Letting Go And Moving On

 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Here we are in the final day of 2017. 2017! That alone blows my mind. On this day many start to think of how they can do things differently in the new year. I suggest making a list of things that hinder you and drag you down to ‘let go’ of. Here are a few of my suggestions. You can add to this.

Let go of misspoken words.

Let go of unforgiveness.

Let go of the past.

Let go of your right to get back

Let go of hurt feelings.

Let go of anger.

Let go of wrong thinking.

Let go of need to get the last word.

Let go of the desire to be loved.

Let go of need to always be right.

Let go of wanting people to like you. 

Let go of hate.

Let go of being opinionated.

Let go of worry.
Let go of jealousy.

Let go of comparison.

Let go of expectations. 

You have to come to grips in your own way of things that really aren’t good for you in your life and purpose with God’s help to start anew and what a better time than tomorrow when the clock strikes midnight. Decide to be a new person then get busy and do it!

PRAYER: I love new beginnings and I love the feeling being set free from a bondage that has captured me. I choose to follow you in 2018 and run hard after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Push Pause

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Whew. 2017 is just about behind you. Where did the time go? Seems like the older one becomes the faster the clock seems to move. Obviously that is not the case but it feels that way. I hope you had a terrific 2017 and look forward to good things in 2018.

Occasionally it may be necessary to push the pause button on life and regroup for various reasons either medical issues, too much busyness, or a traumatic life event. Whatever the reason there are times it is necessary to sit back and just be still. Trying to not overreact or be fearful of things swirling around you. You want to rejoice but you may be scared. This is the time to really get close to God. Let Him hear your heart. 

Pause for a moment and sit and be still. Pray. Sing songs of praise. Try to be thankful even when you may not be. Take time to tell Jesus how much you love Him. Whatever the future holds you know who holds the future. 

PRAYER: Many are hurting and don’t feel gleeful at this time of year and help me be sensitive to that. I pray for friends or family who may have need to be still before you. I pray for your healing touch in those who are enduring sickness. I pray for your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

New Year Ahead!

See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

New Years Day 2018 is right around the corner. Have you given any thought to changes you want to make or goals you want to accomplish in the new year?

Lose weight, get in shape, take a class, read a book a month, be better at studying your Bible? I am sure you have some ideas. The turning of the calendar is a super time for initiating changes in your life. It is whether you make these goals by the end of the year that matters. 

So what do you have in mind for 2018? Give it some thought. You could even add things like skydive, scuba dive, visit people in nursing homes. Pray and ask God what he would have for you then press on. 

PRAYER: Lord help me as I seek to get closer to you in 2018 and not make excuses. Use me to touch another's life as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Love Unconditionally

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20

Today my husband and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary and I dedicate this devotion to him.  It is hard to believe those years have passed and we have been through good and bad and ups and downs. Whether married or not I am writing to ask you to ponder what the meaning of love and marriage is.

In a Christian wedding, the vows are repeated "for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part." When young couples utter these words they are in the throes of deep romance and really don't know yet the trials that will come their way to challenge them to keep those vows they made before God and in the presence of witnesses in most cases. Each person has to do their part with the help of God to be true to their vows. If you are reading this and are divorced I am not standing in judgment of you but simply saying it is important to keep your promises marriage or otherwise. Perhaps someone else broke their vows to you. Try to keep yours. 

Are you able to forgive, not get the last word, not go to bed angry? Can you be best friends? Can you forsake all others and put your spouse and his or her needs first? Marriage is a two way street.

Your assignment for today is to read not only 1 Corinthians 13, known as The Love Chapter,  but to practice living it daily. Turn the other cheek and remember to pray for your husband or wife daily even if they don't do the same for you. Don't compare them to others. Admit when you are wrong. Don't try to get your own way. Don't be rude. And don't forget to say your sorry. Unlike the popular 70's movie 'Love Story' which  said "love means to never having to say you're sorry"  love DOES mean to say you are sorry. And mean it.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my spouse. I pray that you will help me love them unconditionally. I pray we can put you first in our marriage. In Jesus name. Amen.

