos 8:11

When we have tornado warnings here in the Southeast to the magnitude the weather radio is warning us to seek immediate shelter, the first thing I grab is one of my Bibles. I treasure the word and want to have it with me. Is your Bible important to you? Do you often see those close to you who seemingly have lost their love for God's word?

I feel it is easy to become complacent about the wonderful things we have in a free country. Many countries are not allowed to have God's word and are killed for it. It is God's word that sets the captive free. There has been a major assault on God's word by atheists groups trying to get it removed from hotels, military bases, schools and more. Satanic forces know the power it carries. 

Do you have enough of God's word stored up in your heart that if enemies of the cross of Christ took it physically away from you it would still be retained by you? Just something to think about in these trying times.

PRAYER: I treasure your Word Lord. I pray for those whose love for you has grown cold,some within our own families. I pray you will stir a hunger for the Word and re ignite the passions in hearts that have become complacent. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Celebrity Lookalikes

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.2 Corinthians 4:6

I have a habit of finding celebrity lookalikes for people. Just the other day the manager of a restaurant we were dining in looked just like Blake Shelton. I pulled up the real Blake Shelton's picture on my phone and then I showed it to the manager. He said. "I get that allot". I told him he  probably was Blake just posing as a restaurant manager. His face turned red.

The celebrity we should all try to 'look like' is Jesus Christ. To ignore him totally in your day and in some cases not even attend church because it is boring or Sunday is your only day off is not a good excuse. If you feel this way perhaps you may have never even truly asked Him to be Lord of your life or you have but Satan has blinded you and 'things of this world' have taken center stage more than Jesus. Maybe you need to find a church home where Jesus' words are alive and you look forward to Sundays!

Would you like people to be able to actually tell that you loved Jesus and were sold out to Him without the aids such as a Christian bumper sticker, cross necklace, or Christian tee shirt? You can be a Jesus 'lookalike' in Spirit by being transformed daily by reading His word each day. Start today to make yourself more in the image of Christ. 

PRAYER: I know the enemy would love me to be saturated with the things of this world and neglect getting to know Christ better and radiate that glow. Guard my heart Father so that the lies of this world do not affect me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Shrugging Over Tumbling Markets

Don't make your living by extortion or put your hope in stealing. And if your wealth increases, don't make it the center of your life.Psalm 62:10

In these times of uncertainty, the stock market has taken quite a hit. For those blessed to have funds in money markets and stocks, it often becomes disheartening to see all your savings going down, down, down. We are not to fear because we are not to trust in our riches. Also for those without riches, you are not to envy and wish every thing was equal as that too is wrong. 

Yes money is important but it is not supposed to be worshipped. And if we have a way to meet a need then we should do it. Also those without money sadly fall prey to get  rich quick schemes anywhere from the state lottery to pay day loan companies. It is necessary to trust in the Lord, be sure to tithe and do it joyfully and know that God is in control. Don't do stupid things with the money God has blessed you with. 

In the classic 1946 film 'It's A Wonderful Life' the main character George Bailey, played by the late Jimmy Stewart, was going to kill himself over the loss of money. His guardian angel named Clarence Oddbody came on the scene to make him realize how foolish taking his life would be, over money. Trust in the Lord and He will guide you. 

PRAYER: It becomes all too easy to focus on earthly possessions and money. The more we have the more we seem to want. For those struggling with finances now Lord I ask you give them wisdom in what to do and for those blessed to learn to share when they know there is a need. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Cobwebs

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:14-15

Most people don't like cobwebs because they are an indication some sort of spider lingers not too far away. I live out in the country and have lots of spiders and have to keep the cobwebs taken down from my garage so the little critters don't sneak into the house and send me into a fright. If you walk into a cobweb they stick all over you. If a fly goes into one he is stuck.

Cobwebs of sorts can be in our spiritual life if you don't take care to keep them down. By this I mean if your Bible just sits there on a table like a ornament or decoration rarely even picked up, what good is that? You may not know how to read it is the excuse I often hear. Satan loves excuses like that because the more he can keep you away from God's word, the more he can influence you with wrong thoughts, fear, anxiety, and a host of other conditions.

Being a Christian is more than a country club membership in a particular church. It is more than being dedicated as a baby. It is more than baptism either as an infant or as a believer. It is more than being 'religious' as often religion kills and Jesus restores. Where are you today? Do you need to take down some spiritual cobwebs??

