Who Is Being Tricked Anyway?

I will set no base or wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the work of them who turn aside [from the right path]; it shall not grasp hold of me.Psalm 101:3

Alas that long awaited odd holiday is upon us that being Halloween. In my day as a child it was innocent but now it is a multi million dollar business with free standing Halloween stores offering their wares anything from innocent Cinderella costumes to ghouls and bloody vampires. Sometimes it appears more celebrated than the saviors birth. There is no hard and fast scripture forbidding it per se but should a Christian be caught up in something that can lean more on dark than on light? 

Wizards, ghosts, witches, and slashers are all bordering on the dark side in my humble opinion. Should Christians retreat from celebrating this holiday or stand at the door giving treats? Oh it seems innocent enough giving out candy and looking at cute costumes but what about the darkness of it and should we be a part of this? Can we be in the world but not of the world? There was a saying once “so heavenly minded you are no earthly good.”

As a believer we are to be careful what goes into our mind so a steady diet of macabre evil movies during this time of year is probably not the best idea.  Many churches hold harvest celebrations where the environment can be more controlled. Do not stand in judgment or act holier than thou over a friend or family member that sees this holiday as pure fun. There is not a real scripture forbidding it but each individual has to listen to the Holy Spirit on what is best to do. Pray, decide then act. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for the beauty of fall and the beautiful autumn leaves and cooler weather. Help each person decide what is right or wrong for this secular holiday. I pray against any evil forces who use this day for ill intent. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Open Heart Surgery

I will  give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

How is your heart? I don’t mean do you have physical heart problems but how is it functioning as a believer? Is it tender, merciful, forgiving, loving, accepting or is it choked up with hatred, discord, judgmental attitudes, bickering, gossip and the like? 

Maybe it is time for a spiritual heart transplant of sorts. If your life is full of things that cause you to not show love and kindness to others perhaps today is the day to ask God to give you a new heart to love others. 

Do a word study and see how many times the word ‘heart’ is in the Bible. You will see the heart controls man. If yours is full of bad stuff maybe now is the time for that transplant. 

PRAYER: Jesus I need you every hour. I want to always have the kind of heart to show love and mercy and not judge or condemn others. I need the kind of heart to be merciful even when people don’t deserve it. Help me live with a renewed heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Stay Cool...I’ve Got This!” God

May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. Colossians 1:11

If you have been waiting for a breakthrough for a prayer you have been praying,  you may at times wonder what you are supposed to be learning and if God is really going to deliver the person you have been praying for or the situation you have been lifting up. 

It can be hard but you have to keep trusting, believing, praying and never entertain a shadow of doubt. It may seem a situation is impossible. Remember scripture says what is impossible with man is possible with God. (Luke 18:27)

Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy which cause you to doubt and give up. Press on my friend and believe for what you don’t yet see. 

PRAYER:Your steadfast love never cease and your mercies never come to an end. Break the strongholds in the life of those I pray for and give courage to those waiting on an answer to prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Journey On!

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

We are all on a different spiritual journey. Sometimes during these journeys trials and tests come. Perhaps even the unthinkable, a death. No one is to feel they are mistreated by God. If you have done that understand God is not bringing tragedy on you but can use it in the big scheme of things and guess what? It is all for HIS glory.

No matter what journey you find yourself on press on with your shoulders back and head held high. Never forget to praise God even when in the midst of a storm. Easier said than done but remember God is a God of all comfort.

Once you accept Christ your journey begins. You may wonder why bad stuff seemingly happens but it will. All I can say is God has a way to use everything. Continue staying close to Him in good times and bad. He is on the throne.

PRAYER: I love you Lord and I know there may be a few bumps on the road on my spiritual journey but thank you for what you teach me through them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship to go along with this devotion:

https://youtu.be/oYCcFtFwcxo

Blinded By The Lights

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

In the Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Greatest Showman’ the main character had let fame go to his head and forgot why he ever really wanted to do what he did. Not going to spoil it, so rent it. Anyway fame is like that. It can be ever so fleeting but yet those caught up in it, if not careful can lose sight of their real life before fame. 

