Joy Spilling Over

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

I had just emerged from an awesome one hour 21 Days of prayer at my church and entered a local Starbucks when the barista says “and how is your day so far” and instead of being embarrassed to tell someone who I am not sure where they stand with the Lord I blurted out it was excellent cause I just had an hour of prayer at my church. 

Are you ashamed or afraid to ‘bubble over’ to the outside world around you? After all, believers are to be salt and light but how can we if we stay inside the salt shaker or never turn on the flashlight? It is obvious the world around is needs Jesus. Many confused lost people are wandering in the darkness and need the love only Jesus can give and as a believer you are not here to just go to a Holy huddle on Sunday but to spill over throughout your week sharing His love and joy with others without shame or fear. 

So every day you may not feel intense immense joy as we all have ‘those days’ but when you do wake up and say “good morning Lord. Use me today and show me how to share your love.” Now go and have an awesome day! 

PRAYER: Oh Lord every life has a purpose and many are hurting, lost, and confused. Use me somehow in the life of a person like that and show me opportunities to share your love with those I may encounter daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Overwhelmed? Outnumbered? Pray On!

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

What has you burdened today? Family issues? A wayward child? Betrayal by a friend? Unfair gossip? Many things can send you to the end of your rope but guess what? At the end of that rope God is there. 

Satan is the great deceiver trying to get people caught up in lies, worry, fear, doubt, defeat and you have to stand up to Him in the authority Jesus gave you and know that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Take authority over wrong thinking by using the word of God. Start each day by turning on some praise and worship music. I have included a link to an awesome song at bottom of devotion. Have a blessed day. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord it is easy to get confused and down in the dumps over things I have prayed for and have not seen answers to or it is easy to let this present world overwhelm and overburden me. I trust in you and you alone Lord give me the power to break through the darkness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for an awesome song of worship: https://youtu.be/Xu6_CYcl0gY

Keep Dreaming And Moving Forward

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green. Psalm 92:14

Have you ever heard the Bible verse “without a vision the people perish” found in Proverbs 29:18. Simply put everyone needs to keep a vision alive of something. If you are over 50 don’t think you can’t try new things.

Go ahead and get involved in some new activities. Apply for a job you may be interested in. Try a new hobby. Learn a craft or skill. Think positive. Stay healthy on purpose. Go back to school. Create. Take a hike. You get the idea. Keep your mind and body active. Find a Bible study group to be a part of or start one yourself.

It takes courage to step out into something new. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is speaking to you about a new direction you need to try in life. Pray for sure. And know that God is not the God of a confused spirit. Surround yourself with positive uplifting people. Listen to uplifting Christian music that stirs your soul. And keep your dreams alive no matter what your age. 

PRAYER: Lord I am thankful for the ability to pray, to dream, to have energy to be able to wake up and explore new things. Help me never get stagnant or feel washed up because that is only going to be the enemy trying to disable me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stand For The Truth

Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. – Daniel 6:10

What if you were told you could not carry your Bible, pray in public, talk about Jesus? In many foreign nations this is a reality and it could get this way in America if believers don’t stay informed of political maneuvers designed to shut down people of faith.

No surprise that with the Bible being removed from public schools in 1963, abortion made legal in 1973, same sex marriage approved, and now God’s creation of male and female identities being messed with that lawmakers who don’t know God push a false hurtful agenda which if not stopped could lead to the break up of the traditional family and being able to be an open Christian who believes the word of God. 

You need to choose which side of the battle you want to be on, God’s and the truth found in His uncompromising word or the world and culture trying to push an unwholesome, ungodly, hurtful things. By standing in the truth against the lies of the enemy this does not make you a hater which is the narrative the dissenters like to push. You are to love all people because love is from God but you are not to cave to the culture’s ways and be sucked into believing lies. Stand for the truth and do it in love.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus you are my hiding place. You shield me from the Lies of the world and temptations I get faced with daily. Help open the eyes of those who are caving to unrighteousness and deliberate sin. Help those stuck to get set free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Eternity In View

Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here. Colossians 3:2(TLB translation) 

Everyone has a bad day every now and then where their thoughts and heart slip off the Christian wagon so to speak. You start dwelling on a problem and fear or lack of trust enters in then next you have wrong thinking patterns and possibly anger and confusion. Not stuff to glorify God for sure. That is why it is so critical to fill your mind with things above.

