Getting Untangled In 2020

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17
Here we are on the last day of 2019. Where has the time gone? Seems like it gets faster every passing day. This is the last day to think about what you maybe want to do different in 2020.

What do you want freedom from? What do you want to change about yourself? What do you want to let go of? What new things do you want to incorporate in to your life? This time of year is perfect to change things and make a fresh start. And when you say you will leave something behind and let it go, do it!

Now is the time to get untangled from the lies of the culture and tune into God and let the Holy Spirit guide you not the news media, magazines, TV, other people but truly in 2020 maybe it is time to go all in for God casting off junk that has weighed you down. What do you say friend, do you want to untangle yourself? Untangle yourself from the lies of Satan and run hard after God.

PRAYER: As a human I  mess up lots but God is there for me to pick me up and know that I can keep running to the cross. I can’t change people but God can. I give you my problems, heartaches, disappointments Lord and help me to truly make 2020 a monumental year for walking and running for the Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Miscalculations And Misunderstandings

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

One of my favorite TV shows is ‘Engineering Catastrophes’ on the Science Channel. Two key things that cause failures such as collapses of buildings and bridges  are the two words in my title today. Those  can cause disaster in relationships as well. 

You miss cues or take something the wrong way especially happen when not face to face and dealing with texting and emails. You misunderstand someone and start making assumptions which are totally wrong. Your mind wanders and starts tying to figure things out which is a bad place to allow it  to go.

Relationships are very important whether friends, spouse, family, or co worker so communication is critical to maintaining a healthy strong one. Where are you at today? Do you need to go back to the ‘drawing board’ and allow God to transform you from the inside out and allow him to work in your relationship? 

PRAYER: Father God relationships and communication are key to being healthy in this life here on Earth. Help me think before I do anything goofy and put relationship in jeopardy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Void In Your Life

So then, being God’s children, we should not think that the Divine Nature (deity) is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination or skill of man. Acts 17:29

Have you ever heard the phrase there is a God shaped hole inside of everyone? Well there indeed is. Everyone was created by God and for God in His image. Not everyone acknowledges there is indeed a Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit but there indeed is. 

As you just finished celebrating the birthday of Jesus was He acknowledged or did you get caught up in commercialism and the other frills? One thing is certain it is a giant party atmosphere, people are kinder and more giving, and it is a special time of year. For others it may have lacked what they expected. Christmas evokes many varied emotions depending on a person’s circumstances. 

For those who have not acknowledged Jesus as Lord there is a void in their life. That void can be filled with worldly pleasures and pursuits, performance and manmade achievements but there is no real true joy or happiness until men and women ask Jesus into their hearts. Is your void filled with the pursuit of holiness or worldly happiness? 

PRAYER: Lord I cry out to you on behalf of those who are lost and wandering and who think they can do life apart from you. Some of these people may think they don’t need to go to church and are just fine coasting along. Help those people seek you in a powerful way in 2020 and for those who never knew you bring them to the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pray For Those Who Grieve And Do Something

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.Matthew 5:4

This time of year is filled with merriment and Jolly Old Saint Nick but not everyone shares the sentiment of Christmas when their heart aches from deep grief. It is difficult to heal from grief and move on and it is a day by day process for those enduring this.

You may say “chin up friend things will be better” and that is never a good answer. It is best to just sit and listen. Most people I know like to know others have not forgotten their loved one but some are sensitive to this and don’t want to remember as it hurts too bad. Keeping track of the date of a friend’s loss on your calendar can prompt you to send something to them on the anniversary of the death.

No one understands why babies die, young husbands die when they were not even sick, some are healed of cancer and others not, a young person gives their life for their country, and so many more scenarios. My point is don’t blow it off and it takes time to heal a wounded grief filled heart. Be sensitive. Today don’t think it is someone else’s job to be a comforter. How about it friend?

PRAYER: Lord I know many people who have fresh wounds from the unexpected tragic losses in their life. Comfort them as only you can Lord and use me to bring hope to another who is aching at this time of year. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

All Is Well

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

Is it well with your soul or do you feel frazzled and torn in many directions? You can be able to say ‘all is well’ and mean it if you live victoriously and know God is in charge regardless of stuff swirling around you.

Make your speech positive. Don’t entertain negative thinking. Stay cool. 

Remember in the book of Job 13:15where Job says “Though he slay me yet I will trust him”? His was the ultimate account of bad stuff happening. Read it again and read to the end where the happy ending occurs. 

God knows the outcome. He’s got this. Don’t be moved by circumstances. Sometimes you have to step out on faith and just trust God.

