His Word Is Powerful!!

He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.Psalm 107:20

The word of God is many things. In it you find comfort and healing. In it you find freedom. There is a war against Christianity being fought and if Satan could be successful in eradicating the word of God then chaos, confusion, and total evil would be the result. 

Whatever ails you there is an answer found in the Word of God. You have to know it to be able to use it. Don’t let someone else constantly tell you what is in the Bible but open it and read it for yourself. 

Start each day with your cup of coffee and Jesus. You will get way more from Him than the morning news. Make a new daily habit of opening up the Proverbs to whatever day of the week it happens to be and read that corresponding number/chapter in Proverbs. Do this for 21 days at least and a new godly habit should be started that will refresh, recharge, and renew you. 

PRAYER: Lord how I love your word. It is easy to be lazy and to not pick it up. It is easy to make excuses for why I have no time when I have time for everything else. Help me as I seek to reorder my priorities putting you truly first. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ha Ha. Take That!

"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them." (Proverbs 24:17-18)

Social media is a tool when  if used properly, and  as a believer,  should bring great joy to others. As my dear longtime friend Becky told me once to “take the high road” meaning to not plaster cruel stickers on your car bumper, or be hateful to politicians you may oppose or may be hurting America but instead to lift them up in prayer. 

So don’t go slamming your enemy or those confused about how America was founded but instead even if difficult pray for them. Many lost souls are misguided cause they know no better.  Keep in mind that God loves everyone. Things people do may disappoint the Almighty but he does not wish any to perish. 

Are there any hateful posts you may need to remove? Only the Holy Spirit brings conviction anyway and your job hold be drawing people to the savior not repelling them. Let the banner over you be love. 

PRAYER:I can get so angry when I hear about lying and trickery going on in my wonderful country of America and I feel blessed to have been born here and live here. I pray for those people leading this nation who may not know you and may not even like America to come to a saving knowledge of you and run from evil. All things are possible with God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Divine Interventions Needed And Possible

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

One of the banks in my little town on their roadside computerized sign has the verse above. It makes me smile every time I see it. Glad no Jesus haters have complained that it offends them. 

It is very true that NOTHING is impossible with God. You may be in ‘God’s waiting room’ expecting a miracle in an area you have lifted up in prayer maybe for years and have seemingly seen no results. God has heard you. Press in and keep at it. Even when it seems things back track instead of getting better. 

Don’t try to manipulate the outcome. Know that the Holy Spirit  brings conviction to people and you interfering will do nothing except maybe cause a set back. Stop comparing your life with someone else’s cause everyone has a different faith journey and when someone seemingly appears  everything is all together and you feel your life is messed up know that is Satan causing you to do that so nip it in the bud now. Stop and praise Jesus in the storm and be still. 

PRAYER: Lord you are good all the time and all the time you are good. This Earth is not my real home and I need to constantly remember that my standard needs to be heaven and not this physical earth. Also help me as I seek to shut out the lies of Satan who tries to bring me down. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Gather Or Scatter?

He who is not with me is against me and he who does not gather with me scatters. Luke 11:23

I try to be careful to not take a verse out of context and am by no means a seminary trained devotion writer if there is such a thing, but the verse for today really spoke to my heart. Sometimes you may read one verse and just stop to ponder its’ meaning and that is what this verse did for me. 

Many people can toss around the words “I am a Christian” and not to judge,  but some of those who do so, may be saying it out of the habit of being an American. Those who aren’t schooled in what it means to be ‘born again’ may politely say to someone who they think is overboard on the Jesus stuff that you are ‘religious’. 

Ask yourself what is really first place in your daily life. There was a saying once,  I am not certain who said it “if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Are you scattering people or are you gathering them? This could be as simple as what type of social media posts you make daily. Do they incite anger in readers and cause debate? Maybe rethink why you needed to post in the first place.

Love should always be your aim as a brother or sister in Christ. Not doing works to prove something but to be teachable, ready to help others, and have a desire to get closer to God and be Christlike in things you say and do. Where are you at today? 

PRAYER: I want to be known as a believer who gathers not scatters people. Help me break any strongholds in my life that keep me from being loving and kind even to those who I see not following you. Help me to remember about the log in my own eye when I try to take the speck out of another’s eye. Guide any one reading who needs to let things go to get closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: Looking for a good Bible study on the book of Luke. May I recommend my friend Erica Wiggenhorn latest study published by Moody Press entitled Unexplainable Jesus. 