Humility is greatly valued in the eyes of God. Not too many people like to hang out with braggarts. One boss I had in the Army used to say “let your virtues speak for themselves” and that is so true. Don’t get puffed up beyond measure. 

When you end up having good things happen to you don’t forget the ‘little people’ who helped you achieve your goals. No man is an island therefore it takes many people to bring glory to one. Please give credit where credit is due and first place would be to God. 

PRAYER: Dear Father I am sorry if  I have ever gotten too big for my britches. Help me Lord to stay humble and down to earth no matter how great an honor I receive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Warning: Curves Ahead!

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

On interstate 65 near the exit to my town on both north and south bound lanes there are prominent signs warning drivers to slow to 65 because of a very bad curve.  Yet I still observe vehicles exceeding the speed limit. Recently I saw yet again the north bound guard rail smashed due to an accident. When will people learn? 

Your Bible is also a book of warnings that if you don’t heed them you can get totally off track and into a life God never intended. His commandments and teachings are not meant to bully you into submission but are a loving way to say “ if you do this then that won’t happen” but alas ever since the  days of creation mankind in his arrogance has seemingly known more than God. 

I have always heard there is a God shaped hole inside of every human who is born. It is what people choose to fill it up with that counts. Many may know they are doing things contrary to what God desires but yet keep on. The key is to stay in tune with God by reading and studying his word. Hide it in your heart if you will. You will soon see following the Lord makes the enemy very mad and God very glad. 

PRAYER: Father, daddy, I desire to please you just as I desire to please my earthly daddy. I thank you for forgiving me when I have turned my back on you. I pray for those I may know who don’t make time for you to be convicted of the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tsunami Of Love

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12

The United States needs a love revolution. Angry factions have invaded and attempt to stir up strife and fear. This is not pleasing to God. 

Scripture tells us in Romans 12:21 to overcome evil with good. Lying, scheming, intentionally being disruptive is what I would say is evil. Certainly is not of God. 

What we need is a tsunami of love to sweep America. Pray for those people trying to be disruptive during this political season. Pray for revival to break forth in the hearts of men and women. Always stand for truth and don’t be fooled by the lies of the enemy. Love is from God so let’s live it! 

PRAYER: There is a song that says “They will know we are Christians by our love” so Lord help me always to remember that no matter what! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Following God? Really?

"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46

Many people say they go to church, or are religious or something to that effect. You can go to church but do you truly love the Lord? Do you want to please Him or man? Do your daily actions, to include Facebook and other social media posts, and your thoughts and actions truly reflect that you are His follower? Ponder that for a while. 

Sometimes people equate being a Christian with simply being an American or getting baptized as an infant or being a certain denomination or even growing up in a ‘churched’ home. All four of those are no guarantee of your love for the Lord or even your desire to follow Him. You have to decide on your own that you will follow the Lord and have a desire to live for Him. 

After you do, you are on a journey and no one is perfect, but the main thing is in order to know Him better,  you must read His word, the Bible, to grow closer. If you are clueless where to begin start either in the book of John in New Testament or the Psalms or Proverbs. Make Jesus more of a habit than pursuing worldliness. Make sure wherever you go to show God’s love to people around you no matter how you may feel about them and ask God to help you love the unlovely. 

PRAYER: Give me a pure heart Lord. Help me never become haughty in my faith or walk with you. I desire to grow closer. Help me steer clear of stumbling blocks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

99.9%

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

There are hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays, dish washing liquids,  and laundry soaps that claim to kill 99.9% of the germs.This is probably a way to keep lawsuits away but I thought it was pretty clever.  If you give your heart to Jesus he doesn’t wash you whiter than snow only 99.9% but 100%.  But likewise when you give your heart to Jesus you don’t hold back and say you need an escape clause to lead your old life. 