Note to unmarried: if you are reading this and wanting to be married pray that the person you marry will love God more than they love you. If you don't have a passion for the Lord why not ask him to put a burning desire for Him in your heart today.

Striving?

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalms 55:22

Are you one of those people who maybe pray but then just keep fretting or not allowing God to work? You don’t see change so you try to manipulate circumstances? First of all, you are not God. Let God be God and you rest up ok? 

Stop striving and be at peace. Leave your burden at the foot of the cross and trust that God has a plan and He has your back. Don’t allow yourself to slip into doubt.

It takes lots of mental energy to strive and the enemy loves it that you can not rest and trust God. Whatever it is pray about it and let God have it. He has a plan so trust Him. 

PRAYER: Often times I wear myself out trying to orchestrate things or figure things out when in fact I need to cast my cares on you and wait patiently. I choose resting in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stinking Thinking

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Bible teacher Joyce Meyer coined the phrase ‘stinking thinking’ which is when we allow our minds to wander or imagine things that are not even real and before you know it you are caught up in all sorts of fabricated stuff. This then leads to fretting, worry, and saying stuff you could regret later.

The mind is a valuable asset but it takes discipline to keep it pure. The enemy loves to try to get your thoughts on wrong stuff. Don’t allow him to take any ground in your life. 

Think on good things. Don’t sit conjuring up stuff in your mind or thinking wrong thoughts things or concentrating on ‘what if’s’ cause before you know it your mind is mush. Get it under the control of the Holy Spirit. If this is a weak area ask God to help you. 

PRAYER: I hate stinking thinking and I know it is from the pit of hell. I choose to start disciplining my mind with filling it with good thoughts and right thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Simply 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

It's here. After days and weeks of hearing non stop advertisements and walking through crowded malls the day of The birthday celebration of Christ has arrived. It is time to remember the real meaning of this day. 

A manger, a star, a baby who was King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Not Santa Claus and reindeer but a time of celebrating the birth of our Savior. A time we give gifts but sometimes don't even know why. A time many think of snow but this is a time of reflecting on the meaning of the True story of Christmas. 

Does Jesus go beyond December 25th in your life and that of your family? Today just remember this day is Simply Christmas. 

PRAYER: Lord I am ever grateful for your birth. I pray for those who don't know you and those who ignore you. May hearts be light on this day and filled with the anticipation of your return. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click link for special song: 

https://youtu.be/brmRUlKbF7g

Darker? Why?

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

The latest book of a popular series is out and I beg to ask those who are hooked on these novels and movies why? The earth is pretty dark already without adding more darkness on purpose.  Dwelling on bad stuff is not good for your mind. Just as the verse for today says, “think on good things” and if you do you will have less desire for junk that drags you down.

It is okay not to fall prey to the latest junk out of Hollywood that attempts to reel you in to a web of wrong thinking through bad language and inappropriate conduct. It takes self discipline to insure you guard your mind and your heart. Why not in this season where the concentration should be on the birth of a savior try to do the right thing by not allowing the darkness of this world to penetrate your heart. Guard your heart and mind as it says in Proverbs 4:23.

Start your day with feeding your mind on good things such as a dose of Psalms or Proverbs. Be still before the Lord and be careful what you choose to set your eyes upon.

PRAYER: Lord I love you and I love your word. There have been times I have allowed myself to be captivated by things in the world that make me think wrong thoughts. Help me as I choose to look upon good things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Trying To Be Somebody

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

Have you ever caught yourself in the mode of trying to prove to someone that you matter? If you have why do you do this? Shouldn't your walk with Jesus and what you do for him be all that matters but yet by the world's standards people seem to expect more. It is as if not having a busy job makes you less than a person.

Things like ladies who say "I'm just a mom" as if apologizing for not being in a Fortune 500 company. Or you don't have a viable important job so there may be those who think you just sit around all day when in fact you are very busy. If you catch yourself slipping into the mode and allowing the enemy to distract you from your purpose pretty soon you will be in tears.

Start now accepting what God has you doing.  Don't let what others say throw you off course. Don't look down on others whose choices are different than your own. Be grateful for what you have and where you are. God is good.