The Blaring Horn

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

Probably you have at one time either honked your horn at a driver not paying attention or maybe done it simply out of anger and frustration.

Warning devices are on cars and trucks for a reason to make  someone aware or can also be to wake them up if they don’t see a traffic light change. Whatever the case,  it is never good to honk your horn in anger because this can lead to further anger and even road rage.

Next time you want to toot your car horn at someone don’t follow it up with a hand gesture or ugly facial expression but simply do it if there is a legit reason and move on. Whatever causes you to be angry really stop, take a breath, and relax before you react if possible. Today’s verse Is good to commit to memory or any situation where you could wind up being mad and reacting in an inappropriate manner.

PRAYER:I am grateful Lord for emotions but don’t like being angry. The enemy wants me  angry because from there arguments can ensue and my witness is blown out of the water. I pray to be able to maintain peace and I pray for those I know who use social media for anger as well that the Holy Spirit convict each person of remaining calm and letting things go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Turn On The Light

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Isaiah 5:20

I am in the United States and saying that as there are readers from other nations. Right now the above verse is coming to light so much in America. Risking losing readers over becoming ‘political’ let me just say Satan is disguising himself as an angel of light, causing division even among family and friends and so many are taking the bait.

The truth is in the Bible, not on nightly network news who have an agenda themselves. Revival is needed in America. This land, founded on using the word of God,  is in trouble when elected lawmakers trash their leaders and trash Israel.

It is time to turn off the news and get on your knees for this great nation. Sometimes there is so much darkness and deception from the enemies camp it is hard to know the truth. Sometimes a political party you may have been endeared to can blind you. Communism is rearing it’s ugly head in America yet many are blinded and don’t see it. Pray for those leaders you know pushing lies and also remember to know God is still on the throne. His kingdom come, His will be done.

 PRAYER: The truth will set us free. Oh Lord I pray for so many in our land who are what I call haters. We lift up those who try to twist the truth, who try to deny free speech and those who can’t see due to the darkness they have  enveloped themselves in. Set them free Lord. Block Satan from doing any more harm to our great land. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Until One Day...

"Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7

One day those who have asked Jesus to be Lord will come face to face with Him. No more hassles of this earthly life and all it’s baggage. Just you and your savior. 

Isn’t it nice that when you give you life to the Lord you can trust that He has your back, and the back of those close to you you are praying for?  Sometimes when you don’t see results right away and wonder where is God or why is this happening it can be easy to lose hope. 

Don’t get too enamored by this world and it’s supposed glamour. This world is so temporary and your life is like a vapor. Here today gone tomorrow. Only what you do for the kingdom really matters. Are your social media posts uplifting and drawing others to the Lord or repelling them? Is your ‘love’ only evident on Sunday while in your brick and mortar building during worship? Now is the time to get serious about how you spend your last days as all of us will breathe our last breath someday. Are you ready? 

PRAYER: I am ever so grateful for the people who shared Jesus with me. I am thankful for my many Christian friends. I am thankful for the gift of prayer and knowing God has ‘got this’. Help me Lord as I seek to be your witness in the little corner of the world I am placed in. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Christ Died For All

          For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

Christ died for the thief, abortion doctor, pest, murderer, annoying people, liar, gay, straight, sexually confused, arrogant anti American politician, rapist, terrorist, gangs, Muslims, fake media, and on and on the list goes. 

Saying this that doesn’t mean these people get a ‘hall pass’ and get out of jail free card but simply states that every individual has a chance to come to the Lord, repent, and be saved no matter what they have done or who they are. (See 2 Peter 3:9). He died for ALL.

Satan does not want people to enter heaven so he has intentionally confused many lost souls that who they are or what they are doing is normal or justified. He is a trickster and the ‘angel of light’ so beware. (2 Corinthians 11:14). He hates freedom, hates Christians, hates babies being born,  hates the truth so he does what he can to confuse and distort. 