When you truly come to know the Lord your old habits are no longer appealing to you. There may be a stronghold or two that needs intervention but basically you give Jesus 100% of your life. This does not mean you become a monk but you live life for Him trying to be an example for Him. Part of this involves saturating your mind with things that build up and not degrade.

Are you all in for Jesus or just 99.9%?

PRAYER: Saturate my mind Lord with you. Give me strength to resist roadblocks the enemy may try to set up and help me recognize them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship: https://youtu.be/yj0QzV6Zmpo

Conditioned....To What?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Sometimes in life,  if you always did something a certain way even though a need for change is staring you in the face or better yet the Holy Spirit is bringing conviction on you, you still continue to operate as you always have due to conditioning. Maybe deep down you know what it right but mental conditioning has kept you in a rut.

It could be voting for a political  party that does not hold to Christian values even though you know you should change. It could be leading a lifestyle that you know does not please the Lord. It could be being saturated with too many morning shows only because you have always grown up that way. These are examples.

Let the Holy Spirit recondition your heart to love, pray, care, hear God’s voice, and not judge others. The only person you should care about what they think is God. How are you doing? Ponder that for a while.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus convict those people who have been stuck in a habit of doing things a certain way of the need to change if what they are doing or believing does not glorify you. Help me stay sensitive to the truth in your word so I do not stumble. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Someone Is Watching

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

About to say an ugly comment to your spouse? Maybe tell off a clerk at a store? Become rude to a telemarketer? Did you know you should not be concerned as much about setting a horrible Christlike example as you should breaking God’s heart? He is ALWAYS watching so public opinion is not the main reason for self control in situations where you want to spout off. 

What prompted me to write this subject was observing a couple in a waiting room seemingly in the midst of a disagreement. The wife had a horrible scowl on her face and the husband seemed gentle natured. Granted I don’t know where they stood with the Lord but it made me think about how I as a believer needed to let my light shine around others so I could bring glory to Jesus.

Today before you start your day you may not feel good inside but try if you can to smile and start your day thanking God for allowing you to be alive  and giving Him praise and glory. You never know who will be watching. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for the gift of life. At times things have irritated me but if I speak help me remember I am an example for the kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus Tour 2018!

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13

Isn’t it funny how humans can get all excited about musicians or a Broadway tour? Tee shirts and other souvenirs fly off the shelves to prove ‘we were there’! 

Why don’t we brothers and sisters in Christ go on a ‘tour’ of our own sorts spreading His love wherever we go. Work, playgrounds, schools, barber or beauty shop, nail salon, movie theaters, restaurants and a host of other places. It is exciting to be salt and light don’t you think? 

You can be on ‘tour’ 24-7 pumped up for bringing others into the kingdom. Can you make it your mission statement to be kind and loving and let The Holy Spirit use you however He will to bring others into eternal life. 

PRAYER: I am so very grateful to be able to look at my daily life as being an active witness for you Lord. Guide my thoughts and my words to always help show your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: got the idea for today’s devotion title from Dino Rizzo, Missions Director, Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL.

My Stuff

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But  store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. Matthew 6:17-21

Our time on Earth many times is spent acquiring earthly possessions some necessary and some not so much. The continual need for ‘stuff’ results in packed attics, cluttered homes, crowded closets, and overflow in storage units. Ask yourself why are you keeping this ‘stuff’. Much of what we have is totally unnecessary. 

Hopefully when you get to a certain age you will begin  to realize it is time to downsize. I used to ask myself  “want or need” before a purchase and go from there. Many of us have way too many things in our own closets so that is a good starting point. 

When you are doing this project to purge, just think about how good it will feel to clean clutter out. Don’t be afraid to give away or throw away. The day you start your project,  pray and ask God for wisdom and strength to do what is needed for a clutter free life. 