PRAYER: I am indeed grateful for the things  I have been able to do in life and the ways you use me to impact the lives of others whether it be my children, my friends, my spouse, or in my neighborhood. Help me be content where you have me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Put Your Machete Down

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7

I was listening to Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in the Dallas area and he said "The law is not a machete to go hacking people with". What an excellent word picture. 

Rules are for our good but we are not to go around shaking our finger at others. Harshness never wins anyone to Jesus. The Holy Spirit does the convicting so let Him! It is hard sometimes to wait patiently. Don't beat up others with self righteous words but love them.

The next time you are tempted to correct someone or 'suggest' something to prompt change instead just relax and keep praying. You'll be glad you did. Let The Holy Spirit work. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I don't want to act like I have no sin or problems because that would be a lie. Help me as I seek to grow in you and help me leave the job of convicting others to the Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Trust....Just Do It!

Every word of God is tried andpurified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5

When flying if your plane is  in fog or clouds you trust the instruments to guide pilots safely to a landing. In an  elevator you expect it will hold you and not crash, and riding a roller coaster you trust the train will stay on the track. Many things in life involve trust. 

Trusting in God means giving him a situation and then letting it go and not trying to work it out on your own. You pray right? Things don't look like they may be changing but you try to be still, keep quiet, and trust no matter how long it takes. It is not easy believe me I know. 

What are you trusting God for today? What battles are you in? Let God into your situation and then trust Him with the outcomes. 

PRAYER: Father you are mighty and all knowing. My human nature makes me fret over things. Once I have prayed help me leave it to you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Dashing Through The Snow

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.John  14:27

The shipping and shopping frenzy is about to ramp up a notch with 4 calendar days left until Christmas. Stop for a moment, get some hot tea, and ponder this season.

This is the season of peace and remembering Jesus' birth not racking up huge bills for gifts that won't be appreciated. Also it is a time for family. Don't think you have to do every 'holiday' activity there is but stop, listen to carols, watch 'It's A Wonderful Life" and just really think about the birth of a baby in a manger.

Let divisive stuff like politics and squabbles and hurts and pains go and spend time thinking about Jesus' birth and what it means. Now go and have a very merry Christmas! 

PRAYER: Lord help me stay off the treadmill that often is present this time of year. I purpose in my heart to be calm,stay hopeful, and be grateful. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hope On!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

Hope. It is a good sounding word and something you should always hold on to. Like an anchor that holds a ship steady, so your hope holds you still through storms raging in your life. 

Don’t let the storms of life chase your dreams away or cause fear that something bad is going to happen. Keep believing and pressing on to your goals in life and don’t let the enemy Satan make you hopeless. Speak positive things over your situations in life and don’t start sounding like the old Saturday Night Live Character Debbie Downer. No one needs her around when hope is needing to be steady. 

If you continue to speak positive things and believe in goodness then your life will be much more pleasant. Hope on my friend! 

PRAYER: Father God if it were not for hope I don’t know where I would be. The world’s way says to give in and get depressed and get mad at you. I choose love, joy, and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Far Out Faith

As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. Romans 4:17

How is your faith? Are you able to believe and keep believing about something even when no changes are coming your way? That is called ‘far out’ faith. Believing in the impossible and hanging on no matter what. 

Many people in the Bible believed and kept believing regardless of a situation. Sometimes you may pray and believe for something but it seems nothing is changing or ever gonna change for that matter. A wayward child. Healing of a relationship. A new job when you got laid off. Healing. A raise. A spouse if unmarried. 

Whatever it is can you believe and keep believing even when the answer does not come or comes differently than you expected? 

PRAYER: Father I know you are with me when I feel like giving up. I know your plans are more than I could imagine. Help me be patient and not listen to nay sayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Heavenly IV

Do  not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; and  again, "The LORD knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." 1 Corinthians 3:18-20

In a recent Call To The Wall 24/7prayer call one man on the line was  talking about a spiritual IV of sorts. Similar to how a medical IV puts essential medicines or nutrients into a patients body we need a spiritual or heavenly infusion of God. One example could be keeping good uplifting Christian radio with worship music or teaching on. Or The Bible On CD. 