Do you live for today or do you live with Eternity in View? If you remember to live each moment with eternity in view how much more joyful  life would be, 

but human nature sometimes gets in the way and you say or do things you are not proud of and wish you could wind back the clock.

Try this. If you feel yourself slipping start praising God out loud if you can and then start praying and thanking God for His blessings to you. Tell Satan to take a hike cause you are covered with the blood of Jesus and no weapon formed against you will prosper.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you love me and care for me and when I am weak you are strong. I choose to focus on you when the enemy tries to get me to stumble. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: Got title idea from Verse of the Day devotion by Michael Harrison.

Not Everyone Is Going To Like You, But Jesus Does!

Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.Romans 12:14

I don’t know about you,  but I am a people person who loves to give gifts, send cards, talk to people and when shunned it is like taking out a chunk of my heart. I can only imagine what someone must feel like who has been tossed aside by a spouse when having a friend do it is bad enough. 

Not all personalities get along and we are to try to love people regardless of how they react to us. Some relationships may need a rest period if one of the parties just is not receptive to warming up to you. Am I hitting home with anyone? This new Facebook stuff is another whole can of worms. I have several friends not on it and I say more power to them for not entering into what can become petty bickering and unfriending. Yes it is ‘not real’ but still hurtful.

So love those people who don’t love you back. Hard but with God’s help maybe some of them can be reconciled to you. Let God do the Heavy lifting in the restoration and try to be still. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus it hurts when someone close treats me bad and I need you strength and grace to not be hurtful back. I know you desire peace in my inner most being and you want me to forgive and let things go. Help me be still and let you work things out. Touch the hearts and minds of anyone who is hurting and bless those people to who are the ones who have caused the pain. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Thanks 

Rest Area

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

When traveling down the interstate freeways of America you will see signs for ‘Rest Areas’ meaning if you are tired, need a bathroom break, snack, need to stretch or let your pets out, or get travel  information this little stop is a good one to take. 

In life you need rest breaks every day. No not because you have run a race and are tired but you need time to rest and reflect on the goodness of the Lord. Rush, rush, rush seems to be the way of life particularly in large metropolitan areas but also in smaller towns. It is easy to fall into a bad habit of never taking time to sit down, ponder, and read the Bible and pray. 

Why not get your calendar out and see if there are things on it you could back away from? Why be compelled to fill up every spare minute or be embarrassed if you can’t tell people you are ‘worthy’ because you are busy. You have nothing to prove to anyone. Take time today to enjoy God’s presence. At night try keeping TV off and maybe sit on your porch. You can’t hear from God if you are constantly on the go. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for restful moments. Help me learn to not overburden myself with non stop activities. Help young moms learn to teach their children the value of a peaceful home versus a non stop go to clubs and sports moments. Forgive me when my rushing leaves you out. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Do You Serve? God Or The Enemy?

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

Who do you serve? This is a question everyone should answer. Sort of goes hand in hand with the infamous question “if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you” so ponder that for a moment.

On this Earth there is a battle, God and the devil. For believers this Earth is not out real home but only a temporary place to be serving Him until you breathe your last breath. For those who know Jesus death is not to be dreaded but looked forward to.

Are the things you do while living here in your temporary home bringing glory to God and drawing you closer to the Lord? Are you protecting your mind and heart from letting evil seep in sometimes without you really being aware, say watching a certain movie, television, or what you choose to read? Start each day with a Proverb corresponding to what the date on calendar is and then stop and give thanks and put on your armor of God so you can be prepared for warfare you will surely encounter.