PRAYER: I thank you for the blessing of earthly possessions but I never want them to own me or get to the point I am a cluttered mess. Help me Lord to see the need for organization in life and start from there. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Connectivity

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

In the society we live in today electronic connectivity is extremely crucial to business and other aspects of life. Use of the cell phone nonstop has even created a new condition called ‘text neck’. To be able to use our devices it is necessary to get a good wireless signal wherever you are. At times it can be maddening.

Aren’t you glad that you don’t need a wireless connection or modem to connect to the Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth? He never leaves us, never forsakes us, and He is Good all the time. 

Try something when you are able. Go somewhere and leave you phone and other hand held devices at home. You may think you need them but much of the usage of them is an addiction. How about establishing a new greater addiction and that is to quietness and a paper Bible. Give it a try. Now go and have a blessed day. 

PRAYER: Quietness is a wonderful thing. It is hard to hear your voice Lord when I over-schedule my day. Your voice comes from reading the word of God daily. Many who call themselves Christians fail to get their strength from it daily I included. Help me Lord not to let other mundane unimportant things squeeze you out. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Broken Hearted But Hanging On

The  LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

A broken heart hurts. Not necessarily the kind of broken heart from a relationship break up but the brokenness of your spirit and soul groaning over an issue in your life or a close family member where God has not shown up yet. The waiting period is tough. 

During your time of waiting you have to hang on to God’s rope and not give the devil an opportunity to drag you into despair. No matter what you see, hear, or feel, keep praying and believing God has got whatever situation it is. 

My friend Satan roars around tricking, deceiving, lying to the masses but when it hits home it may be much harder when you have to personalize your spiritual warfare against him. Keep looking up and trusting God for victory. 

PRAYER: Lord how magnificent you are and you care deeply for those crushed and wounded in spirit. Whatever the battle you are there to comfort and I am grateful for that. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fear/Peace/Trust

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.Isaiah 26:3

I love to fly and I am not normally a white knuckle flyer but every now and then when an unusual bump occurs it gets my heart racing for sure. When I was in Alaska hiking on a island inhabited by black bears I didn’t think about being scared till we saw one. 

So what gets you scared? Do you know you can not live life petrified and tensed up all the time?Not only will it give you high blood pressure but will rob you of joy and peace. Trust and faith are the necessary components. 

Whether going in for medical tests, worrying about getting rear ended by a tractor trailer, or encountering an alligator in the Everglades you need God’s perfect peace. Where are you at today? 

PRAYER: Father I know you care for the smallest of creatures and I am no exception. Some fear may be normal but give me strength when I encounter situations like above to be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

White Witch

Anyone  you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven-if there was anything to forgive-I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

In the movie ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ a deceptive character called ‘The White Witch’ deceived the children into thinking she was the queen, when she was really the representation of evil. She lured the children with her treat Turkish Delight. She captivated them. 

Satan does that to many people some who even claim to be believers. He plants lies in their heads, gets them hanging out with wrong people, maybe even has them go to a church that has nothing to do with salvation or the Love of Christ. He causes division among friends and family. He destroys churches. He steals joy. He causes arguments and riots. But many scoff at the idea of evil and a devil. Some of these people even embrace sin and evil because the government made it okay. 

Well hear me now. He is like a roaring lion and seeks someone to devour. Stay in the word, he hates that and would rather you read the morning paper or watch TV. 

Don’t be fooled. Satan doesn’t like anyone he has deceived but loves to get them off God’s path and onto his. Confusion is his game plan. Stand firm. Pray hard. Keep on the armor of God. 

PRAYER: Today if you hear God’s voice harden not your heart it says in scripture. Oh Lord I pray for those I know who Satan has baited and they are walking a life not glorifying you. Also help me never get lazy about reading and studying my Bible. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Final Approach

For the Scriptures say, "'As surely as I live,' says the LORD, every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.' Romans 14:11

As I was on a plane preparing to land in what the aviation community calls the ‘final approach’ I was marveling at the clouds and beauty around me and then also pondering how one day the  ultimate final approach would be entrance into heaven.