Kindness leads to repentance it says in Romans 2:4 so the way to win people is to no beat  them up with your Bible but to love them. Let God do the rest. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord help me remember to not rest on my laurels so to speak but to be vigilant to pray for those people who may fit one of the categories above. You love all people and you don’t want people to perish. Thank you for helping me to stay on the right path and help me remember to pray for those I might know being deceived. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Here's The Ball But Stay Behind Me

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. James 4:8-9

I may live in a football obsessed part of the country but I do not know that much about the game. I know there is a blocker who runs ahead of the quarterback to get people out of the way so a goal can hopefully be made. In life God is that individual who knocks down enemies on your way so you can get to the goal.

Sometimes you may get knocked down but you get right back up and back in the game. Sometimes God plays on the opposing team and He tackles lovingly to get you back on course. When he is on your team He also says in a sense, “here’s the ball but please stay behind me. I will tackle those obstacles that are weighing you down. Trust me.”

Do you try to get in front of God By your impatience? I know I have. It is had to wait. Let things play themselves out and don’t get in the way.

PRAYER: Sometimes it is hard to be patient when I  don’t see results of prayers I have prayed. Lord I need strength to be able to fully trust you and stay behind you and not get ahead of your plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: Title idea from Robert Morris, Pastor, Gateway Church, Dallas, TX

I Don’t Blame You And I Forgive You

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

Forgiveness is a hard thing to do at times and sometimes equally difficult to receive. But it is our mantra as a believe to keep plugging and don’t hold grudges or hate in your heart or your prayers may not be heard. (Proverbs 15:29) 

“Go and sin no more” Jesus said to the woman caught in the act of adultery. Wow. An adulteress and he just lets her off the hook? (John 8:4) Surely if Jesus does this and we are to be like Him then we must be able to forgive and let things go. Forgive a person who killed your child in a vehicle accident? A rapist? Someone who committed arson? Yep and even more.

Wow a tall order so to speak but that is what we as believers are supposed to be doing. Having a hate filled heart and one that can’t let things go does not get you closer to God. Whoever  you are struggling to forgive give it to the Almighty. Ask Him to do a transforming power not only in your heart but the one you are forgiving. 

PRAYER: It is painful when people hurt me and often times I may feel justified to let the other person have it but that is not godly nor will it bring me or the other individual closer to the Lord. Transform any part of me that wants to hang on to hurt and open the door to total forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thirty Somethings....Listen To Your ‘Elders’

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?Job 12:12

Ah the wisdom of the older generation if only younger people would take heed and assume that older folks have been around the block and know a few things. The Bible calls it wisdom.

Today there are even well meaning 20-30 year olds that no doubt feel they have all the answers and why ask ‘the old man’. That ‘old man’ knows lots. Maybe he is a company CEO, project manager, military leader. There is something to say about age and experience but many do not want to give those older a chance to be in charge because they in fact are younger and that’s where it is at. Even in the political arena those older know the dangers of socialism and communism.

If you are reading this and you fall into the category between 22-40 please treat those older women and men with respect that is due them. Ask questions, be their friend, take their advice occasionally. After all they have been here lots longer and have experienced way more. Don’t scoff just because you think they aren’t techy. You may be surprised.Be humble and stay teachable and remember those who came before you.

PRAYER: Father God there was a time I was younger and had ‘senior’ people who I could learn from. I pray I never acted like a know it all. I pray for all people to respect and honor their elders. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Nibbles Away At You?

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

Is there something nibbling away at your heart and mind? Like a fish nibbling on bait this or a fly biting you this pesky thing seems to have captured your mind and as much as you attempt to let it go it eats away at you. 

When this happens you know in fact this is the enemy trying to get your focus on a problem or issue and off of God who is the one who delivers you from things dragging you down. Satan does not want you to have victory. He would rather you be all frustrated and anxious and unable to think on good things. 

Sometimes as the song from the movie ‘Frozen’ says you have to “Let It Go”.  Intentionally make yourself think on something good and positive. Stop and pray and ask God to deliver you from wrong thinking. Now go you can do this!! 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to get rid of junk in my mind and thoughts that causes me anxiety, doubts, fears, and frustration and instead think on things above and when I feel like I am slipping cry out to you and thank you for your goodness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

With God’s Help

But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18

In order to improve your self esteem you might make a list of your lifetime achievements not for everyone else to see but for yourself. In this equation of success is the G factor more than anything, yes I mean God! 

Parents raise you and train you but ultimately as an adult when you have achieved success do you remember to give glory to God above. It is He who has helped you gain talents and abilities and to Him you need to give glory. 