PRAYER:Father I try to protect my mind and heart. Bring conviction when I am tempted to dabble somewhere that draws me away from you. Help me guard my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

From Desert To Oasis

There  is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

I have been a desert dweller before having lived in Arizona but that type of desert is not the type I am referring to right now but I will use it for purposes of spiritual illustration. A person can’t survive in the desert long unless he or she drinks water and lots of it. Our spiritual water of course  is the word of God and Christian fellowship.

You can wander away from the green lush grasses where God is watching over you and get caught up in a dry desert where you may remain and dwell if not careful. The way you would be able to is that you have forgotten your first love Jesus and have been enamored with wrong voices, bad choices, and the word of God is not as important as other things anymore. Satan is a great deceiver and you can’t be ignorant of the devices he uses to trip even a believer up.

There is a old hymn that says “Jesus is calling the weary to rest, hear him today, hear him today” but have you heard him or do you continue to get off course and follow the way of Satan and the world? Some aren’t even aware they are in the desert as Satan has made it seem right to them just like today’s verse. Run to the Lord and throw off chains of darkness that you know have no place in the life of a believer. Pray for your enemies and run your race to win.

PRAYER: I am not ignorant of the tricks Satan uses to capture the hearts of everyone to include friends and dear family I love. I know he is a divider and has used politics to divide families. I pray right now for the demons of darkness and hell to leave my family and friends alone and the truth to set them free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Anger Control 101

Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.James 1:20

Wow being mad causes one thing besides wrinkles and high blood pressure it causes a lack of joy. Someone has done something to offend you and you are so mad you could scream. Don’t let this rob your joy.

Emotions are a good thing but the ones like anger have to be kept in check or you could react in the wrong way and hurt someone, get fired, lose friends, cause an accident, break things, and so forth.

So my friend if something is pushing you to the edge and you feel your anger meter rising step back, pray, let whatever it is go and know that God does not want you returning evil for evil.

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I feel like getting back at someone when they have wronged me. They may not even know they hurt me. Help me be the bigger person, walk away, and forgive even when not asked to. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Live Unoffended....Who Me?

A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.Proverbs 19:11

Are you able to let go of hurt, wrong doing against you, unfairness, and all things that fall into these categories? Offense is a weapon used by Satan to divide even Christian friends and family. It is a poison.

Being offended leads to nothing good. Holding grudges, becoming bitter, getting even, nothing redeeming that is for certain.

You may never make peace with the one who caused you hurt but keep praying, loving, and let the Holy Spirit take it from there. What you need is grace and peace. And just give the situation to the Lord and live in peace.

PRAYER:Lord Jesus I need your strength to not allow myself to be entangled in bitterness and offense. I do not want to give the enemy a foothold so give me strength to love and not hate. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Where Do You Dwell?

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
A dwelling is a place you live or abide. So the answer to the question which is my title could be your address but where do your heart and mind dwell or what are to constantly focused on?

You become what you think about. You have to choose to be intentional on what you allow your mind to focus on. Constantly worrying over something you can do nothing about is not the place you want to be dwelling yet how many do this on a daily basis.

Today think right on purpose. Start your day with prayer then purpose in your heart you will not allow needless unfruitful thoughts drag you down. Tell Satan to get behind you and get out of your thinking. You are set apart for kingdom work so make sure your mind is there as well.

PRAYER: Jesus I thank you so much for the amazing mind and brain. It is complex and does so many things to include just about every function in our body, I choose this day to train my mind to godliness and and eliminate unfruitful concerns that weigh me down. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This Is War

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

We are soldiers of Christ and in a battle for our very spirits and souls and also that of the our dear country America. It is a fact the enemy disdains freedom because freedom is from God above. Liberty is from God. Love is from God.

Do not take the freedom to pray, worship, and read your Bible for granted. Every day thank the Lord for how this nation was founded and pray for leaders to always be elected that seek truth as opposed to lies, trickery, control of the masses which are all straight from the pit of Hell. 

