God’s World Versus Today’s World

God’s World Versus Today’s World

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6We arefrom God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. 1 John 4:1-6 

I gave more scripture today to keep it in context of the message I was trying to convey. There are indeed demonic spirits of evil and destruction operating in our world today. They are often subtle and tricky but many are blatant and in our faces. Satan loves to get people into evil activity hating one another. Many are deceived and entrenched due to politics. Don’t let politics guide you but let God guide you. Listen to Him.

Love should be our aim and following Christ. Just read the scriptures above and ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you on what it all means. There is evil and there is good. Our nation founded on principles found in God’s word will stand as long as we follow the word.  When we start to bite and devour each other then evil takes over. The enemy tries to distort and twist God’s word and have attacks on Christ’s followers. 

Do you recognize evil and good or are you right there believing the lies the ‘world’ puts out through it’s expert source, the daily news?  Some may take offense to this saying “why are you beating up on the media” and my answer is they incite anger and can be lopsided. 

My friends stay on your knees. Let the word of God be your main source of comfort. Don’t  get caught up in various factions trying to confuse and distort the truth. Above all love one another. 

PRAYER: Father I am so very thankful for the truth found ONLY in your word. I pray for those who the enemy has tricked into believing lies. I ask that you help believers not be endeared to a political party but to be endeared to you and you alone and take the blinders off. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Nice.It Makes Others Wonder What You’re Up To.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

There are many times it would be easy to lose control and pop a cork. The interstate highway is one example especially in a large city such as Phoenix or Los Angeles. An airport security line. In a line where the store clerk is ignoring you. With a friend who no longer wants to be a friend.

Sometimes you just have to smile. Let things go. Suck it up. Be sure to always pray about everything. Don’t fuel the fire by reacting in a wrong way because it will not solve a thing and may even create more problems.

Whatever you are doing today stop, breathe, try to not over schedule, and get proper rest and nutrition. It all adds up in the end. The most important factor is insuring you spend time with Jesus to learn how to quiet your heart when your feathers get ruffled.

PRAYER:Lord I need patience for moments in life when I am tempted to get upset and say or do something I regret. I choose to remain in you and let your peace rule in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let The Hugging Commence!

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present not the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

I just love to watch people at airports meeting and saying bye to others. Hugging abounds and it is a wonderful sight to behold. Hugs are a great thing. Thank goodness we have arms. 

‘Have you hugged a friend today’ used to be a public service commercial airing on TV. Hugs are a great thing. They help lift spirits, make people smile, and give the hugger and the receiver both good feelings of love and being loved. People need human touch. Even a pat on the arm or shoulder of a stranger is good. Don’t be afraid to reach out. 

God hugs us each and every day through his words of love and encouragement found in the Bible. If you have not made it a habit to read it daily start doing so now. Start in the book of John in the New Testament. You will find many words of hope and encouragement within its’ pages. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus giving a hug is a nice thing to do. I am thankful for the ability to give them and even more grateful to receive them. They give me a good feeling. Help me share a hug with a friend and thank even more for your word which is a huge hug to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bringing Joy In A Disgruntled World

Consider  it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

Those who know me well know I love to travel and especially fly. I am to not all bent out of shape if the flights get messed up that is unless it is keeping me from a visit with family or a vacation but even then you have to roll with the punches. Recently on one of the many employee family member standby flights I am blessed to get to take, something caused many flights at Washington Reagan to be cancelled so that is when I got the idea for this devotion.

I could choose to pout or go with the flow and see it as an opportunity for yet more devotion material and that is what I am doing now. Maybe just maybe, the reason I had to remain overnight in the airport is to bring a smile or two to upset passengers or just help spread some cheer, who knows. But that is what I saw my mission as being.

Do you ever wonder why you are in certain situations? Maybe God will use you in His plan to bring joy to someone else. Even if it is only one lone soul. Think about that next time plans don’t go your way. Now go have a good day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for opportunities to share your love unashamedly with others you put in my path. Help me never be shy about telling the reason of hope that is in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Access Pass

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

Many places you try to go you will probably not be allowed unless your name is on a access list or you have a special card or badge. Case in point in Washington DC recently I happened upon a VA Research social in the Rayburn House Office Building. When I asked what it was and told them I was a veteran they gave me a badge to get in to the free food area. I actually never ate but did look around before continuing on my real purpose for coming to DC.

