Don’t Do It!

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6

The mouth is a powerful weapon. It can bruise people or cheer them up. Many times you may want to say something to someone and have not thought it through and bingo it backfires. 

Just as today’s verse says it can set a forest ablaze, figuratively. Loose lips sink ships was the saying in World War 2. Words can really mess up people and relationships if not used properly. 

Try to let your words be few. This word concept applies to texts and emails as well. Certain personality types may have more of a struggle than others but really try to think before you speak. 

PRAYER: “Ouch” is the phrase I use when I have been beat up by words from others used hastily or not thought out. I choose to forgive those who may not ask for forgiveness and to be careful with my own mouth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thanks For Your Patience

Learn to be patient, so you will please God and be given what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36

Humans can sure be an impatient bunch. Fast food not fast enough. Instant potatoes not instant enough. High speed internet doesn’t connect quick enough. Disrupted air travel maybe makes you want to scream.

Patience and being able to be calm and wait is a good character trait  to develop.  Every minute of every day does not have to have a schedule of activities. Being able to sit still on a park bench and watch squirrels would be a good thing to work on.

When you get impatient try to remember you may be being watched so try to remember who it is you serve. Chill, be still, be grateful.

PRAYER: Sometimes when traffic is slow, or my TV satellite signal has to be ‘reacquired’ during a storm I can get antsy. I choose now to practice not getting flustered. I know the more I do it the more like you I will become. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

News Media Darkness

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But  if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

What do you do first thing in morning? Run for the newspaper? Turn on the morning show? Drive to work listening to secular talk shows?

Darkness is all over America now and the media is continuing to perpetuate lies and fear. As a believer if you choose to start your day this way what does it do to your spirit? Maybe it is a learned habit and needs to be nipped in the bud.

Why is it necessary to hear about tragedies, political infighting, murders and the like? Does doing so strengthen your spirit? The answer of course is a no. Why not wake up, grab some coffee, get your Bible and read some Psalms. Say a prayer and go on a media fast to keep God’s truth flowing through you. Give it a try!

PRAYER: Lord you are beautiful. Your face is all I truly seek yet when I succumb to earthly fears and propaganda driven by our media I become agitated and angry. Help me break this stronghold and break it in the lives of those I know who do it more out of a developed habit.In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In God We Trust

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5-6

Oklahoma has some pretty exciting weather the week we arrived in Tulsa to attend my great niece Rylee high school graduation. Tornados are common there but this was stormageddon so to speak. 

As I lay in bed with Rylee talking early one morning sirens were blaring outside and storms were raging but as long as we did not hear the proverbial ‘train sound’ all was well. Rylee simply said “In God we trust Aunt Becky” and let it go at that. 

Fear is taught and you can be sensible and safe but you don’t have to freak out. With non stop tornado warning sirens blowing most the night we watched the Weather Channel and stayed peaceful. But Rylee’s comment put it in a nutshell. Trust God period. An anxiety outburst doesn’t achieve anything. Be still and lean on God. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for protection from both physical storms as well as the ‘storms of life’ and I know in you I can achieve and maintain perfect peace. I ask that strongholds of fear be broken. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Respect...Shouldn’t Be Lost

 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

As I sit at Fox Army Pharmacy waiting for prescriptions many of the retired men don caps saying “World War 2..Proudly Served” or “Vietnam Vet” or “US Marine Corps”. There are many more. It makes me proud first to be part of the Armed Forces community but makes me smile to see these individuals who have no doubt endured combat and lived to be able to wear the cap.

If you are a parent of a young school student be sure to instill in them respect for their elders but especially respect for those who served our nation so we could enjoy freedom. The past several years we have lived as spoiled brats with no real hardship like some of our parents endured in The Great Depression. We are only one generation away from losing our freedom if not vigilant to elect the right leaders and keep a strong military.

Instead of going out to buy a new mattress at a Memorial Day sale why not stop and pay your respects to our fallen. Think about what freedom really means and if possible visit a military cemetery to pay your respects. Freedom is truly not free.

PRAYER: Father I am grateful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and are often disrespected and ridiculed even by those in our own nation. Help parents teach their children what this day is all about. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Shine Brighter

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5

The world around you may seem very dark to believers right now. If all you do is saturate yourself with the changing cultural tide nightly news or the desensitization happening on TV, movies, schools, and cartoons you could get in a real tizzy.

