Don’t Feel Like Reading The Bible?

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

Think the Bible is some old boring book and don’t have any  desire to crack it open? Do it anyway!  Not like cover to cover but start somewhere in New Testament like Ephesians and just read. Often times just reading for sake of reading to say you read through the Bible may not do much but getting into a study of a subject area such as marriage, anger, faith and go from there. 

Before you begin ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you things He wants you to gain from your reading. Guess who is behind your lethargy and boredom when it comes to knowing God better through His word? Yes you got it! Satan. He does not even deserve a capital  letter to start his name. For instance in Philippians 4:6 it says “be anxious for NOTHING but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God.” I know little tiny things can really mess up your day if you allow them to but did you stop and pray and get into God’s word first? 

My challenge to you today is to NOT let other things that don’t matter squeeze out your time with God. No morning shows, no newspaper, nothing. God wants to spend time with you and you can not get to know Him better unless you make Him a priority. So what’s it going to be? 

PRAYER: I need you oh I need you Lord and I am so sorry when I get distracted and caught up in other things and just let dust collect on my Bible. I choose now to re order my day and make you truly a priority. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click on link below for a powerful song of praise. Lift your hands in praise to the Lord. 

https://youtu.be/JIOtQyVHBlc

Reset To Factory Settings

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. Ephesians 1:7

In the movie Toy Story 3, the toy Buzz Light Year was reset to factory settings and therefore had no memory of his fellow toy friends. Sort of reminded me of when you and I were born into this world fresh and new with a world of possibilities ahead of us. Some are raised in Christ centered homes and it ‘sticks’ and others are just raised by the culture. 

At times maybe humans need to be reset to their original settings. By this I don’t mean going back all the way to infancy but to instead be fresh, pure, untainted or spoiled by the world. God can redeem you and restore you.  You may have messed up but he is here to push that ‘reset’ button and set your feet on a new path. 

Are you in need of a ‘reset’ in your life? Cry out to God my friend. He is only a prayer away. 

PRAYER: I am glad you offer second chances, factory resets if you will. Sometimes I have not listened to you and been captivated by this world and need to get back to the basics of being a follower of Christ. I am so thankful for redemption. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Could You Be A Foot Washer?

I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet. So you also should wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example. You should do as I have done for you. - John 13:14-15

The act of washing someone’s feet is truly humbling. Jesus washed the disciples feet and some of them were reluctant. Feet are private and personal to many people. Some of my friends don’t even want to get a pedicure cause someone is going to have to touch their feet. 

Feet can be ugly, bony, rough, ragged, hard, stinky and all in all not something you want a stranger to mess with. To do this humble act of servant hood Jesus’ set an example for his disciples that they too should go wash others feet and be servants. I have never witnessed a foot washing at a wedding but have heard of it and what a marvelous way to humble yourself before your soon to be life partner and those witnessing your wedding. 

Do you think you could wash a homeless person’s feet or even someone you know?  This would be really an act of service. Think of ways you could be of service to both strangers and those you know. Have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Help me Lord not to always think of myself but to know I am here for a far greater purpose. Give me creative ideas of how I can serve others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jealousy Monster

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. JAMES 3:16

Have you ever been jealous? The answer of course for all living breathing people is no doubt yes. It is hard to not have this earthly human emotion try to dominate and mess up your life and your relationships. 

Jealousy is NOT a fruit of the spirit and the enemy uses it to divide people. Jealousy causes comparison which also is not good. If you suffer from jealousy of any sort you need to get a grip on it and confess to the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and not let it control you and destroy relationships or say something you regret.

Galatians 5:25 says “If we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the spirit.”  Tell God you are thankful for how he has blessed you and be thankful for all you have and each relationship. Leave your jealous spirit at the altar and don’t take it back. 

PRAYER: Jealousy of anything is not from you yet it is so hard to control sometimes. Lord God I am grateful fo all things and relationships in my life. Help me focus on what matters and walk in the Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Connect Before You Correct

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

The way to win someone over to anything is to not bark commands at them unless of course you are in military training, but it is to develop a relationship and show love and respect. Screaming to someone “you are going to Hell” isn’t going to win friends or a convert. 