If we do not stay connected to this Heavenly IV then you become spiritually sick and incapable of handling many of the situations in life that come your way. A continual inflowing of God’s nutrients into our mind daily helps us cope with things and combat attacks from the enemy which can occur frequently. 

How about you? Is your spiritual IV hooked up and working well? Are you feeling uplifted or dragging? Maybe it is time to readjust the flow in that IV and put healthy things to build your spirit instead of junk to drag you into the world’s way of thinking. Just saying. 

PRAYER: Oh how I love to feel uplifted. There are many downcast souls around me daily. Our situations may be different but we all can call on the same Heavenly Father for help. I choose to keep my IV connected. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Respectful

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Do you consider yourself a respectful person? Even when irritated by someone’s personality or quirks do you still treat them with respect? How about the annoying telemarketer? The stone cold store clerk? There are all types of people to make the world go around and we are supposed to be kind and loving. No cork popping allowed in other words. 

So have you been on the receiving end of hurtful comments or disrespect? You learn that people may be going through junk and sometimes their reactions are because of that even though that does not make it right. As a follower of Jesus it is so important to shine the light of Jesus on the just and unjust and the loving and hateful. Don’t lash back. 

Pray for people who are hard to love. Pray especially God would give you supernatural kindness for others. Respect your spouse if married. Respect your parents if they are still living. Respect your employer. Overall do what the Bible says and love one another. 

PRAYER: Thank you for all lessons learned in life sometimes the hard and hurtful way.  Give me strength to be respectful even when I am not respected. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It's Right There...In The Bible!

A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. Proverbs 19:11

How many reading this refuse to forgive someone or know of a person close to you who won’t forgive? Everything you need to know about how to act and behave is right there in the Bible. Read it  but then DO IT too. 

Satan loves Christians who are hard hearted and too prideful to go to a friend they have issues with and clear the air. Instead the secret feud continues and bubbles and boils over. Stubbornness keeps the person who was hurt from making amends. Does this sound familiar to anyone? 

Why is it so hard to forgive people and let stuff go? I know of someone right now refusing to forgive a dear friend who did something that the friend may not even be aware of. It is so silly if you think about it.  We all know it is the enemy who causes this division yet our humanness keeps up the wall of separation. So very sad. Be the bigger person and seek reconciliation and do not wreck a valuable friendship or relationship. Refuse to allow the enemy to gain any territory and laugh behind your back. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for those people in my life who won’t forgive me or for others I know who refuse to forgive. Help me recognize if my own heart is hard and never allow Satan to cause division and get glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Twelve Days Of Christmas

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

I have no idea of the origins or meaning of the song which is also my title but since we are just a few days away from the day Christians celebrate the birth of The Messiah thought I would capitalize on it for my writing. How about doing 12 nice things before Christmas and then continue them afterwards. 

Let’s see first give a smile to someone. Two compliments to a friend. Three hand written letters to a loved one maybe your mom if she is still alive. Four unexpected phone calls to four separate friends. Five dollars in the Salvation Army kettle. Six gifts for an angel tree recipient. Seven dollars spent on a friend for a lunch. 8 unexpected pay it forwards at a drive through for persons behind you so 8 separate people.(God’s money anyway). 9 acts of service for the one you love. 10 dollar tip at a restaurant. 11 acts of kindness to strangers such as opening doors. And finally 12 prayers for family and friends. 

It does not have to be Christmas to be nice or feel happy although this time of year either accentuates goodness and joy or makes others immensely sad. Find time to do something good for another and it usually comes back to you. 

PRAYER: Lord JESUS Christmas is a special and happy time of year but let me never forget what it is all about. Simply to celebrate your birth. Show me ways to be kind to those around and open doors for opportunities. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Garaged?

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.2 Corinthians 5:9

Has your faith been 'garaged' in storage somewhere until you think you will need it? Is your Bible too nice to 'use'? Many times things you may not need or use much are put up in the attic, in storage or in the garage.  Hopefully this does not describe your faith. 

Not only at Christmas but all throughout the year your walk with Jesus should be a high priority and a passion for you with other things centering around it. If your life is out of whack in any area and something has taken priority of your love and devotion to Jesus maybe as it is getting close to end of year it is a time to have a ‘come to Jesus moment’ and see if something needs to be put TRULY first.  Don’t just say “ I believe” but be all in! Can you do that? 