The nation’s Capitol is loaded with places off limits to the normal individual. Senate and House only elevators. Tunnel subway between Senate and House for members only. Badges and  passes galore in this city. Being a military veteran and family member  I am very familiar with cards that are for members only. Aren’t you glad God does not require a badge to get into Heaven or a Pass card or code word to talk to Him. He is a available 24 hours a day if you just call on Him in prayer.

In the eyes of God Everyone is deserving of a special pass. He has no favorites or no one is more special to him. Our earthly status or title matters not to our Lord and savior.

PRAYER: I am glad you don’t have favorites or those who are better than others. We come as we are and you love us regardless of earthly titles. Thank you for loving me warts and all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Before Me

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

Don’t be selfish. Think of others before yourself. Their feelings. Their pain. Their struggles. Our society is so ‘me’ centered. The selfie culture needs to learn to ‘die to self’ and find projects focusing on others. Maybe time to put the selfie stick down? 

It is often unnatural to put others before yourself. Children until taught by their parents can be very me centered. That is the fallen state of man. But we are new creations in Christ and the old man and nature are no more. 

Here are some nice things you can do. Unexpected cards. Hold doors open for others. Let a car in front of you. Do surprise acts of kindness. Let your spouse have remote control. Take a parking space further away allowing another to be up close. Be kind to check out people. Pay for person behind you in drive through no strings attached. Be creative and think of some of your own. Now go be a blessing. 

PRAYER: Dear Jesus I don’t like to be selfish. I don’t want to always be thinking of myself. Help me break any self centered areas in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Dehydration

He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38
To be dehydrated means to be seriously depleted of water and this can even be life threatening in severe cases. The body was not designed to go without water, H2O, to sustain it and keep it healthy.

Just as the human body can become physically dehydrated, it too can also be spiritually dehydrated. By this I mean when you only ‘feed’ and ‘water’ it for a brief  60 minutes on Sunday you are in danger of drying up and dropping over spiritually. You need to be ‘filled’ daily with the word of God, not just get spoon fed on Sunday. Many well meaning people who love Jesus probably do let other things get in the way of spending time alone in prayer and reading scripture but if you fail to do this your ‘spirit man’ will not be sustained. Similar to a thirsty individual in a desert, you need to find your oasis and that oasis happens to be Jesus Christ.

Satan is a master of keeping you away from ‘spiritual watering holes’ and you need to be aware of this. Are you spiritually thirsty? Don’t get so parched you don’t even care anymore. Make a plan and get to that ‘watering hole’ daily and get wet.

PRAYER: Now is the day of salvation. So many have come to faith but then let their spirits dry up. Bring all those back to the spiritual water only you provide Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pride Comes Before A Fall

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

This was literal for me a couple months ago as I was on my way to my local track to walk and strolled through an adjoining senior center parking lot tripped and fell and injured my left hand. I laughed because I had been one of these ‘boomers’ who to myself thought, “I am way more active than those people” then poof I land prone on pavement in their parking lot! Go ahead you can laugh. I did. It served me right and I learned a huge lesson. 

Do you ever catch yourself becoming prideful or haughty over something? It is easy to do if you don’t watch out. Thinking you are better than someone or too good for something is really not a good way to go. “But for the grace of God go I” is what you should say. No one is guaranteed anything tomorrow or the next day. 

God made each of us and NO ONE is better than anyone else. Be able to say to yourself before you get on a lofty perch, thank you Lord for my health, my friends, my hobbies, my energy, my family, the ability to help others, and you fill in the next blanks. If you catch yourself with prideful thinking ask God to remove it from you before you fall down on a parking lot somewhere. 

PRAYER:I am thankful for how you have blessed me Lord and help me NEVER think I am better than or above anything. Help me be able to willingly serve those less fortunate and do it cheerfully. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happily Ever After

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of the water with the word. Ephesians 5:25

Today marks the 6th wedding anniversary of my son and daughter in law. Of course I am one proud mom as I dearly love both of them and so thankful God brought them together! 

Marriage is never to be entered into lightly and there will always be adjustments when two people come together in Holy Matrimony. Each marriage partner has responsibilities to do their part or the marriage may end up fractured. Learn to forgive even if you don’t feel you did something wrong. Think of ways to build up your spouse and show kindness to them. Go on dates. Don’t try to get the last word. Let God be part of your marriage not just on Sunday. 

Maybe you are reading this and your marriage failed or maybe several marriages failed. God still loves you and He does forgive. It takes two you know. Do your part now to keep those vows you took for better or for worse, for rich or for poor, in sickness and health, till death do you part. If Jesus is not on the throne put Him there maybe start by praying together. Let your spouse know every day they are special and you love them. 