Can you imagine if Jesus would have been like that? Saying something like “Hey stupid fool, stop doing that” but he never did that. He was patient, loving, and kind. He hung out with sinners not just his Holy huddle. 

Who do you need to reach out today to encourage, share hope, or just a good dose of Christian love? It could even be a simple smile to a stranger or paying for the person who is behind you at the drive through. Go out and be salt and light! 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me never return evil for evil but show love even when I am rejected or people are unloving. Show me someone who needs a good hug or word from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Culture Shifting But The Bible Is Not

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! Isaiah 5:20-21

Okay welcome to 2018 the year of compromise. No it is not but it has happened on a huge scale because we let it. The modern culture may approve all sorts of despicable things but that does not make them right. I won’t elaborate but I think you know what I mean. 

Even some so called ‘churches’ approve this sinful behavior and many of their flock are misguided by false teaching. 2 Timothy 3:12-13 says “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” That is exactly what is happening. Deception is rampant maybe even among those friends and family you are close to. What you need to do is pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction because right now the god of this world has them blinded. 

Stand strong in your faith. Stay in the word. Turn off the news because it filling your mind with things that purposefully will make you agitated. Stay peaceful. Stay prayerful. Pray for those who are deceived and also those spreading evil in this world. God is on the throne and He is not going anywhere. The world around you may be like Sodom and Gomorrah but you stand firm with a spirit of love and shine in the darkness. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord how I love your word. How I pray for those who are misled to come to a true knowledge of the truth and thirst for you as if in a dry weary land. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The BUSY Badge Of Honor...Say What?

Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11

I had been pondering the subject of American busyness and how it seems like many do it purposefully because if they don’t they feel less than noble. Then at the same time I was pondering it must have been a Holy Spirit thing because my pastor spoke about it in church about the same time. 

Why do parents of young children enroll them in back to back activities? Children need to learn the art and discipline of being still, reading a book, appreciating the beauty of nature that God created. Then we adults, shame on us. Many who do not have a 40 hour per week job sometimes feel compelled it seems to fill up all the extra hours with activities as it is hard to sit and be still. Those of us not employed may feel an urge to get in all sorts of volunteer work seemingly to feel worthy. When oh when is there time for the family?The home?  What’s shameful about having some space on your calendar with nothing there? 

My challenge to each of my American readers is to try to chill and be still. Don’t sign up for every worthy cause. Don’t guilt yourself when you don’t. Spend some alone time, without your phone turned on, to read God’s word, listen to birds, take a walk or hike in woods. Don’t rush through life and never take a breath.  Learn to tame the busy monster and enjoy life to the fullest!

PRAYER: Lord I don’t want to constantly be filling up every moment and need to learn the art of saying no and being still. I pray for those reading this that they too will examine their schedules and see what can be cut out so they can slow down and enjoy life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Staying Cool Regardless

           Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for     you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

What has you flustered today? The enemy sure loves to disable Christians by making them shoulder all their burdens and not trusting their Heavenly Father has got their back. 

Did you ever sit and think about worry? It accomplishes not one single thing! You pray right? So why then continue to fret over something totally out of your control? Each of us has probably done it but it is time to get a grip and stop and focus totally on God and His immense love for you and for whomever  it you are lifting in prayer.

Stop saying “well I’m just a worrier” and instead be bold in your faith and say “God is way bigger than this little issue and He has it” and once you do that go do something else and above all praise God through the storms of life. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I need you. Every hour I need you. Forgive me for the times I have picked my burden back up and not left it at the altar. I know you have my back. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link below to praise God with a powerful worship song: 

https://youtu.be/uHdcyue0bSw

Have You Lowered Yoir Standards? Why?

Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me? Psalm 118:6

The past few years have been scary for believers. We know Jesus is on the throne and He will protect us and He is greater than any persecution man can bring upon us. But things have happened in America  we never thought we would ever witness and it is purely a work of demonic spirits working through people to bring this Christian nation down. Many buy into the lies. 