Only you can answer truthfully if your faith has been put away in moth balls. Is your prayer life stale, dull, or non existent? Do other things seem to be drawing you more than God? What is your passion or what you talk about most? Maybe as 2017 draws to a close it is time to really look hard at your life and see if you have put Jesus in the garage. 

PRAYER: Lord God I am sorry for not making your a priority 24/7 in life. I let hobbies, fun, and many things come before you and am ashamed of myself. I will not allow Satan to rob me of growing in Christ and will reorder my priorities to line up with truly putting you first. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don't Get Greedy

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11

Recently at a church Christmas gathering we were playing dirty Santa and there was a non wrapped gift in an REI bag and I assumed maybe it was something from this amazing outdoor store so when it was my turn promptly made a bee line for the bag. Did it contain an outdoor item? You guessed it, NO! A huge bag of Snickers bars and I don’t eat candy. 

This little episode taught me something about life. What the outside of the package is is not always what you get whether it is with a person or a material item. Don’t judge a book by its’ cover you may have heard. 

This writing could be about contentment, not being greedy or not judging. However it speaks to your heart is fine. It speaks to me about all three areas. Now go in peace and be blessed to receive a blessing. 

PRAYER: I am thankful for where I am in life. Even when things aren’t so good they are still good. You are the giver of all  things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Chasing A Leaf

And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. Mark 6:51

I love watching small children playing and am thrilled I have entered the ranks of grandparent and can’t wait to play with our granddaughter when she is old enough.  I was watching a two year old boy in the park with his mom one day just fascinated by falling leaves. It was so cute to watch as he was amazed at each falling leaf swirl to the  ground. I wondered what happens to us to keep we adults from still taking time to be amazed. 

Don’t get all wrapped up in being an adult and not be able to stand in awe and wonder of things and try to have a little child like fun. Some may think you have to act the age you are and I always say “what fun is that”. Don’t lose the ability to laugh. God wants us to have fun. 

Is it time for you to pause and be childlike again? 

PRAYER: Thank you for the beauty of babbling brooks,sunsets, falling leaves, chirping birds, a gentle rain. You truly are the great creator and help me never lose that special glow of child hood when appreciating your creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Texting, Texting, 1,2,3,4

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

Texting, texting, pay attention now. Our technologically crazed society can’t seem to be without this handy device. But don’t let it control you or your children. Take time to just take some alone time, without clutching it to your chest like a defibrillator paddle. It is nice to be still and free from it every now and then. 

The verse today says to be still. No music, no noise except maybe the purring of a cat or the rustle of leaves. Being still is a great discipline to learn and especially handy when waiting and waiting some more for prayer to be answered. Let your mind think on good things during this time. Pray. Write in a journal. Develop this vital habit to have a much better stress free life. 

Even if you are inundated with responsibilities that seem never ending try to schedule a Be still time and leave your cellular device put away. Grab your Bible, a good faith building book and just sit and talk to God. 

PRAYER: Oh how I love times of quiet. Thank you for allowing me the freedom to occasionally be alone. Help me to learn to put away distractive cell devices when I spend time in your presence. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Carefree

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Mark 4:19

As I drove past an elementary playground one day the children were enjoying recess and were frolicking, swinging, playing, and running. It was so pleasant to watch little ones without a care in the world, so it seemed, enjoying life.  Why can’t adults try to be more carefree I pondered.  

I have mentioned in devotions previously that everyone who is physically able ought to get to a playground and swing. It may do you good. So what if you get stared at. Or take a simple walk and leave your phone put away and enjoy the beauty of nature around you. Children have not been saddled with the burdens of life although they can be emotionally wounded by family situations. They are enjoying life as it is. Adults have responsibilities but you don’t have to let burdens of life drag you down and steal your joy. 

Keep looking up to Jesus. Worry as it says in verse above ‘chokes’ the word of God. You can read the Bible till you are blue in the face but have to put into practice what it says to do and that means casting your cares on the Lord. You must trust God and not try to let everything weigh you down. Now go swing! 