Not everyone will get to Heaven and you may say “well that is mean and doesn’t sound like a loving God” but then how many people here on Earth deny Him, don’t follow Him, reject Him. 2 Peter 3:9 says “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.”

Being religious or a seminary graduate is no guarantee of Heaven but having a heart that is truly sold out to Jesus. When it is time for your final approach will you have the confidence the gates of Heaven are straight ahead? 

PRAYER: Lord you are beautiful. Your face is all I seek. I pray for those I might know that feel they are saved but have been led astray by false teaching. I pray for revival to break out in our land. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song of worship: 

https://youtu.be/Fh4ac4znuRk

Designer Bible?

On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

There are designer purses, wallets, shoes, coolers,  jackets and a host of other items. Sometimes we humans think it is important to be trendy so money is coughed up for items that don’t really matter in the big scheme of things. There may be those people who can’t be seen in public unless they have a famous brand name for all to see.  

Guess what. God does not care if you or I are trendy but maybe if there was a designer Bible more folks would carry it around to be stylish and cool. Supposedly the Bible is the best selling book of all time but how often do you see someone with it out in public?  Why not carry it along on trips or even get a Gideons New Testament for your pocket or purse. 

It is time for believers to not hide their ‘light’ under a bushel like the children’s song says but to let it shine. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tote your Bible with you to work, on trips, or out to the park to just sit on a bench and read. No designer style is needed. Just do it and see how your life changes. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for the Holy Bible inspired word of God that I have daily access to. The enemy is constantly trying to pervert it, change it, make it illegal but it is here to stay. I pray for everyone who calls themselves a believer to make it part of their daily life, not a coffee table decoration. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Kodak Moment

I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength! Philippians 4:13

Only those born before 1990 will have any clue about today’s title. A ‘Kodak moment’ is that precious once in a lifetime capture of a stunning moment on film. Life can be full of Kodak moments but also it’s share of many you may want to go away. 

Maybe your life doesn’t feel like a ‘Kodak moment’ most of the time.  For whatever reason you feel there is never a reason to celebrate. Life does have ups and downs and no one is promised a 100% breeze thru life. It doesn’t work that way. Trials are what make us stronger. So you say “Well I like being weak.” Comparing your life to another is a tactic the enemy likes you to employ to get you further in a pit of despair. 

Purpose in your heart today to get up, get going, and give praises to God. He loves you and it is necessary you let Him know you love Him right back no matter what. Tell Satan to take a hike cause you are God’s kid covered with the blood of Jesus. Now say cheese! 

PRAYER: I am forever grateful for how you love me and you created me for a purpose. Forgive me Lord for times I let the enemy win. I choose to stand strong and give thanks with a grateful heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Three Cords

And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Recently I was at a wedding where in the couples vows the minister reminded the couple that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. He of course was referring to the man, woman, and God. Yes you can try to do marriage with only two cords but the rope may break. Another three cords is the Trinity.

Holding onto a rope that is made of three strands is better for everyone. Think of making a rope bridge or a rock climbers’ ropes. If they were only two strands they would easily break. The third strand is so vital for strength.

Make sure the Holy Spirit  is that vital third cord in your life. Don’t do life without Him.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for the Trinity, Father, Son and  Holy Spirit which are vital in a believers walk. Those are the three cords for a believer. Often times the Holy Spirit is ignored. Forgive me if I have done that. I intend to keep you always with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fretting? Why?

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

Not only are we told to not worry or be anxious in scripture but it is for our overall good health. High blood pressure can kill you and when you don’t take care of yourself due to lack of exercise or being a worry wart then you can pay for it medically. Even a ‘simple worry’ such as stressing over what to wear to a social function or being concerned what people think. All this stuff is concerns that the Lord wants you to cast on Him. 

How does one just learn to really ‘chill’ and be still? Know that no amount of fretting over an issue will change it. Prayer is the key and purposefully setting aside time to spend daily in Bible reading and meditating on scripture. The world will throw all kinds of things at you to try to get you flustered but you need to recognize it as an attack and not fall prey to the clutches of the worry monster. 