Many people are trying to propose awful things for this great nation. The founders used God’s word when setting up this government by the people and for the people. When a nation forgets God communism, socialism, and Marxism can creep in and try to assume control of dumbfounded people who failed to recognize the danger many times due to listening to demonic voices masquerading as news media and such. Don’t be in despair but continue to worship the Lord and lift His name on high. Pray for those leading others astray and pray for the eyes of the blind to be opened to truth and the enemy to be silenced. 

PRAYER: I thank you for the gift of freedom.I pray against demonic oppression some people are stuck in not even knowing it at times. Loose the chains of tyranny rising up around us. May those who walk in darkness see a great light and know the truth before it is too late. I pray for those in office who hate America, who trash our President , and who have no respect for the founding or the flag. May the love of Jesus envelope them and may they come to know you as their savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take Heart..I Have Overcome The World

“ I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Quite a divided country right now with haters just going crazy with blame. Whatever happened to love one another, love your enemies and prayer? I can’t hardly even mention politics or I sometimes get comments. This my friend is a battle between good and evil, God and the devil. The devil has tricked many people into believing lies and their family loyalty to a particular side of the aisle makes them hard to reach even when claiming to know Christ. 

The verse for today says to take heart or in other words, don’t worry. Why? Because ultimately God is on the throne and in charge. Period. Can you rest in that or are you all wrought up in knots with concern for our great land being destroyed by tyranny? Most certainly keep praying and don’t wish bad stuff on those acting evil but many of them are wandering in the desert so to speak and don’t know Jesus as their savior. They may know a denomination but have never asked Jesus to be Lord of their life. 

What to do? Once again keep praying. Pray daily for our President and those in authority. Pray for blind eyes to be opened and any evil that Satan has done against this Christian land to be thwarted. Just remember to love one another and give thanks daily for freedom and this prosperous nation of America. I have a few international readers and would implore you to also pray for America. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for the gift of life, liberty and ability to pursue happiness secured by the blood of many who gave their lives for this country. I pray for those blinded eyes to open to the truth of what communism or socialism can do to destroy us. Help me never take freedom for granted. Help young people hear the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Majesty Of God

When  I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?Psalm 8:3-4

Oh the glory, and splendor and majesty of God. Go outside at night and look up at the stars too numerous to count. Listen to the rolling thunder during a storm. Watch birds building their nests. Look at the cattle grazing in a field. Go and watch a stream trickling through the woods. Creation is God’s gift to us. Oh how many times we ignore it.

Remember you are not to worship creation but to worship the Creator. God spoke all these wonderful things into existence yet He still has time for you and I and our whining and complaining. He loves us unconditionally even when he is snubbed or put up on a shelf indefinitely and forgotten about.

When you get a moment read and meditate on all of Psalm 8 which is only 9 verses long. A wealth of power is packed into those 9 verses. Now go out and praise God.

PRAYER: I am ever so grateful to be alive and to enjoy the world you created. Forgive me when I ignore the beauty around me or even the people you created for me to interact with daily. You are mighty! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rich Man, Poor Man

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.Proverbs 23:4-5

Did you ever wish to be rich? Do you play the lottery? Do you think having wealth solves all your earthly problems? If you have investments do you shudder when you suffer a major loss due to changing world?

Because of concern over money marriages fail, trust is broken, suicides occur, there is bribery, people steal, murder is prevalent, and drug dealing to name but a few of the issues stemming from this. Money itself is not the culprit but the love of money.

Do a word search on money and riches in your Bible. You are not to trust in riches because they are here today and gone tomorrow. True you need money and you can get it through working hard. In this hard work don’t fall victim to thinking you need more stuff because that stuff will eventually wear out or rust. Don’t sacrifice your family for accumulation of a bigger home, better cars, private school, and nicer clothes but realize what you have is a blessing from God. Use it wisely and bless others with it as well. All you have is a gift from the Almighty God, always keep that in mind.

PRAYER: I thank you for the ability to study and learn different skills and have a job. I thank you for mothers whose main job may not garner them a salary or a title but the words “thanks mom”. I pray for contentment with what I have and opportunities to share it with others less fortunate.  Keep my eyes open to needs around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are You A Pit Bull?