First, never under any circumstances lower your Christian standards,  which by the way never change and are in the Bible. Don’t follow the culture follow the Bible. For one I pray Hollywood would become Holywood. Love should always be your foremost aim as well as humility. Just because a ‘sin’ is legalized does not make it okay in the eyes of God. 

Be strong my friend. Pray for those you know who may be stumbling or confused. Confusion is from the enemy. Don’t compromise your values and do what you know to be right. Love those who may disagree with you and don’t argue. Pursue peace and holiness.

PRAYER: These are confusing times Lord but you are my standard Lord, not the world. I pray for those who may be buying into lies of the world that you would lift the scales from their eyes and open their hearts to truth found in your word alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stop Your Grumbling

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians  2:14-15

It sure is easy to grumble and find fault isn’t it? You can almost fall into a pattern of griping if you are not careful. I have a challenge for you.

Try to look for ways to bless people and be kind to them. Overlook little minor screwups and if there is a problem try to be gracious not hateful. Let your countenance be one of joy and love and let smiles radiate from your face. You feel better when you smile and make others feel better as well.

Try to bite your tongue when you feel like reacting in a less than stellar manner to something. Pause, take a breath,  and be like a shining star!

PRAYER:I am sorry for the times I have allowed my emotions to control me and spouted off to someone in a less than gracious manner. Forgive me Lord and help me ask forgiveness to anyone I may have hurt by ugly words. I choose to shine for you and radiate goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Life Is Short

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

After recently watching footage from 911 disaster I am once again reminded life is short and tomorrow is promised to no one. This was a horrible day but any day a person loses a loved one before the ‘expected time’, whatever that means, is a bad day. 911 was particularly catastrophic because of the enormity of it all and how it affected all of us. 

When you go out the front door in the morning you may have plans for tomorrow but you don’t even know if today might be the day your heat beats it’s last time. Young and old, no was is immune. No one is guaranteed X number of years. Don’t live in fear of death because if you are a Christian who has given your life to Jesus there is nothing to fear.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” it says in 2 Timothy 4:7. When you leave this temporary dwelling place one day will that verse apply to you? Have you fought a good fight and worked for the kingdom or just for yourself? It’s not too late to make a U turn. Death has no sting except for the atheist and unbeliever who has rejected God. He does not wish any to perish it says in 2 Peter 3:9. Those believers in the Towers at the World Trade Center who believed, were instantly transported to be with their Heavenly Father that day in 2001. The best is yet to come!!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me never fear death or how I will die or anything to do with it but instead to embrace life and work for you. I pray for those who say there is no God or who mock you to repent before it is too late. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Are You Believing For?

“And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.”Luke 1:36-37

How many of you have been praying to God it seems forever for a breakthrough in some area in your life or that of a loved one? God’s ways are not our ways and He has an ultimate plan and obviously knows the ‘big picture’. 

Numerous times in the Bible when people got impatient waiting on God the results were not that great but God also redeems man’s screwups. Do a search on ‘people who did not wait on God’ and you will come up with all sorts of accounts. There is purpose in waiting. What if we got everything just when we wanted it? You would probably start taking the Almighty for granted. 

No matter what you are trusting God for today do not,I repeat, do not step in and try to orchestrate things on your own like a miniature Holy Spirit.  Keep believing, keep praying, be still, be silent, and just know God has a plan. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord God I thank you for prayer. I know you hear my prayers. I thank you for how you are working in my life and the life of those I am lifting up daily in prayer. Give me the ability to be still and be thankful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link below for a awesome song of worship to go along with this devotion. Sit and be still and just worship God.

https://youtu.be/0B_lnQIITxU

Pipe Down Would You!

“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37

Anyone out there have trouble controlling their mouth and the timing of what you say? I know for me it is an ongoing struggle probably from being too impulsive. What you say and how you say it is so critical. It is necessary you get a grip on this area of your life if it is something you struggle with.

JAMES chapter 3 in the New Testament is all about the dangers of the tongue. A misspoken word can destroy relationships. Nowadays this may not necessarily mean face to face contact with a person but the all powerful tweets, texts, and Facebook posting. It is crucial you gain control of words you speak. 