Today stop using the excuse ‘I’m just a worrier’ and purpose in your heart that right now you will no longer allow petty concerns to ruffle your feathers and will stay calm under pressure. Make prayer a daily habit and truly cast those concerns no matter how small on the Lord and learn to walk in peace. 

PRAYER: Right now I choose to recognize worry as an attack from Satan as when I do get caught up in it it means I don’t trust you. I am sorry Lord. I choose to take a breath and give you my concerns. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cast Your Care...So Do It Already

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

I am pretty good, I think, about casting my care on God until the creeper worries come in and catch me off guard with things such as concern for my great niece moving to a liberal state or the concern over the state of the country with so many unwarranted vicious attacks against  the Supreme Court nominee. It boils down to one thing and one thing only and that is I allowed Satan to creep in and I consequently put down my shield of faith.

So today if you too have been bombarded and caught up with creeper concerns that are weighing you down, the what if’s of life, if you will, you must give them to the Lord. You can go nutty trying to orchestrate outcomes and opening your mouth with misspoken words to fix something.

The key is to maintain your solid prayer life. Get in a solid Bible based church. In the morning start your day with worship music.

Don’t allow the enemy one second of pleasure as he is trying to defeat you and take away your joy. Stand strong and say Satan, “no weapon formed against me or________will prosper. I will not believe your lies.” After that start praising God for what he will do to bring victory!

 PRAYER: Our peace can be robbed by so many little weeds that try to come in and choke the joyful life out of us. Fear of a bad diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end. Defeat the enemy with praise. I choose to charge on with my shield of faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rise Above The Clouds In Life

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

For anyone who has ever flown much you know occasionally there may be some bumps in the air on take off, landing, or along your route. Until you rise above that turbulence and get above the cloud layer it can be nerve racking. Not to worry. Trained pilots are at the helm and you simply need to take a breath and relax. 

Similarly in life there may be bumps along the way and unexpected turbulence when something happens to throw the course of a smooth life into chaos. It is how your react that matters the most.  You can be going along smoothly then there is a bad medical diagnosis, unexpected death, financial crisis, illness and if not properly grounded in the word of God you could take a nose dive in life.  

Always remember the clouds and rough air will go away and there is bright sunshine around the bend.

PRAYER: At times dwelling on negativity or what ifs of life can send me into a tailspin.  I know I need to live day to day and not be anxious about any possible storm clouds that may not even happen. Give me the ability to trust you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Deny Me A Blessing

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1
Have you ever attempted to be nice to someone by giving them an unexpected gift or shared something with them only either to have them not want to receive it or be apologetic?

Once I was on my lunch break from work at Fort Knox and eating with several co workers. I happened to comment on one persons huge bright red apple and he says “here take it” and I of course replied “I can’t”. He then says to me “if you don’t take it you will be denying me a blessing.” I have never forgotten that kind gesture which occurred in 1981.

Do you realize you can be a blessing to someone each and every day? A smile. An unexpected kindness. A positive word. A gift. Whatever it is God can and does use you to bless those around you. Go be blessed to be a blessing.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am grateful the Holy Spirit shows me ways to bring a blessing to others. Help me not to ever toot my own horn because my blessing is in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Take Your Positions!

You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"2 Chronicles  20:17

We are in a battle of Good versus evil, God versus the devil. No in between. The enemy is tricky. He doesn’t like Christians, the Bible, prayer, crosses, or anything remotely righteous. His tactic is simple....kill, steal, deceive, and destroy. 

It is time for believers to man their battle stations and stand firm against the tactics of Satan. He has deceived many. We are not to fight against man, but demonic forces of darkness that have tricked people. 

You can be loving or you can be hateful. The fruit of a Christ follower is always about love and prayer. Pray for those who may have been under the powerful delusion of Satan to be set free. Take your battle stations by using the Word of God and prayer. 