PRAYER: Thank you for marriage Lord the Holy Union Of man and woman you created. Thank you for the blessings of finding that special person to share life with. Help those unmarried never feel second class but know God can use them as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NOTE: If my younger readers can bear with me I have included a classic wedding song from the 70’s by the folk singers Peter, Paul, and Mary. Click on link and listen in.

https://youtu.be/utdPh1Ec1Ws

Are Your Roots Deep?

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7

For a plant or a tree to thrive and be healthy and strong it has to have a good root system. If disease infects it, insects attack, or it is not nourished properly it could simply fall over in a big wind or storm. Reminds me of spiritual roots.

Are your spiritual roots growing strong and healthy and can you withstand the storms of life when they come or do you cave in become anxious and flustered and forget God has got this? Something to think about. Everyone has trouble it is unfortunately part of life but it is in these troubles and trials that valuable lessons are learned. 

For a strong spiritual ‘root’ system you must get your mind fixed on ‘things above’ and keep it there. Put your Bible where you can access it. Turn on some uplifting praise songs(I attached one today to start you out) and stay in an attitude of prayer. 

PRAYER: I want my roots to go down deep in you Lord but I know it takes work on my part to not allow the distractions of this world to pull me away from you and your word. Help me to get rid of things in my life not building me up. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click on link below for an uplifting song of praise and worship:

https://youtu.be/TkoPiKeFhvw

Addicted To Comfort?

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Here I am in America. This country is pretty comfortable and God has blessed us. Do you ever get out of your comfort zone and get down and dirty or are you content with the status quo?

God wants His people to help others less fortunate. Don’t just sit in a church huddle and then leave and go home doing nothing for your fellow man. Everywhere you go there are hurting people. It is not  necessary to go on an overseas mission trip to find needs. 

Look around you for needs and try to meet some of them. It is a sure fire way to lift you out of any gloom you may be encountering. 

PRAYER: Lord God I want to be your hands and feet and not just sit in my easy chair already. Open the door to a need I can meet and do it regularly. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thorns Hurt!

In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them. Proverbs 22:5

Have you ever pricked yourself by a thorn bush while trimming shrubs? It hurts. They get in amongst plants and really can stick. Our orange trees in Arizona even had thorns.

Thorns remind me of how sly temptations and evil can be. You go along in life and test the waters so to speak and may get involved with something you know deep down is not right. If you don’t turn and run you can get ‘pricked’ by the activity you may be doing wrongly. You may be so deep into something you don’t see it as a problem. God is speaking to your heart but you are stubborn and refuse to listen. Your heart has been hardened to the point you can’t recognize God’s voice.

Are there some ‘thorn bushes’ you need to eliminate in your life? A bad habit? A wrong lifestyle? Group of people you associate with leading you astray? Wrong thinking? God is here 24-7 to help lift you from things you may find yourself stuck in. He has your back and wants you to put weed killer on the thorns in your life. Let Him rescue you today! 

PRAYER: Jesus you are all I need yet at times I find myself caught up in things that choke you out of my life. I want more of you in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click on link below for a song of worship to go along with this devotion.

https://youtu.be/hhbyISg66q8

Thinking More Highly?

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3

Have you ever caught yourself maybe thinking a little bit more highly of yourself because of your social status, money, education, clothes, or even your church home?

Instead of haughtiness even if only inwardly, why not think ‘highly’ meaning think on God. He loves all of us the same and it does not please him when you and I treat others different because of being uneducated, poor, homeless, or ragged looking.

Today don’t allow yourself to ‘go there’ when it comes to elevating yourself over another. If you have that attitude ask God to deliver you from it. Now go love your neighbor.

PRAYER: It can be easy to slip into acting or feeling superior. You look at all your created people the same. Forgive me if I ever got too big for my britches so to speak. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Dad You Rock!

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Besides everyone giving so much honor to moms on Mother’s Day, dads are vitally crucial to the stable healthy family as well. Broken homes without a dad present are epidemic and the dad plays a huge role in the family. The media would love to discredit men in general but in the kingdom of God the man is crucial. 

Satan loves to undermine the family and if he can get media to depict him as a weak buffoon then a portion of his job is done. A dad is the glue that keeps the family together. He is the head as much as Women’s liberation would like to say otherwise. This does not mean he is better, only someone has to be in charge. Many men bailed out on their roles and left many single women struggling to do it all. 