PRAYER: I know Lord your intent is for me to totally give you my burdens and to also meditate on your word so that it becomes part of me and allows me to breeze through problems without stressing. Give me strength as I seek with your help to do this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Evil And Good

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Love is your secret weapon for getting through trials of life. Anyone can be hateful but it takes a special person to love unconditionally. Feelings, thoughts, and emotions can try to control you but with God’s help you can master this and be set apart and different. 

Evil is sinister, cruel, Satan inspired, ugly, and hateful. Nothing good comes from evil. Good on the other hand seeks to be kind, loving, helpful, put others first, and be full of grace. You can be one or you can swing the other way. Of course you know the way you should be but may get caught up thinking bad stuff you know would displease God. Give up your right to hate or seek revenge. 

In the world pray for those doing evil deeds being controlled by Satan. People like the North Korean dictator threatening to nuke America. Don’t hate him but lift him up in prayer for a ‘heart transplant’ and changed life. Others in our own country being evil trying to destroy our nation need a bunch of prayers as well. George Soros, The Resist Movement, The Shadow Government. Go to the Lord daily asking for his transformative powers to change hearts bent on evil. God is in control after all. Be a lover, not a hater. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord thank you for the word of God which is truth. Satan tries to deceive many and is a divider of people and has blinded the eyes of many. I choose to love and pray for evil people even when I don’t feel like it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blah, Blah, Blah

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.1 Timothy 4:7

As I sit in a coffee shop to write recently,  a talk show was on the TV blaring in the background. In my opinion so much valuable time is wasted not just on TV but these talk shows really do not add value to life. They in a way create idolization of  a celebrity and can be a great time waster for women who they appeal to the most. I don’t mean to step on anyone’s toes but how much time is wasted daily listening to stuff that does not matter for eternity anyway or that can put wrong thoughts in your head. Another one is soap operas. Ouch. 

It is a discipline to resist things which may or may not be good for us. Pop up ads that create overspending and unneeded items. Gossip magazines at the grocery store check out line. A newspaper with a grabbing headline. Why do we even care about some of this stuff anyway? That is an individual decision for each person. 

Are things you do keeping you away from God?  If you looked at how much time you really spent involved in activities that did not matter for eternity you may be surprised. Don’t get caught up in the world’s gossip or ideals. Set yourself apart for the kingdom of God. This does not mean to be a monk but to really evaluate how you spend your life and how much stuff is just a noisy distraction. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to not be captivated by things that either aren’t good for me or waste time I could have spent with you. Help me to discipline myself to godliness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Get Off The Treadmill

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

This time of year is exceptionally crazy insanely busy for most people or so it seems. Each year you may say to yourself things are going to change but then the busy cycle continues to press in on you. It may be necessary to look at your calendar and see what activities you could truly cut back on. 

When you are planning your day why not schedule some down time. Yes a time to actually sit in a chair somewhere and relax. Don’t feel guilty doing it. Stop and get off the treadmill for a while and appreciate life and spend some time with the Lord. Schedule time to keep your physical body in shape as well, after all it is God’s temple. Say no to things you don’t really need to do. Parents don’t over schedule your young children repeating this cycle for them. 

You are the only person who controls your schedule except yes if you have a job that factors in but point being don’t try to be super woman or super man. Take care of yourself.  Insure you get a good dose of Jesus every day by filling your mind with scripture. Take time to just be still. Try it you might like it! 

PRAYER: Lord it is my responsibility to not schedule myself into a tizzy. I know I don’t have to do it all during this time of year or anytime of year for that matter. Convict my heart of what truly matters and help me to learn to say no. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Room At The Table

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 1 John 4:15

A friend of mine recently remarked when coming to a friend’s birthday if there was enough room at the table? There should and always is room at the table for friends. That is how Jesus feels about you. You are not an afterthought to Him. You are welcome. 

The question is do you make room at ‘your table’ for Him? By this I mean do you consciously include Him in your day or is He a passing after thought? Is He truly a welcome part of your life and your activities? Do your thoughts center on Him? 