PRAYER: Help me shine the love of God to those confused souls who may be under a strong delusion as the Bible calls it. Help me stay knowledgeable of the word so I am never deceived. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Read And Practice

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

No matter what it is in life you do in order to do it your best, practice is involved. An Olympic medalist did not get on the podium by simply reading a book but many hours of practice were involved to achieve his or her goals.

Similarly when you accept Jesus as Lord of your life that is NOT where it ends. If you want to intimately know Him and have fellowship it involves spending time in prayer and Bible reading and study. You don’t just accept Jesus and expect that is it. If you have a friend they would not be your friend long if you did not make an effort to get to know them better by spending time with them.

Jesus is not going to force himself on you but if you say you love Him why not show it by doing things to get to know Him better. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to have sweet fellowship daily. I know it grieves your heart when I ignore you. I choose to make quality time daily to know you better no matter what is going on around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bumpy Roads Sometimes Take Time To Fix

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7 

No one is immune to trouble in their lives. It could be you or a family member. And living for Jesus is no guarantee your live will always be smooth sailing. Some of you may want to shake your fist and say “why doesn’t God care?” He does care.

Standing strong in the midst of whatever storm you are currently encountering will indeed be good in the long run. You can’t see it now but all things you go through help shape you and make you a stronger person even able to perhaps help another with a struggle they may be encountering. 

As hard as it is try to praise God in the midst of the battle you are in. Don’t curse Him or leave your faith or stop going to church. Keep praying. Get in the Psalms and read some of the struggles King David endured. You are going to be okay or the person you are praying for so hang on to the rope.

PRAYER: Father give me words to help those who may be in a struggle right now. Help me learn when to speak and when to be silent and give supernatural strength to any who are feeling they can’t go on. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link below for an awesome song of worship:

https://youtu.be/DoqbKyeKOBI

For your info:

National Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255

24/7 Prayer from 700 Club 800-823-6053

Extreme Hate...Not From God

And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. Mark 3:25

Our country seems to be in a civil war of sorts. Those who name Jesus as Lord need to examine your hearts and if you have hatred confess it and ask the Holy Spirit to heal it.

The enemy is behind all the hatred, uprisings, agitated demonstrators and God’s will for this great nation is peace. Satan would love to eradicate our great democracy and we can not allow that to happen. Many are hearing and believing lies and division even among family members occurs. Once again this is spiritual warfare not a war against flesh and blood.

My intent is to pass on to all brothers and sisters in Christ that love should be your highest aim. Pray for troublemakers and people who are angry and deceived. An excerpt from President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address says “This nation under God will not perish from this Earth.”Christians need to seriously pray for our country and make it a priority. Don’t take freedom for granted.

PRAYER: Freedom is a gift from God. Tyrants, communists, and others who hate Christians would like to destroy our unique and blessed country. Wake your people up to pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fortune Cookie Faith

“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31

Fortune cookies are a fun way to end an Asian meal but by no means should you take stock in fortunes, Palm readers, or the daily horoscope. Don’t follow mans made up stuff but follow the Holy Spirit. 

It is the Lord Jesus Christ you should seek out. Why are people so perplexed about the concept of going to the word of God for answers? The word is full of answers and you benefit from it and get closer to God. Messing with fortunes and the like is dabbling in the spirit world which is not of God.  

As the Halloween season approaches this may seem like a fun and innocent time and often it seems people decorate more for this day than on Christmas. The fascination with ghosts and the like may seem okay but you are also not closer to God are you when you do it? Even Christians fall into the trap of innocent fun with all sorts of things but ask the Holy Spirit before you go to that Halloween movie or dress your child like a witch or devil if you really should. I think you might already know the answer.

PRAYER: This world throws so much garbage at us and it is up to me Lord as a believer to stand my ground and to choose what not to participate in if it brings no glory to you. Help me be discerning and not dabble in anything bordering on witchcraft or Satanic  practices. In Jesus’ name. Amen.