So my friends give yourself thinking time if you are in doubt over what you will say, text,tweet. Make sure your speech is full of grace and love. Your speech sort of defines you too so ask the Lord to help you remain pure, holy, kind, and in control. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the ability to speak and the miracle of the tongue and vocal cords. Help me Lord use my mouth for good and not evil and to always be careful to think before I speak. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Change The Channel

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

What do you suppose happens if you feed your mind a steady diet of fear, doubt, bad television or movies full of sex,horror,  and violence? Have you heard the phrase ‘garbage in, garbage out’ meaning what you feed your mind is sort of how you become if you are not careful.  Focus your mind on something else. To do so requires a conscience decision on your part. Your mind can not be saturated with worldly garbage if you expect to live a heavenly life.

My title today originated  in a message from Pastor Joel Osteen and I thought how important it is to keep your mind on right things and ‘change the channel’ in your mind if you need to. You change the channel on your TV or radio when you want something else so likewise perhaps it is time to change the channels in your physical mind to keep your mindset pure and Holy. 

If Jesus came to your house unexpectedly would you be embarrassed by what you had on TV? Would you take Him along to some of the movies you choose to attend? Just saying. Something to think about when it comes to changing the channels. 

PRAYER: Lord there have been times when I have allowed the wrong stuff to enter my mind. I know if I am to have a walk pleasing to you I need to ask myself would I want you there with me because in actuality you are. I choose to be attentive to what I allow in my mind and thoughts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Devoted? To What?

        

          Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

          What or who does your devotion go to? To be devoted is to be very loving to or loyal.              When it comes to your prayer life where are you at? 

Some may have given up on prayer because they blame God for bad stuff happening in life. I always chuckle and wonder why Satan is never blamed. You might even be in a church that does not emphasize prayer or spiritual warfare against the enemy through prayer. Prayer should be your first choice not your last resort. 

Learn to be a praying person. Not just saying grace at meals which is a good start but pray at all times. Be devoted to crying out to God. If you have children by all means start teaching them to pray. First spend time adoring God for who He is. Next confess any sins to Him. Third thank him for his many blessings and finally let Him hear your requests. By all means keep praying even when the answer may not come. Be devoted , watchful, nd thankful. Press on!

PRAYER: Many times I pray and pray and pray but don’t really see an answer.i know Lord you are working and in your timing things will change. Help me learn to never give up. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Beware!

                  Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you      do not expect. Matthew 24:4

First let me say going into a church does not make you into a Christian anymore than going into McDonalds makes you into a hamburger. One of the Ten Commandments is to “remember the Sabbath Day and to keep it Holy” and from my perspective I would say that does mean probably making a point to have Christian fellowship. The act of going alone won’t save you,  but you should desire it if you love the Lord. 

Today’s verse talks about being ready as you never know when the Lord will return as he promised He would and He indeed will. Do you know for a fact you would be in heaven with Jesus? I mean you could be sitting in your local coffee establishment and poof, the Lord returns. You don’t want to be those left behind for certain. 

“Believe in the Lord and you shall be saved” it says in Romans 10:9, period.  So if you do believe in the Lord then there you have it, but shouldn’t you want to get to know him better once you believe in Him?We are not supposed to neglect assembling together it says in Hebrews 10:25. The world will certainly captivate you if you choose to let it and the modern culture spreads many lies.  Fathers are required to  “raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” it says in Ephesians 6:4. So don’t neglect getting to know God better by reading the Bible daily. It is through the word you can combat the devil’s worldly agenda. 

PRAYER: Father I pray for those reading who may have family members who have left their first love and seemingly care nothing about growing in the Lord. I pray for you to awaken those who sleep before the devil takes them captive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link below to listen to a song of worship: 

https://youtu.be/IdJBYyNsQd0

Love...Just Live It!!

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 1 John 4:20

Christians really have our work cut out for us in 2018. Never in my life have I seen so much unwarranted rage and anger. Even some who say they are believers are raging.  

When times get dark we as believers are supposed to shine even brighter to dispel the darkness. Many people have been taken captive by deceiving spirits.