Instead of beating your chest like I witness most of the time on America Ninja Warrior indicating ‘whoa look at me’ why not take a knee and look up and point to God for the one who has helped you. 

PRAYER: I am very thankful for the things my parents instilled in me and am thankful for the opportunities I have had Lord. When I do something good help me not to suck up the glory but to remember  to give you you the praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: this was accidentally published again. Published earlier in the month.

Wrong Becomes Right

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.Ephesians 5:3

2019 is the era of almost anything goes and don’t say something against ‘you know what’ or you will be deemed a hater. Common sense has gone out the window. Gender being redefined and corporate sponsors slide right on in ‘drinking the koolaid’ of anything goes. Laws passed to make this protected. 

Scripture is pretty clear yet some ‘churches’ even have bought into the lie and seemingly construct their own rules of proper behavior. No one ‘hates’ anyone engaging in a certain lifestyle but it was not that long ago certain behaviors and lifestyles were looked upon as deviant and now believers who say this is wrong and that is right get ‘kicked under the proverbial bus’ so to speak. 

You may know people in your family, circle of friends, co workers, or even those within the church who are confused and maybe some want help but now society says you’re okay you don’t need help. My friends this is the enemy tactic to disarm the believer. Continue to press in and not be preachy. Love those you may know because love,  not judgment,   is  what ultimately brings change. Remember God made them male and female. I didn’t say that, the Bible did. 

PRAYER: The Bible says to resist the devil and he must flee from us yet how many instead of resisting him are ‘assisting’ him by buying into the modern day lie of gender confusion. Oh Lord forgive those who push this and help turn this around and set people free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Beyond The Changing Table

Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then  we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Ephesians 4:13-14

I was pondering the stages of a babies life one day thinking particularly of my beautiful granddaughter who is not yet 2 and thought about all the clothes they go through, stages of speech development,  and then the big task of potty training to get them set to put on their big boy or big girl pants so to speak. That changing table in most home nurseries would quickly be put  in storage till there are perhaps other infants that come along. The child has moved ‘beyond the changing table’.

In your spiritual life are you still ‘stuck on the changing table’ unable to move beyond Jesus Loves me or a storybook Bible? Are you getting milk of the word only such as a baby sucking on a bottle till he or she is well past infant age or are you seeking to grow beyond infancy and get the meat of the word? Something to think about. Now go get some meat and have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Father God I am thankful for being able to have so many things at my disposal to help me grow in Christ. Help me get rid of things in my life that would tend to keep me on the changing table spiritually. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hugs All Around

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

I love watching friends give hugs to one another. Mostly females practice this but occasionally you will see two men not too worried what others think and give a bear hug. It is a way to let someone know they are special.

Can you imagine a hug from Jesus?! Now that would be one terrific hug. Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC says his young son after visiting Disneyland said to him “will we really get to see Jesus when we go to Heaven?” After which he followed it with the statement “that is going to be a really long line” since he was thinking of the lines to get on rides at the amusement park he had just visited.

Yes a Jesus hug is going to be nice. Right now you are sort in a sense being hugged by Jesus by your friends who care for you with their love and prayers. You also are the hands and feet of our Savior in the world you occupy daily. Are you ready to give a Jesus’ hug or friendly touch or word to a hurting soul?

PRAYER: I am thankful for friends. I am thankful for arms which some do not have in order to give hugs to others. I am thankful you can use me to give a ‘Jesus hug’ to a person in need. Help prepare my heart to care for others who may be down and hurting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Talker Beware

Those who love to talk will suffer the consequences. Men have died for saying the wrong thing. Proverbs 18:21(TLB)

Oh my goodness I don’t know about you but if I could get a reign on my tongue and mouth my battles would for the most part be over. Opening the mouth without thought can cause all kinds of trouble. 

I am the queen of speaking without thinking. I wish I could give my crown away. I try. I pray for God to help me but ultimately I have to make up my mind to just don’t do it. Can anyone identify with me?

Quarrels and disagreements could all but be eliminated if all of us could work on controlling what we say. Who is the originator of fights and ugliness spewing from the mouth? Satan! I don’t know about you but I don’t want him to win. I want The Holy Spirit to guide my words and thoughts. Wanna join me? 