PRAYER: I have had times where I wondered where the Lord was and why things were not progressing faster or maybe the current world situation makes one fret. I know God indeed has a wonderful plan and help me sit still and be calm in the meantime. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are You Too Proud?

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18

If you reach a point in life where things seem to be going pretty good don’t get all puffed up. Many verses in the Bible speak of pride and it is sure to be your downfall if you think you are almost more knowing than God. 

Numerous  accounts  in the Bible attest to those persons who got too big for their proverbial britches. When you accomplish something know that is it God working in you not you doing things all by yourself. Do you give God the praise and glory? 

Is there something you are too prideful about? The definition of pride comes in as both a noun and a verb and the noun is “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.” Beware my friend of becoming too puffed up. Ask God to keep you grounded, pliable, and humble so he can work through you. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus sometimes if I do something good help me realize it is not me but you working through me to work for the kingdom. Help me to stay grounded and never get too puffed up about anything. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let Us Adore Him!

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.Luke 2:11

It is finally here. The non stop commercialization of Christmas can finally stop and now we can brace ourselves for horrendous political attack ads for several months but today savor this day. This is the day we celebrate the Christ child being born in a feeding trough in a barn in Bethlehem.

God sent His son then later His son died on the cross and was resurrected three days later. The story of a savior who is often rejected by humanity. This day is the one day it seems many seem a little ‘religious’ in that they know deep down inside there is some reason to be in church as churches often overflow this time of year.

What you need to do is pray for those people who reject Jesus to come to know Him as their personal savior. Also for the Christmas story to go on in our hearts and for the love shown at this time of year to continue for the other 364 days. For men and women to know that Jesus is indeed Lord and He alone saves them from their sins.

PRAYER: Father God I pray today in the midst of the merriment and partying that the real meaning of the season is not brushed under the rug with the Christmas tree pine needles but men, women, and children who have never known you can be saved and live for the kingdom every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The World

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

I love flying and when you are gaining altitude gazing down on the earth below I am amazed at God’s creation to include mankind who he created to tend to the earth with the many skills and talents it takes. God indeed is good! 

Just sit and look up in the sky on a starry night. Watch geese flying in formation. The beautiful miracle of a new born baby. The four seasons and the different terrain all over the world. It is utterly amazing and it is all because of God speaking it into existence. 

This Christmas season stop and really think about the birth of the Christ child and how God is ruling over this whole Earth. Satan has tried to steer men and women astray and some have taken the bait but ultimately mere men and women are just that and have no power over God Almighty. Make every day Christmas and Thanksgiving where you stand in awe of his power and majesty and give him all the glory. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Heavenly Father almighty God, I love you and thank you for making such a beautiful earth and I am thankful I was born and get to enjoy life even with all its’ ups and downs. Help me show kindness and love to hurting people not just now but throughout the year. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Recover, Reconstruct, Restore

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12

Do you ever feel you need a permanent retreat of sorts to just get back on track and get your life and thoughts straightened out? Life today with the status symbol of ‘busy’ being ‘cool’ can send even the most sane stable person into a tizzy. 

Perhaps it is time even in the midst of the craziness of ‘supposedly’ celebrating Jesus birth to take stock of where you are at and what you need to do to get on a different path and change a few things. ‘Be yourself everyone else is taken’ is a sign I have hanging in my kitchen. I challenge you to be yourself, listen to God, and above all make time for him. Be still, turn off the noise in your life. Put your phone away and better yet turn it off. “But I might miss a call”, so what if you do? The earth will keep spinning. 

Remember this is the season of peace on Earth good will to men, not seeing how many social engagements you can attend or how many cookies you are going to bake. Last time I checked those were not required to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Be still and have a blessed day. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and I confess I am guilty of occasionally stepping onto the treadmill of life knowing I don’t really need to be doing half the stuff I am. I pray for those who may need help recognizing they need to chill and be still and enjoy the real meaning of this season. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Is Resting...This Is Heaven!

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

The typical thing you hear at funerals is that the deceased is being laid to rest. First that is the lifeless shell of the person being laid to rest in a box in the ground because I doubt there are bunches of people in Heaven just resting. I bet they are so involved and joyous and that there is plenty of activity.

I mean no disrespect to any, and that would be all of us, who have lost friends or family members but our finite minds really can’t comprehend what the Heavenly kingdom is like. Things are said like they turn into angels by ‘getting their wings’ and much of what is said is the humans idea of what is next after this life. For the believer it is ushered in a twinkling of an eye into Heaven. Are there pearly gates, I really don’t know. Some picture heaven being boring. My friend Jesus is anything but boring. 