Don’t be mad at the people who are being hateful and ugly but realize our fight is not against flesh and blood but against demonic spirits. You should be praying those who walk in darkness will be set free. It happened a few times, if you recall in God’s word. Don’t let the darkness get you down but defeat it by shining your light even brighter.

America is a unique nation. Founded upon Christian principles and of course forces of darkness will always try to snuff out the light of Jesus. Stand strong my friend and do not be fooled. Read your Bible more than you watch the news. It is a happier place to be I can tell you that. Stay lifted up and encouraged.

PRAYER: Oh Lord you are beautiful. Your face is all I seek. Forgive me when I let the issues in the world saturate my mind more than I do your word. I choose to maintain peace in the storm and pray for those who are being held captive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thou Shalt Not 2018

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Where have the Ten Commandments gone? Unless parents make it a point to teach their young children or they are taught in church a person is barely exposed to them in 2018.

The basics such as do not steal, do not kill, do not commit adultery are just 3 of the 10. As a child when I was growing up you saw them and were taught them and they served as a guide for life. When the enemy tries to get God out of everything chaos is a result. Abortion approved, millions of babies killed. No prayer in school, now we have guns instead.

If people followed the Ten Commandments there would be so much less garbage going on in our world today. Of course Satan is glad we are boycotting them, tearing them down, banning Bibles as get the word eradicated and you win half the battle. My friend now is the time to stand up for truth and stand up for Jesus and get God back in America again.

PRAYER: Father I love the word and I love the truth. I pray for those in our world who don’t love you and who try to make it hard for those of us who do. I pray for righteousness to return and the Ten Commandments to be welcome again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NOTE : The Ten Commandments are found in Exodus Chapter 20 in the Old Testament. 

Jesus Is The Reason....For Sure

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:23

Jesus is the reason for everything. Not just Christmas and not Easter. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the reason you and I even exist.

You may think living for Jesus is boring and Sunday is a day to use for fun not just hanging out at church all day. The enemy will do all in his power to keep people from wanting a personal relationship with Jesus. To some, things of the world look so much better than growing in Christ.

Usually when you say you love someone you want to hang out with them and make time for them. So if you say you love the Lord do you feel the same way? Just something to think about. 

Do you want to be in love with Jesus? What is keeping you from a closer relationship? Are there things in your life you need to purge in order to have a closer walk. Jesus Loves you this I know for the Bible tells me so. 

PRAYER: Lord God you indeed are the reason for every season and every minute and second. Help me to show your love to those who come across my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Gone For Good

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12

How many reading have some sin in their life they think God just can’t forget? I remember a children’s song when our sons were little where the lyrics said “no fishing, no fishing,no fishing” referring to God putting yours sins away as in a bottomless lake with a big sign that read ‘No Fishing’ or in other words he has forgotten so why can’t you?

Satan is the one who keeps hanging out trying to remind you of junk God forgot long ago. 1 John 1:9 reminds us “if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That pretty much says it all. So my friend don’t torture yourself for things you confessed to God.

You have freedom in Christ and are not under bondage anymore. Once you gave your heart to Jesus he made you a new creation. Old is gone and the new has come. If you haven’t accepted Christ as your savior you can do it now by asking Jesus to come into your heart and cleanse you and be Lord of your life. Simple as that.

PRAYER: We all do dumb things in life Lord and I know once I asked forgiveness you cleansed me and it is only Satan who tries to torture me with the past. I am a child of God and no longer under the yoke of Satan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cool Your Jets

Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;

for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.Psalm 37:1-2

The political arena has become extremely hateful these past few years. The enemy is in the center of it big time and loves when family members and friends part ways over a silly issue like politics. It is terrible and insanity. The purpose of my devotion is not not stir the pot anymore but to simply point out we all need to chill and be still.

This country was founded on God’s word and again and again anti God forces try to get in and remove all about the Bible and our unique founding. But God is not going anywhere. His word is powerful and sharper than any two edged sword. We as believers do not need to roll over but to stay engaged and aware. We are commanded to pray for our leaders not hate and destroy them.

Are you calm my friend? Are you able to stay cool and realize our real battle is with Satan? God’s plans will prevail. You do your part and pray and love.