On this Father’s Day no matter what type of relationship you had with your earthly biological Father be thankful for him as you are here! Forgive if he was less than stellar. If you are a dad raise your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Men you are to be the leaders so not to lord over but to be the one God ordained as such. Stand up and assume your God given role. 

PRAYER: Lord I am thankful for my dad. I pray for those who are hurt by dads. I pray for dads in prison and others who hurt their children. I pray you will restore the family. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Standing Up God

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:30

Most everyone probably is familiar with the term ‘standing up’ usually meaning a person has broken a date with someone without notifying them. Have you ever considered maybe when you don’t meet with God every day you are sort of standing him up? Just some food for thought.

Do you prioritize God in your life or just church attendance? Ponder that as well. All of us have probably heard numerous sermons on spending time with God but does it goes in one ear and out the other? You and you alone have to make it happen and you also can’t be someone else’s Holy Spirit to ‘drag’ them into doing this as well.

Start getting up and perhaps download a devotion App to assist you. I use Abide. Next keep the morning news off. You will be cheerier I guarantee and will survive. Next read whatever Proverb corresponds to the date on calendar. Today would be Proverbs 16. Now go give God some quality time!

PRAYER: I don’t want to be complacent when it comes to getting closer to you Lord and regardless of what others do I know it is essential I do this daily. Help me break any strongholds preventing this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Suit Up!

Finally, be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

Those first responders who protect our lives whether military, police, fire fighters, or medical personnel answer the call to protect and save lives. Before doing their duties they ‘suit up’ with the necessary uniform and gear in order to perform properly. 

As a Christian you too need to ‘Suit Up’ daily except your ‘garments’ and equipment are the Word Of God and prayer. Take a moment and read a little more beyond today’s two verses down to verse 18 for a full explanation of this armor. 

No soldier going into battle would dare forget their protective gear nor should you as a faithful believer go into life’s daily battles ill equipped. Take time each day to get fully armed and prepare for the onslaught the enemy could throw at you. 

PRAYER:I choose to be alert to the attack’s of the enemy and I will put my armor on daily. Help me not become complacent lest the enemy find a weak point. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pray First

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

My church in Huntsville, Alabama has key tags that say ‘Pray First’ and I have one on my key ring right now. The purpose of this tag is to look at it throughout the day and remember what to do before anything else.

Pray First.....

Before entering a heated argument.

Before a questionable Facebook post.

Before sending that text or email.

Before going to court against someone.

Before confronting a rude driver.

Before a job interview.

Before getting on the highway.

Before going on a long journey.

Before making assumptions and saying something you regret.

Before a test or making a big decision. 

I could list many more but I am sure you get the point. Before Satan gets the upper hand stop him in his little puny tracks and pray. I know people who think prayer is stupid and won’t do it or even mock those who do. To me that is sad because that is the way you communicate with God. When a person refuses to pray it is almost like they are opening the door for the enemy. Stop now and talk to God. Tell him your fears, your doubts, and let Him hear your heart. Try to make it something you do throughout your day. 

PRAYER: Prayer is a vital link to you. I love being able to come to you with concerns on my heart and to even lift up doubting Thomases. I love it when those answers come through. Help me Lord to be patient knowing you have a ultimate plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love On!

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

1 Corinthians 13 is known as ‘the love chapter’ unofficially in the Bible. Often read at weddings similar to Psalm 23 being read at funerals. Love is pretty important in all aspects of life. I am not necessarily referring to romantic love but love in general. 

Love is being kind. It is helpful and polite. Love  overlooks an offense and does not hold grudges. It is  forgiving to others even when you may not feel like it. It could be love to a stranger, a friend, a spouse, a family member. Being respectful even when a person has not respected you. Love resists the urge to get back and spew forth hatred. 

Is there someone today you need to show an extra measure of love to? 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to be a loving person even when someone has been less than loving to me. Give me strength to share your love to all those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

But God

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

Two simple words should help prayer warriors everywhere have peace and confidence that God is at work. Those are ‘but God’. When you feel things will never change then there are the hope filled words ‘BUT GOD’. 

What have you been praying for? Sometimes you have to let go and know God has this. Believe me I know it. Often times when in a hurry to want change NOW you might utter something you regret or take steps that you know should have been left undone. Get your mind focused somewhere else and keep praying. God’s ways are not our ways. His plan is way better than ours.

Whatever is on your heart today know that God has this. Trust him. Above all be patient.