Whatever  you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

I was politely and affectionately told several years ago I was the ‘pit bull’ for Moms in Prayer ministry I guess meaning I ‘plug it’ lots because it is such a dynamic and vital ministry. Is there anything in your life your are so passionate about you could be a ‘pit bull’ as well?

As a believer you and I both need to be vivaciously seeking first the kingdom and let Jesus shine through you daily so sometime you might just get the opportunity to share your passion in a friendly ‘pit bull’ fashion with those you come into contact with daily.

Are you running hard after God or just limping along? Perhaps now is the time to tell God you would like a Holy tail wind so push you along for the kingdom and place you where you might be best used for Him.

PRAYER: Father God I am thankful for passion and energy. I know the enemy of our souls loves to get us messed up, doubting, fearful, and in a funk and I choose joy this day and every day in order to serve you better. I pray for those I know who need a little prompting to help them better serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sanitized Heart

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?”Jeremiah 17:9

Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church  in Charlotte, North Carolina recently spoke of having a sanitized heart. Similar to how we are concerned about germs on our hands and squeeze tons of hand sanitizer to kill cooties we need to be equally or more concerned for our heart.

The verse today is pretty clear. Things enter into your heart through your eye and ear gates and many things could be stopped before they pollute both your heart and your mind. Wickedness is always just around the corner if it were not for the Holy Spirit and God’s grace. 

You keep your heart sanitized and pure by a steady daily diet of God’s word The Holy Bible. Don’t leave home without it seriously. It should be in every Christians ‘tool chest’ to help to gain strength and know how to overcome the many attacks from demonic spirits who are at work trying to drag believers into a pit. Paraphrasing Proverbs 4:23 keep  your heart pure for out of it flow the issues of life.

PRAYER: Jesus I need you each and every day to stay delivered from evil and to keep my heart pure and holy and set apart for you. Help me discipline myself unto godliness by the things I allow to go in my mind and heart that are not edifying.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It’s Only My Arm

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.Romans 5:3-5

 I am very thankful to not have been in a war and lost a limb or worse or had leg or arm amputation. Bethany Hamilton(aka Soul Surfer) lost her left arm to a tiger shark in 2003 while surfing in Hawaii. She was 13 years old. Many people who have injuries such as hers or soldiers in combat would just want to give up and hibernate. Not Hamilton, who is now  Mrs. Dirks and a mom.

Perseverance is the name of the game. Her attitude shines and she is an overcomer from how she could have ended up. The new movie that bears her name released in early July entitled ‘Unstoppable:The Bethany Hamilton Story’. She truly was unstoppable wanting to prove to herself she could still be a champion surfer and win titles even with the loss of an arm.

Every day when you wake up do you rejoice or find things to complain about? Everybody has a different load to bear but God is your hope. Keep your problems in proper perspective. When asked by a reporter about losing her arm Bethany indicated she would not change anything because this trial got her closer to God and helped her be stronger and reach more people for the Lord. (Not the exact words). Anyway on your journey maybe your arm has not been chomped off by a tiger shark but what are you facing. Keep looking to God and knowing He will see you through.

PRAYER: My Hope is built in nothing less than Jesus love and righteousness. I am grateful for bad times because they have taught me valuable lessons. I know my ultimate goal is preparation for the kingdom of heaven so help me see every day as an opportunity to reach out to others with your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Can't Do What!?

“With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God”. Mark 10:27

What are you believing God for? Some things seem like they will never change ‘but God’. You need to surround yourself with positive people who will encourage you and pray with you not those who make fun of your faith or your prayers of belief for things. Pray for those who don’t understand your positivity and belief.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, is too impossible for God! This is why demonic forces work overtime to abolish Christianity not only in the United States but in the world. Evil forces blind even believers sometimes so you have to be knowledgeable and fight against the powers of darkness on a daily basis. Each and every day get into your Bible which is your best tool. Satan gives you plenty of excuses and keeps you busy with unimportant things so many believers don’t even read it daily. There is where your power to defeat the enemy lies.