PRAYER: Father I am thankful to be an American by birth and know some reading are from other nations. I pray for those who may get steamed over things to be able to calm down and pray, period. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Unsubscribe, Just Do It!

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. Isaiah 26:3

Many things in life can press in on you even more so if you allow them to. By this I mean having your mind saturated with wrong thoughts that weigh it down. Sometimes you may just need to hit the unsubscribe button for a few things and sit back and chill. 

Let your focus be on good things. If you say you trust God then why do you allow your mind to slip back into negative patterns of thinking? We all do it. There is an old hymn with the words “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” 

Get your mind occupied on something else. All the worrying in this world will not change a situation but does indeed cause health problems in the worriers. Keep praying, keep trusting, and then get involved in something else. Let God have it and keep it. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus you are my hiding place of sorts. I run to you for freedom from the cares and burdens of this world. Give me strength to not keep picking them back up. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wickedness

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. Psalm 101:3

How many times in the name of entertainment have you maybe caught yourself watching something you know would not please God? Vulgarity, profanity, murders. It has become common place and called ‘entertainment’.You have to learn to walk away and turn from evil.

Children can get caught up in this too. Parents it is your job to not let it happen. Make sure you are not compromising your values and getting desensitized to things you know are not of God.

Don’t think something is okay just cause it is a movie or TV and be alert to what you allow to seep into your mind and heart. Spend more time in the pursuit of holiness and less in the pursuit of Hollywood.

PRAYER: Keep me sensitive to things that can destroy me and help me be convicted of good and evil and learn to turn away from bad junk. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stay Outraged...Say What?

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. JAMES 1:19-20

Bumper stickers sure tell lots about people and at times you may fearful to come face to face with some of the drivers. Recently I saw a sticker declaring ‘Stay Outraged’ and thought “oh my goodness” this poor, angry hurting soul. To run around daily purposely being angry would take lots of energy. Much better to seek for peace, love, and cooperation.

Many things can agitate people but my advice would be to separate yourself from the source of the anger. Maybe that is to not watch news.  Christians especially should seek to be peaceful and loving and confess any anger they are feeling and ask the Lord to help you deal with it in a proper manner.

Anger breaks things, hurts people, and can even kill in worse case scenarios. Don’t be a person who is outraged. Pray asking God to take away any anger and  replace it with love, peace, joy, and forgiveness. Anger is a tool in the enemies arsenal so don’t fall prey to it. Run.

PRAYER: Daily Lord I seek you. I pray for those people in our world constantly trying to create trouble. I ask for your Holy Spirit to deliver those who walk purposely in anger. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Make God Great Again!

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

There is a familiar political slogan ‘Make America Great Again’ but in addition to that how about we also make God Great Again?! Don’t make Him an after thought or a prayer in times of struggle but a regular awesome 24-7 part of your everyday existence. 

Now for those unfamiliar with loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind I might sound a tad overboard and what some would call a fanatic and my response “so be it, what’s the problem?” You are not on this planet to just be busy and take up space but each creation of God, that’s you and me, has a distinct reason he or she was born. 

Do you know there are a couple verses in the Bible that mention not being ashamed(see Mark 8:38) of God yet how many are even too embarrassed to offer grace in public? Do you want to love God with all your heart? It doesn’t mean you run off and become a monk but to simply really be devoted to him and growing in your Christian walk. Start each day with a prayer just simply talking to God. Next get into the Bible. Start with Psalms or Proverbs. Don’t do ‘religion’ but seek a relationship with Jesus. 

PRAYER: There was a time I was a church goer and that is where it ended. Then the lights came on. I pray for any reading this who don’t know you to run from worldly pursuits which make war with their soul and to run to you. I pray for each person to examine their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rejection Hurts Like Crazy

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Isaiah 53:3

Many of you have probably been the victim of rejection at either the hand of a spouse, employer, family member or friend. It down right hurts. Think about Jesus and his ultimate rejection. It does not make the sting of yours go away but let’s you know he gets it. 

There are those today who claim they believe in Jesus but yet reject him by their lack of time for him in their daily life. The world seems to grab their attention and love more than the Almighty. Hopefully no one reading has put Jesus on the shelf so to speak. If so why? 