Relax. God has this. Your job is to keep your light shining for the kingdom and get it back to a roaring flame if it is only an ember. Turn off negative news feeds, tv shows and the like that cast doubt as to whether God is in charge. Schedule daily Bible reading and quiet time. Also don’t speak evil of enemies(see Proverbs 24:17) but pray for them as they are under a cloud of satanic deception and may not even want to acknowledge  it due to endearment to a life long political party that has them tricked and held captive.

Today your job is to light the world around you. In your family, your workplace, your church, your recreation endeavors, your grocery shopping, and your night at the restaurant or movies. Don’t be ‘holier than thou’ or self righteous but pray that God will use you to light up the paths around you. Get rid of negativity and look up!

PRAYER: I know it is easy to let Satan make me feel all hope is lost and my beloved nation is going down the tubes but IT IS NOT so help me squish negative thinking and mediate only good from your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

36000 Feet

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?Galatians 5:7

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies. Fly up high especially at sunrise or sunset and with a window seat you can marvel at God’s creation. 

How can someone be an atheist? Satan wants people as far from God as possible and works in the minds of those in false religions, with political loyalty, enamored by socialism or communism, gender confused, propaganda tools, and much more to mess up hearts and minds and create immense division. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy. 

If you are reading this you may know of people in your family captured by society worldview over God’s worldview. Don’t beat them over the head with the Bible but keep praying for the truth to set them free. 

PRAYER: Father I pray for those whose minds are so politically correct they cannot recognize Satan’s lies and influence over them. I cover America with the blood of Jesus and pray for those people who are being used by the devil to destroy a Christian nation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ripple Effect

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Deuteronomy 30:19

Recently I attended the baccalaureate service for my great niece Rylee held in Oklahoma at Jenks High School. The pastor from Guts Church Tulsa spoke and basically talked about choices in life and how all things have consequences. A ripple effect if you will.

Some of the choices we all face are choosing  friends, a spouse some day, job selection. Hopefully you make the choice to have Christian fellowship as a major priority in your life and not be a lone ranger thinking you don’t need ‘religion’ or a ‘brick and mortar building’.

Staying with people who love Jesus is so very important that is why finding a church home is crucial to living life successfully. It is hurtful and heart breaking  for parents when they have raised their now adult children or college bound children to love the Lord then they basically just blow off anything to do with Jesus, Christian friends, or fellowship. You are the sum of who you choose to associate with. For those struggling with hurt from children who basically have erased Jesus from their life, keep praying for them. For those college bound continue to lift up Jesus and pray for their associations in the future. Prayer is powerful. Life and death are in the power of the tongue it  says in  Proverbs 18:21. Believe in positive outcomes  and speak things out that are positive and give your concerns to the one who loves your children more than you do. 

PRAYER: Choices in life are so important. To hang out with the wrong crowd often takes you away from things of the Lord. Help me Lord to remember everything I say and do has an effect on someone. I pray for those who may have put you on the shelf and just aren't growing in Christ right now. I pray that those prodigals will return  to you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Take Your Medicine

Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation. 1 Peter 2:2

Do you know that reading God’s word is medicine for your soul? This was pointed out during a Mothers Day message at my church where the pastors mother in law would say she was going to bed and going to take her medicine.

It is so easy to coast through life and neglect God’s word. What if you forgot to take synthroid or some other life saving drug or forget to take diabetes medicine? Soon you may succumb to the illness that required this medication in the first place. 

Don’t be spiritually lazy. It is easy to hop in the car on Saturday or Sunday and drive to church and take your medicine with others but what about the other 167 hours in your week? Do you care to get closer to God and grow in Christ or is Sunday quote enough? My friend you need your spiritual armor and your spiritual medicine daily to combat the attack’s of this secular evil world you live in. Don’t let the world shape you. Be shaped for kingdom work. 

PRAYER: Father God I delight in you and pray for those I know who have little interest beyond Sunday. Convict hearts of their need for spiritual growth so the truth is recognized. Help me run from evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rescue Mission

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.Psalm 82:3-4

Those who are first responders are on a mission to rescue people and keep them alive. You as a believer are a first responder of sorts for the Kingdom. You are to be on the look out for those around you who seem lost and wandering and help those who are lost spiritually. 