PRAYER: Forgive me when I have blurted out something before thinking how it will affect who I speak to. Also help me forgive those who have hurt me with harsh unkind words too. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Imitating God?

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1

Are you an imitator of God? Do you want to be more like Him daily? Do you do things on a regular basis to become more Christlike? Hopefully you answered yes to these questions. 

Things to do to imitate God are to not stir up battles with others say over politics. Maybe turning the other cheek in an argument even though you know you are right. Avoiding intentional conflict. Respect those in authority. Do not feed your mind on things that are not ‘above’ or in other words a steady diet of negativity spewed forth on national news. Go out of your comfort zone to help someone. Think of others more highly than yourself. Pray for those who abuse you or do not like you. Seek peace with all men. 

That should get you thinking about ways to emulate Christ each day. You may be in enemy territory on a regular basis say in your office, at school, or even in your home. Stand always for the truth. Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to those who aren’t there yet so to speak. Don’t act spiritually self righteous. Love one another. 

PRAYER: This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. I pray for those agitators who try to stir up hate and confusion to come to know you and love you and stop acting wickedly. I pray to have the courage to always be an imitator of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hell Will Not Win..Lies Will Not Win!

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10

Satan hates America. This country founded on the Bible is in his crosshairs on a daily basis and he has deceived many to join him in his Satanic demonic attacks to destroy our great land. Even some elected to represent America hate this country. Many lost souls in the media, government, the entertainment industry, and on college campuses are spewing forth the enemies lies because they have been duped into believing falsehoods. 

Alas my friends do not fear because you know the ‘rest of the story’. This does not mean you do nothing while attack’s continue but you must be engaged in prayer daily against the forces of evil attacking good and godly people and pray for those citizens who have lost sight of our founding and greatness of a nation. 

Every day get up and praise God for truth. Ask that lies and deception be revealed to those you may know who are caught up in the enemies scheme without even recognizing it. Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to those who hate America and purposely stir up trouble against our President and those in his cabinet. Pray for the satanic influence of lawlessness to be dissolved and for those causing hatred and riots to be caught and dealt with. Pray above all for salvation of those who are lost and captivated by the ‘angel of light’. 

PRAYER: Your truth Lord is above all. Many who shun the truth have been caught up in this present darkness and need to be set free. I pray for any I know who listen to the lies of the enemy to recognize evil and run fast and far from it. Thank you Lord for the ability to share your word and read your word in public places. Thank you for freedom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I Am About To Scream!!

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.Proverbs 14:29

Have you ever been so angry and you feel guilty about it because you are a believer? Anger never solves anything and can tend to mushroom into many other undesirable situations.

Even Jesus was angry(Matthew 21:12-13) but never sinned. Anger is not sin but can lead to sin when it escalates. If someone or something has made you ‘righteously indignant’ as I like to call it, get away. Breathe. Get your Bible out. Read some Proverbs.

If a person is the one who caused you to be angry you might have to let it go, move on, and forgive even if they never saw anything they did as an offense. Tough thing to do but necessary. Letting it go. Another verse in scripture speaks of a soft answer turning away wrath(Proverbs 15:1).

Go sit somewhere and just relax and pray and thank God for the blessings He has heaped upon you.

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have been angry and could not calm down. Help me any time something happens to create this help me get away and pray. Help me be able to unconditionally forgive those who have hurt me or hurt our relationship. Help me be calm with issues that create things that could cause me to pop a cork. Help me give stuff to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Have Idols Other Than God?

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

When I ask do you have idols I don’t mean a pagan statue necessarily but something you worship more than God? Anything you put before God becomes an idol. Putting to death things of our earthly nature are things mentioned in the verse today and all these things separate you from being close to God.

So what is it maybe in your life? Maybe not something horrible,  but even loving something like magazines more than your Bible?? Leisure activities on Sunday instead of being in worship? Television which is idolized in the center of most American living rooms? Not meaning to step on toes or send you on a guilt trip only trying to get you to think.

 Now go make sure God is first place, for sure.

PRAYER: Help me Lord be aware of anything in my life that takes more precedence in my life than you do so I do not end up idolizing it. Convict hearts of the need to put you first and to abolish those habits that draw people away from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Beg God, Be A Believer

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

What are you believing God for? A turn around in a relationship? Children to come back to the Lord? Whatever it is know that God hears your prayer and you need to stand in faith believing he is working even when you do not see evidence of any change. 