Start today and don’t feed on gloomy morning TV news or the daily newspaper under the guise of “I have to be informed” but instead begin a new godly habit of reading a Psalm a day to get your day started. I guarantee the more you practice this the madder Satan gets and the better you will feel and you will indeed stand on today’s verse in a faith filled way.

PRAYER: I choose this day and every day to stand on the promises in the Bible and to run the race ahead of me to win. I know you are working in situations I have been praying for even though I may not see results just yet. I thank you for being able to have a Bible to read, actually several. Forgive me when I don’t even pick it up and leave myself open to the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I Will, I Can

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Do you ever wake up and just seem to not be able to get going? You are in some sort of a funk. Even though you know that you need to get up and spring out of bed your heart is not in it for some reason. 

One of my favorite children’s books that teaches a valuable lesson all throughout life is ‘The Little Engine That Could’ by Watty Piper pen name for Arnold Munk. It teaches children, and adults, to keep going, be optimistic, hang in there, don’t quit. Even when you are seemingly the low man on the totem pole, the smallest person, the least educated, not so athletic, press on and keep chugging. 

I don’t know what you are facing today or in the near future, but take your life one day at a time. Don’t become discouraged when there are slow days because God has still got your back. He still hears your prayers. He wants you to be, borrowing a phrase from US  Army recruiting, ‘all that you can be’ each and every day. He wants you to stop comparing and start rejoicing. As pastor Paul Daugherty of Victory Christian Center, Tulsa often says “Your best days are ahead of you” so don’t quit and don’t sulk. The closer you get to your victory the more the enemy will attack. Keep on chugging! 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that you are an ever present help in times of trouble or even times of joy. I know the enemy does not like rejoicing, praise, and victorious living so I will keep on annoying him and know my victory is one prayer away. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Think Before You Speak,Tweet,Write, Or Email

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 29:20

That mouth can certainly cause trouble if not kept in check. Recently I was called out by a reader on blogger who pointed out in a round about way that a certain devotion I had written was in a sense ‘beating up’ on younger readers. You can only imagine that I felt terrible because it is not ever my intent to repel readers but to draw all to the savior. Sometimes in haste of writing and maybe not praying, things like that could happen. 

That being said, everyone should be careful how you speak, respond on social media, or if you write Christian devotions like yours truly, be careful to use grace not a sledge hammer when writing. Words in general should be seasoned as with salt and should show love not condemnation. 

Today’s verse saying “there is more hope for a fool” drives this point home even more. No one wants to be called foolish. But once you speak you can’t take back what you said. Apologies may go on for ever, relationships may end, people get unfriended and blocked on Facebook, and it can be a painful learning experience. So my friend here’s to be loving and kind with your mouth wherever you go. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want my words to be used by you for drawing others to the kingdom. Help me be careful to not gossip, belittle, shame, guilt, or judge others and instead let my words bring hope and healing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Rebel You!

Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king. 1 Samuel 15:23

Rebelling against God’s standards is called sin. Lately this present day world we live in has tried to sugar coat and legalize it to make it seem okay but it is NOT okay. God’s word does not change just because people want it to or a body of lawmakers makes it ‘legal’. 

All people, that’s you and I, have sinned and there is not a worse sin and a better sin. Sin is sin it is just that some of it has more consequences and some if not repented from can bring eternal separation from God.Satan is known as the prince of the power of the air and manipulates people by deceiving, lying, and tricking them just like he did to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. 

Now is the time to wake up and stand up for truth. In this world you will have tribulation Jesus told us but he also said to rejoice because he had overcome this world.(John 16:33).  Are you going to cave in to Satan’s lies or be an overcomer?