Each day you cross paths with all sorts of people. It is hard to know what is going on inside of someone’s heart and mind. A simple smile or kind gesture can often do a wonder for someone hurting. Go deeper when and if you can. Sometimes this means getting out of your comfort zone. Don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation so use common sense too. 

Each day consider yourself on a rescue mission for the kingdom. Let love and kindness prevail. Pray for God to open doors for you to help in these rescues. Some may be people you already know, a friend, a neighbor. Don’t fear because He can equip you to do just what you need in different situations. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am glad to be able to be on call for the kingdom 9-1-1 and to be available to help others who are hurting. Give me the courage and stamina to do your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Influence Your Culture

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. 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 12:2-3

Don’t get involved? Holocaust. Don’t get involved? School prayer removed from school. Don’t get involved? Abortion made legal. Don’t get involved? Homosexual marriage legalized. Don’t get involved? Keep getting Sports Illustrated SwimSuit Issue in a family friendly store. Don’t get involved? Anti American, Anti Israel people elected to US Congress. Don’t get involved? Islam infiltrates the world. Don’t get involved? Gender confusion becomes the norm.

I have just cited examples of how our culture is shifting. It is not shifting towards Christ but away from the truth found in the word of God. Now there are going to be people saying we are to love ALL people. I never said otherwise. Unfortunately the new kids on the block try to label those who disagree as haters when in fact they are the ones doing the bullying and hating when simply wearing a MAGA hat gets you labeled.

What I am referring to is the proverbial frog in the pot of cold water that ever so slowly the heat is turned up until he is cooked and does not realize it. This is classic desensitizing and done by evil forces who do not like righteousness, truth, God, or democracy. Evil can spin lies, doubt, propaganda and may disguise itself as a political party so those endeared to it cause momma was, are afraid to leave or are just not aware as they feed their minds with fake news, yes fake news. I challenge all of my readers to love one another even those who you don’t agree with. Keep praying. Keep speaking the truth in love. You may have family or friends who fit categories I mentioned above. Just continue to love and give them to the Lord. Know we are in a spiritual battle not one against mankind. Pray for those being tricked to have blinders removed.

PRAYERS: Lord Jesus we are in a battle between God and the devil. I pray those people believing lies of the enemy can have scales removed from their eyes. I pray for good decent people who love America to continue to be voted into office. I pray for a revival in our nation’s news media. I pray for those who have never known you as their savior to be touched by the Holy Spirit and be born again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is There Dust In Heaven?

The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.Isaiah 57:1

An odd question to ponder but what do you think, is there dust in heaven?
I got to thinking on this one day when cleaning my house and seeing dusty wood floors, dust on the furniture, cobwebs and said “ugh” and decided that no, there was not dust in Heaven.

Heaven will be perfect and beyond imagination. There is no one reading this who has not been touched by death and usually in a very painful way. Recently I had a dear young lady lose her husband of only 18 months, not even sick? Why? Initially we lash out at God. But death is part of life. My younger son over a period of maybe 10 years starting in 2001, experienced the death of I believe roughly 9 friends three of whom our family knew. Again why?

All I can say is this. If a person has accepted Christ and knows beyond a shadow of a doubt they will be in heaven what is there to dread? People left behind ache bad, are mad, have questions, sometimes run away from their faith. This is what Satan hopes they will do. Just know Heaven is beyond our wildest imaginations and no one runs for an escape exit once they enter upon breathing their last breath here on Earth.

PRAYER: I am unable to comprehend, explain, or understand why babies die, why over 3000 people died on 9-11-01 in New York World Trade Center, or why a young husband is called home early. I pray for supernatural strength and comfort for those grieving unexplainable losses and on a healing journey of recovery. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wonderful Words Of Life

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

There is an old hymn entitled the same thing as my title. Many times if you grew up with hymn singing you may not have given a thought to their meaning. 

Words of faith. Words of hope. Words of joy. Words of encouragement. Words of love. Are these type of words flowing from your mouth? Your email? Your texts? Your Facebook posts? 

Perhaps now is the time to take stock as to whether your words are ‘life giving’ or the opposite. Ponder that for a while. Maybe it is time to extend an apology to someone you have beaten up with your words. Maybe it is the time to speak to everyone like God is there cause He is everywhere. 

PRAYER: My words often are not carefully chosen. Sometimes I talk before thinking. Help me never be ashamed of my words and let me learn to forgive those whose words have wounded me some who may be blinded to it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Willing To Take Up Your Cross? Realy?