 PRAYER: Many days so many other things crowd my day and I neglect you and for that I am ashamed and say forgive me. I know how important it is to read the word daily and keep armed and ready for battles I might encounter out in the world. Block anything that takes me away from you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Stop Watering Dead Plants

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

My title could also refer  to trying to shove doors open that are apparently stuck. In other words relationships come and go. This should not mean marital bonds as they are sacred and meant to be kept. But sometimes we try and try to get someone to like us to no avail. Move on.

 Examples might be a conservative hated and not tolerated by his or her liberal friends. A Christian who others may think it a little nutty or overboard. Animosity over loyalty to a rival sports team can get crazy sometime. You are unfriended on Facebook and keep trying to get that person to 'like' you.

The thing is God loves us and we are to love like God. You can be nice but sometimes it is not well received. There could be underlying causes. It is hard to say. Don't stop loving and praying but let it go and move on.

 PRAYER: Help me to still have live in my heart for those who reject me or who do not see eye to eye with me. Help me be faithful in prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NOTE: If you failed to receive God's Lemonade Stand over the 4th of July weekend please go to see all devotions at www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com and there you will see all of them not only from this weekend but as far back as 2010. 

Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Happy 240th birthday to the United States of America! I am thankful to have been born in this fairly young country who values individual liberty, the Bible, and freedom or at least we used  to. 

What does it mean to be free? The original settlers and founders valued freedom from the tyranny of England. Here in this new world they were free to worship God and not be under bondage to a King. It wasn't easy. Securing freedom never is. 

Many threats to our freedom exist today and are slipping in on us ever so subtly that sometimes we don't realize what is being taken away till it is almost too late to fight back.  There is a saying by Sir Edmund Burke that simply says "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." Today as you celebrate the birthday of America really think what freedom means and do your part to help the US remain free. 

PRAYER: Lord I love freedom. So many different people have not been blessed with the quality of life we have been blessed with here. Enemies are at work even within our own country to take freedom away and transform America. Please protect us Lord and hear our prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click link for a patriotic song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0ywDLpfBHg

Do You Radiate Jesus?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.Matthew 5:16

Back several years ago when a lady became pregnant, some said there was a way to tell before it was announced officially called 'the glow of pregnancy'. Somehow in the expectant mother's face or skin there were those who said they could tell. 

Similarly to a pregnant woman said to have this 'glow' do you glow or radiate for Jesus or do you just put on a fake Sunday mask and act like the world the rest of the time? When Jesus is Lord of your life people around you should be able to notice a difference. This does not mean you will have no problems but you have a different way to react to them.

Why not go out wherever it is you go today and make it a point to let your light shine for Jesus. 

PRAYER: I choose to be different than those caught up in this world and its' problems. Strengthen me Lord to react in a positive way even in tough times. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Sent from my iPhone

The Bad D's

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

My title sounds like it might be referring to a rock singing group but it is not. It is referring to many negative words that start with the letter D and what you can do to try to alleviate them from your life. 

Let me list just a few. Being down, defeated, depressed, discouraged, doubting, in despair, double minded, in the dumps. All these are basically negative feelings or emotions and all of us are susceptible to falling prey to them at one time or another. It is learning how to overcome them and move on. Granted, in the case of depression, medical intervention may be needed so I do not want to discount that aspect.

To have victory over these 'bad D's' one of the best things to do is to let your mind focus on 'things above'. Stop meditating on all your problems and trying to fix things yourself. Pray and ask God to help you and allow Him to truly take the controls and take the burden of for you. I have shouldered many things and wasted so much time worrying when what I need to do is realize God wants me to walk in peace not discouragement. 

PRAYER: Many times Lord I bring my problems on myself by not taking time to have a quiet time each morning or by allowing Satan to make me stress and fret over stupid things. Help me Lord as I seek to bring my mind under your control. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Dealing With Sourpusses

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

Half full or half empty. Positive outlook or doomsday. Happy go lucky or burdened and angry. When I hear of people who are less than pleasant to encounter I tell friends to give them a dose of this lemonade each morning then pray. You can't force someone to be nice but we can pray.

 Various things cause irritated people. Being ugly, rude, mean spirited after just praising God in church makes no sense yet how many readers may have encountered a family scenario of just this? Kindness is always supposed to be the order of the day but not all embrace it.

 Arguments happen and meanness occurs and yet some feel justified in this response.

If you are the recipient of ugliness blow it off then pray for this person. If you have been convicted of being the hurtful one go apologize and start anew being kind.

PRAYER: So many times Lord when others are mean to me or hurt me somehow I just want to run. Instead show me how to respond with Christian love and of itself behave ugly help me ask forgiveness. In Jesus' name. Amen.