PRAYER: Father many people are believing Satanic lies and following him blindly because of ‘rights’, bad laws passed legalizing things against your word, and simply because more of self is on the throne than you. Lord Jesus I pray for those I know who may be tricked and care more about a political agenda than they do the truth of the word. Help me walk wisely redeeming the time because the days are evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Comparison Monster Rears Its’ Head

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

One of the biggest tools Satan likes to use is to get Christians defeated by having them compare themselves to others. Their finances, houses, cars, children, hobbies, bodies, talents, skills, athletic ability, education, spiritual development  and on and on it goes. 

Have you done that? It is easy to get caught up and not be happy. Just because a person is rich or beautiful doesn’t mean he or she is content. Contentment comes from within. 

Don’t allow the enemy to make you feel bad because you are not in the same situation as a friend or family member. Everyone is on a different journey. And nip envy in the bud because that too is not the route a believer should journey on. Tell God thank you for every blessing in your life for which I am certain you can name many. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus forgive me for allowing myself to stoop to self pity, envy, and comparison. I am grateful for all things you have given me. I need to stay focused on my side of the fence. Give me strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Love People?

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Think about this for a moment. Can you truly really love ALL people? Jesus did. He did not agree with what they did or how they treated Him but He still loved them.

Love is how you win people, not judgment or hatred. Turning the other cheek. Loving people who you would rather get angry at. Asking God to help you love people who you humanly maybe can’t stand cause they have hurt you, rejected you, or you may not even know them but they are hateful people and not out for the goodness of God and truth. 

God says to love, period. Tall order but not impossible. God can transform anybody and He can transform your hate or anger to love, peace, and joy. Give it a try. You waste lots of energy hating and being mad. Try the opposite. You don’t have to agree with a person but you are simply called to love. 

PRAYER: Help me love like you Jesus. Some people do things that aggravate me but maybe they don’t know you as their savior and they need you to transform them. I will continue to not allow the enemy to make me ‘hate’ anyone but pray for the Holy Spirit transforming power to enter the hearts of people who desperately need a transformation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Keep Circling Jericho

So when the trumpets sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the trumpet, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. The people charged into the city, each man straight ahead, and captured the city. Joshua 6:20

What ‘walls’ are you waiting to fall down in your life or the life of a loved one? Joshua and his army were persistent in circling and circling the city of Jericho until they had victory. (Read Joshua 1:1-6:25).

Are you only looking at giants and seemingly feel there will never be victory or are you believing you serve a God of miracles and impossibilities when it comes to the victory you are waiting for? In faith are you believing for what the world would call crazy and never gonna happen? Well press in and press on my friend. God is on your side. 

Keep running your race to win throwing off anything that hinders you from reaching your goal. Cast down wrong thinking and lies of the enemy or hurtful comments of ‘well meaning friends’ and keep seeking to knock down the wall you are praying about  through consistent prayer and praise to the most high God. 

PRAYER: Father God I thank you that even though I wonder at times when things are going to change and I will see a ‘wall fall down’ in the situation I have been praying for I know you are there beside me and know when I will see victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note:Title idea is from page 41 of a book entitled ‘The Circle Maker’ by Mark Batterson, Pastor, National Community Church DC. A great read. 

Foolish? Sometimes Maybe.

 “A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul." Proverbs 18:7

If you and I could control our mouths and teach others how to do it a miracle would occur because depending on our state of mind on any particular day is sometimes what makes you say certain things, sometimes without much forethought of how it will affect the hearer. This writer has to be on her guard to share a loving message and not one beating up my readers.

Saying this I will say to be able to get to write daily and share the love of God is a true blessing. At times I may have slipped up and ‘shook my finger’ so to speak and that is never my intent so if I have done that or you took offense accept my apology.

How about you? How are you in the sharing God’s love department on a daily basis with neighbors, co workers, your spouse, your children, driving on the highway, strangers in a store, people at the gym you go to. Think about that for a moment. If you love Jesus you should want to be gentle, kind, and loving to represent out savior well. But humanity creeps in and there may be a slip up on the road to pursuing righteousness. God has your back and he loves you even through the little slip ups so just remember that. Second chances are always available.