“And Jesus called the crowds with his disciples, and he said to them, "Whoever is willing to come after me, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and let him come after me." Mark 8:34

Do you know what it means to take up your cross? Part of it is to be willing to speak up against wrong doing and evil in a society that often condones and accepts sin. It is being willing to stand alone if you have to. It is doing right when everyone else is doing wrong. 

When the going gets tough do the tough get going literally by running and hiding and denouncing they ever knew Christ such as one of his disciples Simon Peter did when asked if he knew Him. (See John 18:15-27). The way of the cross in the United States is often a cake walk at least currently but attacks are increasing against freedom of speech and right of conscience. 

In foreign lands especially where Islam is the religion westerners are hated, called infidels,  and often threatened if they were to share Jesus.  Also many communist nations forbid sharing the gospel of Jesus. Death or imprisonments could be the result of sharing your faith. So my friend truly think about what it means to “take up your cross” and if faced with torture, beheading,  or death are you going to still stand up for Jesus? 

PRAYER: I would like to think I take up the cross daily but I have done it under cushy American circumstances and not faced with death. Give me the courage to always stand up for you Lord no matter what the cost. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Evil Can Not Triumph If Good People Rise Up

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2

Satan is described in scripture as an angel of light(See 2 Corinthians 7:14). He tricks people, deceives them, lies, uses all sorts of propaganda tools to make inroads with unassuming people. Many are more devoted to a TV network, a political party, or the daily newspaper to even realize the subtle ways he is weaving into our Christian democratic society. 

When our nation was founded it was on Christian principles and the Bible was the tool used to help craft the government. Many monuments in the nation’s Capitol attest to this. Obviously Satan doesn’t like Christians and freedom and the little weasel does what he can to create division, chaos, and even have people as leaders who are anti Jewish, swear allegiance to a law book, or take their oath on the Quran. 

My friend now is the time to get serious about getting in the Word and staying in prayer. You can choose a Christian culture and Christian worldview or succumb and be saturated by the modern culture which is getting further away from the truth in the Bible and even has Christians believing lies. Don’t despair or lose hope but do your part interacting with your leaders to speak up for righteousness. Above all show and demonstrate love and know God is still on the throne. 

PRAYER: Father God I thank you for the United States of America. Throughout history you remained on the throne of our laws but lately many want no part of truth or righteousness. I pray for revival in the hearts of men and for any who have evil intent against the US to be removed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bless The Lord Oh My Soul!

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Stop what you are doing right now and just praise the Lord. He has loaded you and I with so many blessings. He is worthy of our highest praises. 

Do you find yourself taking your blessings for granted? It is easy if you are not careful. Each day should be a praise fest to the Lord. Wake up and say something like “hallelujah Lord you are mighty, powerful, and a shelter in a time of storm.” 

From your inner most being let the praises flow. This may seem unnatural to some who have not been to a church who encourages worship from the heart but give it a try. Try to set aside a ‘day alone with God’ which is referred to as a DAWG day, and just show your praises and thank Him for all He has done for you. It is easy to complain and think about what you don’t have. That junk is from Satan so instead think about your blessings and count them one by one, as the old hymn lyrics say. 

PRAYER: Father you are my daddy. You are mighty and great. You come in and stay when the world runs out and beats up on me. You are kind and compassionate and full of mercy. Thank you for your love for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sucking It In

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Recently I was in a coffee shop while the noon TV news was on and patrons seemed glued to the anchor person sucking it all in like they were a god. Every word clung to and absorbed and probably believed too which is concerning.

 Oh if only the populace, even Christians, would turn off the news and tune in to the scriptures and spend time absorbing God like they saturate themselves with  the news. It is so lopsided politically and I often can not hardly stand to be in same room within earshot.

I encourage everyone to not be glued to news and try to get tuned in to spending time with the Lord. The news agitates and gets people believing things that often are fabricated or simply one person’s view. The news can get you upset and worried. I for one encourage peace, joy, freedom from letting someone else formulate your truth.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for being able to live in freedom and have many options of things to watch and listen to. I pray for mankind to be convicted to know Jesus like they know the news and its personalities. Help the news media do the job of sharing pertinent things and not trying to spin things to make people think a certain way. Give me the desire to run to the truth and turn off the TV. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cool Your Jets

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21

Simmer down now. Settle yourself. Chill out. Take the high road. Cool it. 