I have given you a question to ponder and ask yourself just how welcome is the Lord in your life. Be honest with yourself when thinking about this. Do you truly welcome Him everywhere you go? 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I have unconsciously shoved you onto the back burner of life and only thought about my own selfish needs. I need you every hour of the day and in every thing I do for strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Joy To The World

How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19

Sometimes this time of year brings forced merriment upon us. By that I mean there are lots of suffering people. A cancer reoccurrence, a homeless person, death of a mother, lost job, prodigal children, and list goes on. We can put band aids on people’s needs temporarily but then true healing and restoration needs to take place. 

How do you have joy midst of a crisis is the real question? Living in the dumps never helped anyone. Death is going to occur to all of us and all of us will be touched by it. The thing is people need to be connected to Jesus and not run away from Him in a crisis time. Get your mindset in the right place. If you allow your thoughts to control you then you will catch yourself in a downward spiral. 

At times helping others get through a crisis is a way to receive joy and give joy to them as well. If you are aware of a need physical, emotional, or financial this time of the year pray about how God may be leading you to help.  If you are the one needing to be lifted out of a pit and find joy again keep looking to Jesus and not at your situation. How is God speaking to you today? 

PRAYER: Often as I sit in my comfortable home the worries of others are far from me. I know it is impossible to meet every need but use me Lord and show me how to show Christ love to a hurting person. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Artisan Bible

           Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

No there really is no such thing as an Artisan Bible that I know of but I used this title to be an attention getter as it seems nowadays so much is Earthy, natural, or Artisan. Almost like saying that word makes the product not only more expensive but a guarantee of being special. Your attention may be drawn to fancy packaging and key words to grab you and reel you in.

It is sad to think that maybe that would be what it would take to make some people pick up the word of God. If it is ‘cool’, ‘trendy’, and desirable. You should not need something like this to get you to want to follow after Jesus. Jesus wants our devotion,attention, and time. Even well meaning Christians often rush through their day with everything else so much more important or pressing than getting into God’s word. 

Start today reading the book of John. Next read whatever Proverb corresponds to today’s date. The start reading Psalms and ask God to remove distractions that keep you from spending time with Him. Now go on and get started to drawing closer to Him daily. 

PRAYER: I don’t want to wait till the New Year to resolve to be different but want to begin now making a daily time with you happen. I need discipline, motivation, and freedom from distractions. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Forgive/Love

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

What makes some people not be willing to forgive? Self gets in the way. Pride is another. Just not wanting to deal with the offense or the person is another reason.

Long time relationships can be destroyed over something silly or one party not being willing to move on and let it go. So very sad to wreck a friendship or even a family tie over being too proud. Some of the issues that separate are so childish too. But alas Satan is sitting up there on your shoulder urging you to hold on to your grudges and not give in. Maybe you say you forgive but never want to communicate with the individual again. That in my opinion is not true forgiveness.

If you want to live a life of fullness in Christ you must have a forgiving spirit. Maybe you hurt someone then you need to be willing to admit your fault and pray for reconciliation.  Don’t harbor a grudge against someone or your prayers may not be answered. In a nutshell be like Jesus. Period.

PRAYER: Father help me to let go of offenses against me and help me Lord to forgive and mend a relationship before the enemy strikes and destroys it. This includes marriage relationships, friendships, and family matters. I acknowledge Satan is a destroyer and he has no power over me. I choose to live a life of forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Own Journey

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.Galatians 1:10

It is easy to get caught in the trap of comparison.  Comparison is wrong and it leads to discontent and envy, neither of which is a healthy fruit of the spirit. Why do we do it? Satan for one likes to get us not satisfied with our life and where we are. It certainly is not God making you discontent but a tool smack dab out of the enemies tool chest. 

Try this. Get up each day and first focus on Jesus. Don’t wish you were someone else or someplace else because you in fact are not. Ask God to use you just where you are for His purposes. Even believers can get stuck in this rut of discontentment and it is not a healthy place to camp out. 

Be thankful for each day and each experience good or bad because they all help grow you into the person God wants you to be. When discontentment is a regular part of your life you will not rise to the heights God has for you. Cherish each moment and give thanks for where you are and what God is doing through you. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I complain about not being someone different or someplace else and wish I had more in life. I praise you for how you work through me in the lives of others and continually give you thanks for just where you have me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.