It can be easy to just collapse in fear, anxiety, or tears thinking the situation you are praying for is never going to change.

Remember this, God is working and in His time for His purposes you will see victory!  Believe in faith. Trust God ‘before’ the walls tumble down.

PRAYER:I thank you Father for the fact I know you care about my situation more than me and I need only trust and relax you are working. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Really Need God? Yes!

Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner. Lamentations 2:19

There are many broken hearted parents of adult children who had raised their little ones to live for Jesus then the children  grew up and wanted nothing to do with church, God, or anything close. It’s an oft repeated sad tale. It is puzzling to parents and leaves a hole in their heart. 

What happened? Where was the disconnect? Liberal university brain washing? Wrong friends? Whatever it is the hurting confused parents blame themselves and continually cry out to God to bring them back to their faith roots. The enemy likes to steal our children and attempts to steal grandchildren too. He can’t have them!

The ‘choir’ is reading this and probably not any of those who have no desire for Jesus anymore but still keep praying even if this does not affect you. The  brick and mortar building may not be necessary to those seemingly wiser than God but those people inside that building certainly are crucial to staying connected to loving Jesus. Parents continually press in and don’t allow the enemy to make you feel all hope is lost. Stay on your knees for those you raised and trust they will return with a fervent desire for the Lord once again.

PRAYER: Father the enemy would like to steal an entire generation of our children and grandchildren but I for one cover mine with the blood of Jesus and tell Satan to get his stinking filthy paws off of them. I continue to pray for divine encounters to have them meet up with people who would draw them back to being excited about loving Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Have A Prayer Posse?

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

I love all my prayer sisters and the few  close friends who I can share things with and know my prayers will be prayed and I will not be condemned or judged. It is good to have a friend or two or more like this to huddle around you in good times and not so good.

In real life a ‘posse’ goes after someone to hunt them down and in prayer life a prayer posse hunts down the enemy of our souls and continues pressing in to prayer never seeing it as burdensome. They keep going!

I know in Moms in Prayer International the motto is “what’s prayed in the group stays in the group” and it is comforting to know that my concern will not leave that room. I hope in your life you have a prayer ‘posse’ of friends who are trusted, tried, and true both near and far and you know you can turn to them without fear of condemnation and their love and prayers will see you through.

PRAYER: Thank you for friends who I love and care for that share my burdens in the joyous and sad times of life. Help me take being a prayer warrior seriously and to reach out and pray and love on those who are hurting or share their joys. I pray for anyone I know who needs a connection they can rely on and trust. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
NOTE: Idea for title from page 94 A Woman’s Guide To Spiritual Warfare. 

Forget About It

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13

Many places in scripture we are reminded to not look back, forget the past, let things go. Remember what happened to Lot’s wife in Genesis 19:26 when she looked back at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned into salt. Yikes.

How many times have you gotten into a situation where if you would have just let things alone things would have turned out much better? I can attest that I have many times. The temptation to go back to what was or try to fix things. The past is the past and is never coming back.

Look ahead to the bright future of the promises of God. Things that linger in your heart and mind that tend to fester like a sore need to be abolished and forgotten. Pray for a future and a hope and a new beginning and don’t turn around.

PRAYER: I tend to try to fix things or rehash them and often when others are involved it just makes the situation worse. Help me like Lot’s wife keep facing forward and running the race set before me and giving the past problems to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

With God’s Help

          But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to 

          gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, 

          as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18

In order to improve your self esteem you might make a list of your lifetime achievements not for everyone else to see but for yourself. In this equation of success is the G factor more than anything, yes I mean God!

Parents raise you and train you but ultimately as an adult when you have achieved success do you remember to give glory to God above. It is He who has helped you gain talents and abilities and to Him you need to give glory. 

Instead of beating your chest like I witness most of the time on America Ninja Warrior indicating ‘whoa look at me’ why not take a knee and look up and point to God for the one who has helped you. 

PRAYER: I am very thankful for the things my parents instilled in me and am thankful for the opportunities I have had Lord. When I do something good help me not to suck up the glory but to remember  to give you you the praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thinking More Highly Of Yourself

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

Many places in scripture it speaks of being humble but in this ‘selfie’ obsessed age we are living in humility is apparently the last thing on many people’s minds.