All these statements reflect the same thing and that is getting a grip and not letting every little thing throw you off course. Don’t let someone else’s ugliness drag you down. Don’t let the world situation get you upset and spouting off. 

Be at peace and take Jesus’ breaks throughout your day. Realize this too shall pass. God has got this. Focus on the good and things ‘above’. Don’t let Satan get you dwelling on things you have no control over. Beat the devil at his game and let your life reflect the goodness and glory of God instead of a person who is no different than those around them. The blood of Jesus is over you and your situation so keep cool. 

PRAYER: There are times I get flustered and because I have not been focusing on ‘above’ I let stuff get to me. I choose right now with your help Lord to stay collected and be an example for you. I have your strength to help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Envoys

A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. Proverbs 13:17

You can choose the kind of person you want to be. One who brings good news and spreads joy or the other kind who likes to stir up trouble.

Do you want to be known as trustworthy and honorable or a gossip? Not a difficult question by any means. Satan is the one who roams around like a lion trying to destroy people and many don’t even recognize it as a spiritual attack. His demons are spread about doing evil and yet we get angry at men not the devil.

Today choose to be a messenger, an envoy, for good and share the love of Jesus with others even through something as simple as a smile, kindness, unexpected gifts. Go into your day walking in truth always knowing who you are working for and that is the Lord.

PRAYER: This is the day you have made. I have a purpose each day and that is to be your messenger to the world around me. Help me never neglect preparing my heart by reading the word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love Yo Mama!

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. Proverbs 29:15

Not everyone was raised in a traditional loving ‘mom and dad’ home and may have tremendous pain thinking about celebration of this holiday of Mother’s Day but it is a day set aside to honor your mother. Part of the job of raising those gifts God blessed you with is disciplining them.

Today’s verse says it all. Some versions even say the word “shame” instead of disgrace. Wow that is tough. So many times parents let the child make the decisions but that is not the way God designed it. There has to be someone to enforce the rules and every home should have rules to play by. Discipline is part of the way the world runs.

And finally there is the “leave and cleave” part when a son or daughter marries their allegiance is to be to their spouse not tied to mommy or daddy anymore or real trouble can ensue. Motherhood is an awesome responsibility and one that can make the difference for good or bad in society. Fatherhood is a major part too and each is needed to run the family as God intended.

PRAYER:I am grateful I was born and am thankful for my mom who raised me. I pray for those who may be having immense pain on this day due to fractured homes or relationships. I pray for healing and forgiveness where that is needed. I also lift up moms of little ones to realize their job is the most important one in the world! I pray for those grieving because their mom is no longer on this Earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Are Your Enemies?

 "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you." Proverbs 25:21-22

The Bible clearly says to love one another. The world we live in today thinks Christians don’t love people if they disagree with them morally even going so far to call Christians haters. Or that we are to roll over backwards to accommodate false religions who hate us. 

You can love people without loving their lifestyle choices or things they may be doing. The way to win others to the Lord is through kindness. Even those countries where the primary religion hates Westerners and loathes followers of Christ are people we are supposed to love. They may shout “infidel” at us and try to blow us up but our job is to pray for them to know Jesus. 

Jesus had many who hated him yet he never hated back. He loved and  set the example for us to love. Even the woman caught in the act of adultery who was about to be stoned to death, Jesus said “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”(John 8:7) Pretty straightforward I would say. 

PRAYER: Sometimes it takes all I can humanly muster to love those people who don’t love me but you have commanded us to love one another. Help me love others through you with your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rejection Hurts

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

Gotta move on. Gotta let it go. Yes I know but when someone you are close to jilts you it creates an ache in your heart. The latest form of rejection may seem Mickey Mouse but it still hurts your heart because it is a form of rejecting you as a person and that is being blocked on Facebook. 

There are readers with the ultimate ache that bring rejection by a parent or a spouse. I thankfully can not identify but can only imagine. My own rejection has been hurtful and confusing. It is nothing compared to what many people experience but when someone totally  ignores you or blocks you on social media the pain is still real The worst pain of course is still the pain of a complete shut out such as a divorce.