What is more important than making time for the Lord? Don’t be captivated by the lust of the world and buy into enemies lie of you don’t need fellowship. Don’t reject Jesus. He loves you so why not live for Him daily. 

PRAYER: Oh how I love Jesus and how my heart is broken for those who don’t get it. I choose to embrace all you have for me Lord. Use me to help others come to want you in their lives again or for the very first time. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Embracing God’s Standards?

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24
Today’s world in 2018 is very confusing. You have to stand for something or you will fall for anything. You can’t have good morals and character apart from God, it is impossible. Just because the government approved something doesn’t make it God’s way, remember that. 

Who do you listen to, modern culture and friends or the word of God? Many well meaning people who say they believe God’s word don’t even crack it open. You have to read it and have to believe it and apply it. Period. 

Who is setting your standards? Who is your heart sold out to? Have you left your first love and expect things to go well even when you ignore God’s knock at your heart? Set your standards high and don’t leave Jesus on the doorstep. It won’t work. 

PRAYER: Oh Father I want to keep my standards high. I want to show love not judgement to others. I pray for those I know who have drifted away. Draw them back to you so you can be their highest standard. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Forget Something??

Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

All of us have forgotten things. Keys are the biggie and there is a device you can buy called a Tile to place on key ring to help you locate them. Other things are glasses, debit card, address books, change of underwear or a fresh towel in a gym bag, brief case, or a badge to get in the office. We forget, it happens. 

One thing you never want to forget on a daily basis is to put on your ‘armor’ by this I mean your spiritual armor.  Reading God’s word daily helps protect you from the onslaught of the enemy, the devil and demonic forces which are out there in the world.

It does not take a rocket scientist, of which there are many in my area due to NASA being here, to make you aware that we are in a real battle when right is called wrong and vice versa. When laws are made to protect evil and sin, my goodness the battle rages on. Only the intervention of the Holy Spirit and God will help us turn back the darkness in our world and help the lost find their way to the foot of the cross. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus awaken me each day to not do anything else until I ‘hide’ some scripture in my heart. The morning news or paper may beckon but help me choose what is for eternity over the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for an awesome song of praise and worship:

https://youtu.be/SUvpBphq5og

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk...Clean It Up

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness. Titus 2:7

Everyone reading no doubt has probably spilled milk, water, soda pop, coffee you name it it has tipped over and made a mess. Have you ever been in a public place and witnessed this? If so you could actually jump in and help the embarrassed person clean it up and perhaps be a good witness to people watching as well. Not so you get glory but to show a random act of kindness and brighten another’s day. 

Look around for ways you can help a down trodden person. Look at bad moments as opportunities to work for the kingdom of God. “Not to us but to your name goes the glory” it says in Psalm 115 verse one. You don’t need a medal or thank you note just do it for God. 

Be a servant not just in public places but in the quiet places of your home to your spouse and your children or to an extended family member. Do things that are not expected. Now go clean up that milk! 

PRAYER: Oh Lord I always want to have the attitude it may not be my job to help but I want to. Litter, spilled drinks, and other situations. I want you to get the glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for song of praise and may God be lifted up:

 https://binged.it/2MUUJad

Let There Be Light!

“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. Matthew 5:14-15

When a light comes on in a dark place it is really noticeable. I was at Barnes and Noble Cafe early one morning when only the cafe was lit up. When the entire store was to open a short time later a flood of light came on. It was amazing the difference this made. 

Did you know as a Christian you are to be the light of the world like a city set on a hill that can not be hidden? You are not to try to slink away and not be noticed. If you are shining God’s light you will be noticed. You will have sort of a heavenly glow about you others can notice. Just like the Christian children’s song goes “under a bushel basket NO, I’m gonna let it shine” you too are to radiate for Jesus wherever you are. 

Can you let your  ‘little light shine shine shine” even if you are having an issue filled day? I guarantee you will feel better. Now go shine on!

PRAYER: I feel so much better when I am shining for you than when I am in a foul mood. I know I can help draw others to you when I let your light shine through me to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a wonderful tune to brighten your day:

https://youtu.be/QCN893hzueQ