PRAYER: Often times it is frustrating to pray and pray and just become frustrated over the situation at hand. Father I know you are working and I have to trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Comparison Monster

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Do you ever catch yourself comparing your life to another? Comparing is a tool of the enemy, period.

Satan wants  you discontent with your life.  A larger house, a prestigious job, a fancier car, a different appearance. Comparing can lead to jealousy, feeling of being left out, saying something your regret later.

If you are inflicted by this monster  do the following exercise either mentally or written down. List all the wonderful ways God has blessed you. When you catch a wrong thought slipping into your mind causing discontentment right then and there stop and rebuke the thought in Jesus name and start replacing wrong thinking with thoughts that build up. Say “I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am the head and not the tail.”  Now go and thank God for how He made you and how he is blessing you daily.

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I slip in to the poisoning of my mind by comparing myself to others. Help me to remember to be myself because everyone else is taken and to give you any bitterness and jealousy before it steals my joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Get Equipped

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

How do you ‘equip’ yourself spiritually to face each day? You need to ‘stoke up’ each morning. Feed on God’s word. Watch an encouraging Christian message on TV in lieu of a morning show. I am blessed with about 8 Christian satellite stations from which to choose from. There are some awesome teachers of the word from which to choose. Morning shows may entertain but they don’t ‘equip’ you to face the challenges this world throws at you daily. 

Similar to a plant needing water and sunshine to grow healthy and strong believers need ‘spiritual fertilizer’ daily in order to thrive. Make some right choices in order for this to happen. Find an uplifting Christian radio station in your car that plays wonderful worship music and listen to it in lieu of other things that fill your mind with things to anger you. Turn away from wrong choices that you know will drag you away from the cross of Christ, this could be wrong choices in movies, books, reading material, to name a few. 

Now go into your day and knock it out of the ballpark so to speak. 

PRAYER: When I get equipped daily to go out into the world around me help me remember to shine your light upon all those I encounter. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Snap Out Of It!

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

Don’t let others steal your joy and or allow something that happened to defeat you. It is necessary to stay ‘looking up’ and remain positive for if you don’t the enemy will capture your thoughts and have you in a major slump ASAP. I know,  it has happened to yours truly more times than I care to remember.

To do this your thoughts have to be disciplined and Christ centered. If you fall back into patterns of wrong thinking it is quite easy to go back into a slump. Do not dwell on past failures, losses, defeats but start purposely thinking on things that build up and encourage. 

So snap out of old habits and patterns that keep you stuck. Let things go. Run your race to win keeping your eyes on Christ. 

PRAYER:Help me Lord as I seek daily to get my mind to stop dwelling on garbage that defeats me. I choose your thoughts and your word The Bible to daily encourage me. Help me never forget to share this with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Law Is Not A Machete

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4

My title today is quote from Pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas. The law in the Bible is not meant to attack people with. Remember  the verse about “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone?” Laws are directives but God is always there with grace and forgiveness. 

Religion uses a machete but God’s love uses kindness. It is rather difficult to win people over to the Lord when you attack them and act like you are better than them. Screaming “you are going to Hell” not real effective either in my humble opinion. 

Remember everyone has sinned. God’s message is love and repentance. Put down the machete and put on prayer and a smile. 

PRAYER: The Don’t Do’s Of some churches screams louder than the message of love and forgiveness and freedom in Christ. Help use me to be a beacon of love and hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be The Light In The Darkness

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

What happens when the electricity goes out at night while you are still awake? It gets dark is the obvious answer. In order to get light you need flashlights or candles to illuminate the area around you. 

Spiritually you need to stay ‘lit’ as well. The world today is very dark and the darkness comes from demonic forces who want to rule and destroy anything about Jesus or God. It is necessary for Christians to ‘light the way’ for those walking in ‘darkness’. 

Once you have asked Jesus to take control of your life you are then equipped to be a light of sorts to those who stumble and don’t know ‘the way’. What are you doing to be this light?

PRAYER: You are the light of the world Lord and I want others to see you through me so shine through me so I can help others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Get Out Of Your Stupor

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

Okay. A new day is upon you. What are your plans today? Do you feel joyful or sad, down, and defeated? Don’t allow yourself to ‘go there’ but start speaking positive things and dwelling on good things. If you let a problem go and had freedom from it then leave it alone! 