Jesus knows how you feel as he went through the Ultimate rejection. Rejection pure, plain, and simple hurts. You do have to move on. You want to pray for reconciliation of course but seemingly the other party wants you to leave them alone so the ball is in their court. God is bigger than any rejection you can suffer. He wants relationships reconciled not divided by misunderstanding. If you are being shut out by someone keep praying for the Holy Spirit to touch their heart while he heals yours. 

PRAYER: Oh Father I can not imagine the pain you endured the ache you felt by being rejected by so many. I know you know the pain of those who have been hurt by people who are being hurtful to others and causing this type of pain. The enemy is the one who causes division and it is he who our battle is against. In the meantime I pray for broken relationships of all reading to be mended and the pain to leave. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Seamless....Not!!

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

Probably you have had one of those days where things do not go right or dealing with people is not seamless and easy. My latest was installation of a new TV provider. All the promises sound good but not all they are cracked up to be. 

Anyway I am not here to trash a television provider but to help you hopefully deal with experiences you may have when things do not go as promised and you try to remain calm and Christian all the while wanting to scream. I keep repeating “my peace I give you” and charge on. Breathe in and go on. 

Every day life can present challenges and for some people these are way more than dealing with a business but can be personal at home, at the office, raising a special needs child, defending your good name in court, and on and on it goes. My prayer is that you know God is on the throne and this too shall pass. Stop and just say thank you for the good in your life and let it go. 

PRAYER: Thanks for my many blessings which overflow. When little glitches in life occur help me stop and remember how fortunate I am and to stay cool. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Go Higher!

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31

As a believer you are to set a different standard. When it comes to the heated exchanges on social media over politics this means being still and not chiming in. As a dear friend told me once “take the high road” as fighting and acting ugly and disrespectful never wins anyone. 

You and I can choose how to react to things and the best way I think is to start with prayer. I myself pray for our President daily on a 24-7 prayer call. It gets your mind focused and keeps it off the ‘low road’. Don’t even travel on the low road. Stay off of it and take a detour into God’s Grace Lane. 

What will you do the next time you want to spout off on social media? Win friends and be the bigger person by not engaging in debates and lift up those who would choose to argue and fight. God Loves both haters those who are on both sides of the fence. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to control the urge to debate people on social media. Help me instead to share your love, peace, goodness, kindness. Help me have self control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Earth Day Versus God’s Creation Day

They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen. Romans 1:25

On 22 April was the observance of Earth Day. This day began in 1970.  As a believer every day should be celebrated as God’s Creation Day as he created the Heavens and the Earth. 

Many folks who celebrate earth day are seemingly more into worship of the Earth rather than the creator of the Earth. Sure we should pick up litter, conserve our natural resources, and all those good things but getting to the point where the Earth itself is literally worshiped is the wrong way to go in my humble opinion. 

The focus should always be on God. God wants your worship. He wants your praise for the Earth he created is indeed a beautiful marvelous place. But your focus on Earth Day and every day should be on the maker of Heaven and Earth. I often wonder how many of those crazy about Earth Day really know and worship the creator of what they worship. I am in awe of this wonderful planet we reside on and thank the Lord for his marvelous creation for his children to enjoy and respect. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for the creation of Earth. Beautiful in every way and don’t by simply speaking it into existence. I pray for those who love your creation but don’t love you to come to a knowledge of you as they gaze at your creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Joy Robbers Be Gone!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Romans 15:13

Are there people in your life who seem to purposely push your buttons and steal your joy? You may have an awesome day then poof in comes the joy robber.

People who do this I don’t think are intentionally mean and maybe they are going through stuff but you don’t have to allow others opinions of you or their comments to take away your God given joy. You can’t  please everyone and there will be people who will get in your face and let you know.

Move on. Choose to be happy. Don’t fight back. Pray for the joy robber as there may be hurt in their life. Don’t be ugly back. Live, love, pray.

PRAYER: I thank you that I can have joy unspeakable and full of glory regardless of any chaos going on around me. Help me be kind to those who purposely try to hurt me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Misspoken Words And Friendships

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:7-8

Oh how easy it is to be misunderstood and to offend someone. The mouth pops open, words are said, misunderstandings occur, and hurt feelings commence. I have been through it and experiencing it now as a matter of fact.

Conversation happens and something is misunderstood or taken the wrong way and then you dig and dig and dig and can’t seem to get back into the circle of trust so to speak. Satan loves it. If only people could talk and work out their differences but human nature wants to prove things, hurt people, and win.