PRAYER: Father God I am so thankful you love me even when I mess up with my mouth. My heart is always in the right place but sometimes I allow ugliness to creep in. Help me love everyone you place in my path by a simple smile. Some people may be harder to love so give me an extra measure of strength and grace to be kind and let you do the work through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Dwell On It

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

To dwell means to remain and when it comes to wrong thinking that is one place you don’t want to camp at. Wrong thinking is a tool used by the enemy to get you off your purpose and to keep you from praising Jesus.

You literally have to ‘capture’ every wrong thought and tell the devil you will not believe his lies and that you know his tricks. You might be a on real spiritual high from an event you participated in such as a retreat or revival, and in creeps the enemy trying to get you down in the dumps.

Right then and there stop and start singing praises to the God most high. Tell Satan you are God’s child covered by Jesus’ blood so to leave you alone. Get out your Bible and just start reading the Psalms. None of Satans garbage is ever going to come against you. Stand in faith!

PRAYER:Thank you for the word of God which is a strong tower I can run to at all times. I know no weapon formed against me will prosper according to Isaiah 54:17. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I Keep Asking

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength. Ephesians 1:17-19

Are you one who perseveres in prayer and believe sometime you will in fact have the answer? It is hard to wait isn’t it? 

You may have prayed the verse above as a prayer for loved ones to come to know Jesus better and want a close relationship with him. Never give up crying out to God. The voices of the world we live in may clamor for your attention to distract you from your heavenly goal of walking and living for Jesus.

Seek to be close to Jesus when you spring out of bed each day. Don’t go run for the remote and saturate yourself with worldly news and shows but set time aside to worship and adore God and have prayer.

As you make Christ a daily priority you will more and more have little desire for earthly things. As the song lyrics of the 80’s praise song ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus’ says “and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” Give it a try.

PRAYER:You are marvelous above all else Lord and I desire that those I love and am close to to want more of you in their lives. Make the attractions and lure of this present world less and you become greater. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I Bungle And I Ramble

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Are you perfect? I know I certainly am not. When you start to get puffed up and self sufficient that is a dangerous area to tread. Everyone has issues of some sort and not everyone is going to like you as much as you want them to.

I don’t know about you but I am glad God loves me warts and all. He is my creator. He knew exactly what he was doing with you too when he made your personality. Everyone has different abilities too so when you put yourself down and beat yourself up that is because you have allowed Satan freedom to trample on your heart and mind.

You are covered with the blood of Jesus and God gifted you and has a reason you exist. No matter how you came into being or who your birth parents are you are a blessing and NOT an accident. Do not even ‘go there’. Even those conceived by rape are creations of God. James Robison, well known worldwide Bible teacher is a product of rape. Just relax in who you are not comparing yourself to others with different gifts.

 If Satan starts dragging you down tell him you are bought with a price and covered with the blood of Jesus and that is that.

PRAYER: I am very thankful for the gifts you have given me and help me not to put myself down or on the other spectrum to think I am a hot shot. Keep me working for your kingdom purposes knowing I am here for a reason. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Display Softness In Your Speech?

“A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

How are you with the words that come out of your mouth? Do you think before you speak, text, tweet, or email? Once words are out that’s it you can’t  take them back.

The ‘high road’ is the road Christians should seek to take and to stay on in life. By this I mean not trashing anything on social media. If people know you represent Jesus, or you should be trying to, then what you say and do speaks volumes.

Many people have been hurt by careless words. Relationships have been broken. Wars have been started. Secrets have been shared that should have remained confidential.

Are you guilty of publicly saying ugly things about others or an organization? Perhaps pray before you say something. At times, in anger,  it is easy to fly off the handle and let someone have it then afterwards you may regret it. Whatever you do or say do it as a representative of the most high God. If you love Jesus then represent him well.

 PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for my mouth, my tongue, my vocal cords and the ability to speak, laugh, sing, shout and everything else. It is a blessing so help me remember that and use it as such. Forgive me when I have hurt someone with what I say and help me be able to forgive those who have hurt me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.