Constantly revisiting the past with its hurts, failures, and losses is not good for you. The enemy is the one who wants you to hyper focus on all the bad stuff. You gave it up and laid it at the feet of Jesus so leave it there and press on for new heights. Nothing good is gained by trying to figure things out or constantly asking God “why”. 

Today is a new day with new opportunities. You are here for a purpose and it is not to dwell in self pity but to reach out and help another. The sure cure for ending that stupor is to reach out in kindness to another. 

PRAYER:Oh Lord you’re beautiful. Your face is all I seek. I choose to let go of wrong thinking and to press on to be used by you for the kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Renewing The Inner Man

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

These bodies we live in are simply a shell. Skin cells are shed daily. Hair drops out. Vision and hearing may suffer. This is just the ‘home’ our soul resides in. Inside you can feel 25 when in fact you may be much older. 

So much emphasis is put on plastic surgery, removing age spots, eradicating wrinkles, making our faces and hair to look younger. Sure you should want to keep the ‘temple of God’ fit and well so you can enjoy your life. This is not license to gluttony and laziness but point being,  the overemphasis on the outer man which soon fades away is not what matters. 

Concentrate on renewal of your inner self daily. How? By reading and applying scripture to your life. By taking heed to live for Christ and not get sucked into worldly thinking which does not matter for eternity anyway. Daily renew your inside by a good dose of prayer and God’s word. 

PRAYER: There are times I look in mirror and wish I could zap a spot or two away or fill in wrinkles but you love me and created me. I am thankful to be alive and to be able to be your servant. Forgive me when I have ever gotten too caught up in appearances and put you aside. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Excellent To Each Other!!

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-10

I absolutely loved the 1989 classic Hollywood movie ‘Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure’. One of the famous lines in the film was “Be excellent to each other!” Indeed this is what all of us need to do daily.

The definition of excellence is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. Do you feel you demonstrate excellence in your daily life? How about to your co workers, your boss, your spouse, your children, your friends, or total strangers. 

Why not make it a point to indeed ‘be excellent to each other’ and seek to do the best in every situation. 

PRAYER: Father God I want to demonstrate good character and morals in all I say and do. Help block things out of my life that would drag me away from being excellent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The word of God is life, truth, and freedom. Why do you think Satan tries so hard working through enemies of the cross of Christ to eradicate it from the public square?The title above is a simple acronym B.I.B.L.E.

The Bible is indeed your operators manual of sorts. If you get a new car and don’t read the manual you will have difficulty figuring out how to set things up or troubleshoot. Likewise if you ramble along in life paying little or no attention to the Word it won’t do anything for you.

My friend, the Bible is meant to be used. You can even write in it. It is your guide in life. If you are clueless as to where to begin try the Psalms and Proverbs. There is lots of truth in there and many words of comfort and encouragement. Find your Bible, dust it off, and start using it in order to navigate through this life.

PRAYER: Your Word is sharper than a two edged sword and able to see me through difficulties that may occur. I know Satan puts ideas in my head that I can go it alone. I know I can’t. I pray for those I may know who think they can. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Here’s The Deal

He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27

Sweet, short, and simple. The verse above says it. Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart. What exactly does that mean? 

Loving others. Being committed to knowing Him better through fellowship and personal quiet time. Not being ugly to people made in His image. Desiring Christ more than any thing else. This means before hobbies, sports, television, Facebook, social media and other distractions. It means making time for Him. You say you love your spouse but if you ignore them that sure does not seem like it. You get the picture. 

Here it is half way through the year. New Years resolutions broken and you scratching your head wondering where the time has gone. You know you need to be closer to Jesus but what are you doing about it? Something to think about. Take time today to do just that. 

PRAYER: Father I am thankful for you. I know there is no set formula for quiet time and I know you yearn for me to sit and want to spend time in prayer. Help those I know who don’t understand or desire you. Draw them to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Heart Condition

Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4

When I ask how is the condition of your heart I don’t mean are you hereditarily predisposed to a heart attack or stroke but how is your spiritual heart? So many verses in scripture refer to the spiritual heart. Do a word search to see for yourself. 

To get the kind of heart that leans towards things of the Lord you have to desire it. If you don’t desire it then therein lies the problem. A heart either goes towards God or away from Him. The kind of heart you possess determines how you act in general and treat others. 

So today is your heart in excellent, good, fair, or poor condition. Only you can make the changes necessary to strengthen your heart towards the Lord. 

PRAYER: I want to seek you with my whole heart is but sometimes I allow distractions to get me and my heart off course. Forgive me Lord as I seek to do better. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 
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