Why can’t we act like Christians? Really! Don’t try to be right. Learn to blow things off. Just try to think more before speaking or let your words be few. The tongue is a deadly weapon more-so sometimes than a gun. It hurts people terribly and breaks up relationships. It is time to do your part in healing and pray for those on the other side to do the same. No one needs to be ugly. There are all sorts of personalities in the world and they sometimes clash but be kind.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I feel sick in my stomach when I open my mouth and what I say is misunderstood it creates unintended division. I pray for healing for any divisions that have occurred over misspoken words. I pray for soft hearts. I pray for restored relationships. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Home Stretch

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24
Whether on a trip or running in a race you get to the final home stretch where you give it all you’ve got.

Our lives here on earth are so short even though most of us think we will go on forever. There will come a day for all of us when your heart will beat its last beat and you will breathe your last breath. This is a time of grieving for those left behind but for the believer it is a time of celebration and home going. Your race of life is complete and it is time to enter the heavenly kingdom.

Have you been running a worthy race working for kingdom purposes or has your life been mainly day to day thinking only of your career or your own pleasures? You can believe in Christ and there is ‘Jesus plus nothing’ but shouldn’t you want to be serving Him and not yourself? Works aren’t going to get you into heaven or being good or being a certain denomination. Do you know Jesus and are you all in for Him or sitting on the fence? Get ready for that home stretch as you never know when it will be.

PRAYER: Father it is exciting thinking about the heavenly kingdom beyond this earthly realm. No one can imagine how magnificent it will be. Help my life lead others closer to you and not make them stumble. In Jesus’ name. Ame

Stop Chucking Stones

Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:3

It is sure easy to judge without knowing someone’s journey. You are setting yourself up for disaster when you keep chucking stones at others behind their backs.

Now is the time to purge negative thinking from your mind. If you tend to pass judgment on someone before you even know their story that displeases God.

You are called to love others not condemn them. How would you feel if others constantly thought bad of you? It is human nature but it is not God’s nature. Start today to ask God to help you if you have developed thus very bad habit.

PRAYER: Help me Lord when I am tempted to judge and speak bad of someone to stop and point a finger back at myself. I am not perfect and I need to realize everyone is made in God’s image whether they acknowledge that or not. Keep me on the road of kindness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#loveoneanother

Under His Wings

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

I have had the pleasure of being able to witness the hatching of three tiny bird eggs in a nest in one of our front bushes. Through my dining room window I have witnessed the mother bird fly in and feed worms to her young and also completely cover them with her body and wings. These babies will be incapable of flying on their own for a couple weeks so the mother is watching and protecting them until they leave the nest.

God is like that with us. Once we leave his protection by our own choice powers of darkness can envelope us if we are not careful. A human mother can protect her babies and children but once they have ‘left the nest’ hopefully the things taught will ‘stick’ but in many cases they are forgotten or wrong friendships lead them astray.

You can still cover your children with the wings of prayer. Picture yourself putting your wings of prayer over your children, grandchildren, and future children and grandchildren. God cares and hears you. Your prayers work even though you may not feel as if they are doing much. Don’t cave in and fly away from the nest. Keep praying.

PRAYER: Father I thank you for your constant protection even when I have chosen to ignore you and do my own thing. I thank you for your protection for my family. I will not lose hope. I will not listen to Satan’s lies. You are Lord and you protect me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#momsinprayerinternational

This Little Light of Mine

 “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." Mark 8:38

Do you remember the children’s song “This Little Light of mine”? It is a great song to teach to your children and grandchildren because I guarantee you it will stick with them and it packs a powerful message.

 "Under a bushel basket , NO! Won’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine." Do you let your little light shine? Is it glowing or barely an ember or has it gone entirely out? You need to fan the embers and get it roaring again. You are to be the light of the world and shine for Jesus wherever you are.

There are some who may feel what they call ‘religion’ is a private matter and first I say what is religion? I am not religious but I love the Lord. If you are afraid to talk about Jesus then maybe it is time to get a fire going or fan the embers again. Get rid of religion and step into the marvelous light of Jesus!

PRAYER: Lord God help me as I seek to let my Little Light shine wherever I go each day. Help me to remember to shine it at home, at the grocery, at the gas station, in the coffee shop, and not just when at church. I know you want me to share the light of Christ with others. Help me not let Satan cause me to be a coward. In Jesus’ name. Amen.