When you do something good scripture reminds us to not tell everyone or you lose your reward.(Matthew 6:2) Also it says to think of others as better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

Young people especially are captivated by selfie worship. You can’t hardly go anywhere without seeing someone snapping a picture of themselves. What caused this to happen? Look no further than 2 Timothy 3:1-2 which says “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.” Sound a little like today’s culture? Christian parents guide those young people away from self on onto others. Maybe some of you fall prey to this as well. Look to others  and away from yourself. And resist the urge to tout your own glory.

PRAYER: Father God I have been guilty of putting self on throne at times or boasting  so forgive me. Help me learn to reach out to others and get my mind off of me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy Birthday America!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Freedom is a gift from God and I am sure glad our founding fathers had foresight for how they set up this great land. I am so blessed to be living in a country founded on scripture and following God. Through the years many have tried to turn America into a communist or socialist country but men and women of faith stood firm and prayed.

On this day of celebration never take it for granted what we have here in America. Freedom is from God and tyranny is from Satan. We are commanded to pray for our leaders even those who seemingly don’t care for freedom.

So as you eat hamburgers or hot dogs, maybe some apple pie, watch fireworks later on tonight be thankful for those who came before you and braved many obstacles and hardships to establish this land and those who have fought and died to defend it since then.

PRAYERS: I am thankful first for life and next for freedom. There have been some in power who tried to abuse it and take away our freedoms so I am grateful for those in authority who truly love America. I pray for those in countries under bondage that they can taste freedom some day.  In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Downcast

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

What do you do when you are out in a McDonalds or a Starbucks and a person who is not begging but appears forlorn and downcast is sitting across from you? Most people would feel super uncomfortable. I know I do but I also know that little voice inside my head is speaking to me “be kind”.

You are not to do it to be showy but because God is speaking to you and wants you to. When you are kind by say buying a hamburger, cup of coffee, or whatever, you never know about the impact you will have on others in the restaurant.

Like the verse for today says, you never know if you are entertaining an angel. I am serious. So who do you need to be kind to today?

PRAYER: Father keep my eyes open to the needs of those whose path I cross. Help me to be kind when that little voice speaks to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lethargic?

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Do you ever wake up and know you need to get into the Bible and have a quiet time but frankly don’t know where to start? You may think of sister or brother Suzy or Sammy Q who you have heard spends an hour in prayer daily and another hour studying the Bible and then you feel so out of it and just want to go back to bed.

Comparison is from the enemy. There is no magic morning formula that makes you the perfect Christian example. Everyone is different. What works for one may not work for you.

The important thing is to do it! Wake up and thank God for the day He has given you then just sit and breathe in his goodness and breathe out your problems and concerns.

Don’t start beating yourself up because you think you don’t ‘pray right’ or something similar. Or maybe you promised to pray for someone and totally forgot then guilt consumes you. Been there don’t that got the ‘I forgot’ tee shirt. The important thing is to do it before you start reading the paper or watching morning shows which will do NOTHING for your inner man. Wake up and whatever date it is read the corresponding Proverb since there are 31 of them. Journal some thoughts. And pray.

PRAYER: Many times I allow the enemy to creep in and start making me feel I am not doing my quiet time ‘good enough’ so I start to feel bummed. I know this is a tool of the devil to stop me entirely and I will not. I ask you help me break the stronghold of lethargy and comparison that may have taken root in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

No Ribbons....No Problem

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2

All of us like to be appreciated and remembered for things we have done. Indeed it is nice to stay humble and let other praise you and not your own lips.

Most people I have met in the military are truly humble and don’t expect a pat on the back but deep down all of us yearn to be recognized. Military service members have ribbons and medals for their rewards. I wanted to put my husbands in a shadow box but he says he did not need a ‘me’ box on display. I left the military with no ribbons but only a marksmen badge which we had to earn. Never really thought about it much but late in  life my husband gave me a ‘legion of service’ ribbon he made for me with a military ribbon with a heart drawn in middle.

Do you feel you are not appreciated? Did you know God appreciates you and loves you and you don’t need applause just know your reward is truly in Heaven? Do things and don’t tell everyone and see what happens.

PRAYER: Father God I thank you for loving me and caring for me and being my best reward ever. I thank you for the blessing of life and family and friendships. Help me let my light shine so others can know you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.