Do you beyond a shadow of a doubt know if you breathed your last breath today you would be with the Lord? Being a church member, being religious, baptism at birth or baptism later, a member of ‘the only’ true denomination are not entrance tickets to Heaven. Asking Jesus simply to come into your heart and change you, that’s it. Pretty simple. Are you ready? 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for those who think their way is the way and scoff at others. I pray for those I know whose spiritual candle is not burning like it used to. I pray you will use me Lord to help others come to know you and have assurance of Heaven some day. The alternative is not at all nice. Help me show love and realize all have sinned at one time or another and have fallen short of God’s glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are Your Words Hurting People?

Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, Ephesians 5:25-26

Many who have this problem probably aren’t reading devotions. Perhaps they aren’t aware their words hurt some people fairly close to them. The problem is not the words so much as their heart. 

If you are reading this and are close to a person whose words hurt you pray for them. Somehow they are wounded internally and they may not realize what they are doing. Verbal abuse is still abuse. You may not be getting hit physically but ugly hurtful words hurt you internally.

Make sure you are not guilty of hurtful words. The mouth can cause so much trouble. Be still before speaking. If you know someone who is a verbal abuser lift them up for healing if the wounded spirit that has led to this. Hurting people hurt people. 

PRAYER: Father God I love the ability to speak and may my mouth be used for your glory. I pray for ____________who needs to be healed in their heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stinking Thinking Rears It’s Ugly Head

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:1-2

I love the teaching of Joyce Meyer and one phrase she coined is ‘stinking thinking’ or going someplace with your mind and thoughts you have no place to be. Satan loves stirring up division so naturally he would be the instigator of wrong thinking that could destroy relationships. 

Have you been there letting your mind go over the ‘what if’s’ and trying to read minds of others thinking you know what they are thinking of you or situations? You can’t go there or disaster will occur. Your mind has to be brought under control of the Holy Spirit. It is a spiritual discipline similar to how getting up and exercising is a physical discipline. You have to do too!

For those occupied with a 40 hour work week it is easier to have mind discipline cause you have to concentrate on work or get fired but even those not in the work force must stay busy doing other things and train yourself to stop thinking certain ways. It can be done. Ask the Holy Spirit for help. 

PRAYER: I love your word and I try to stay focused on ‘things above’ and not things that create turmoil, friction, and division. Show me things in my life that cause me to think wrong and help me stay disciplined to stay on a path that leads to peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Some Day I.....

"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:2

Have you caught yourself saying the phrase above which is today’s title? “Some day I am going to go visit a nursing home” or “some day I want to hand out care packages in a homeless camp” or “some day I want to pay for the groceries of a needy person”.

Today is the ‘some day’ so what is holding you back?  If you need courage to take the first step pray for courage and boldness.

Pray for open doors and opportunities.Pray for favor to be directed to the right places. 

 Anytime you do a good deed to bless someone keep it to yourself. What is the reason to do good things anyway? Not to brag but because the Holy Spirit directed you to do so. Let the Holy Spirit direct you and be blessed to be a blessing. 

PRAYER: Father open doors for me to show kindness and love and doing it not expecting a single thing. Where courage is needed I pray for that. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: Idea for title from Senior Pastor Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL. 

Spend Time With Your Friends

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

I don’t know about you but I love my friends near and far and love spending time with them. It is only through spending time that you get to know someone. Our new digital world cause many impersonal challenges for getting together. Anyway you have to make time for people to truly know them.

This gets me to today’s point and that is getting to know Jesus. Doing the ‘Sunday thing’ is admirable but if that is where it ends and you spend no time in prayer and Bible reading your relationship will not be that great. It is essential to know Jesus on a deep intimate level by daily time with Him just like you would do your spouse or a close friend. With no time with them your relationship would soon crumble. 

So do you need to make some adjustments when it comes to getting to know Jesus better? Are you mad at this so called ‘religion’ because of disappointments or hurts in the past? My friend that is the enemy working to keep you away from the Saviour and a close relationships. Life is going to have trials and disappointments but when you run away from God you are running straight to the enemies camp. Ponder that for a moment. To know Jesus you spend time and make time.

PRAYER: Father God I am thankful that I live in a country whose government currently is God friendly and I can openly carry and read my Bible. Many do not have this privilege in other places. Help me daily make time and I pray for those close to me I know who are drifting and complacent that you would draw them back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen..

Note: Click link below to listen to a mighty song of praise.
https://youtu.be/IdJBYyNsQd0

God Is Light

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.1 John 1:5

God is Light, period. Satan is darkness, period. You know when you turn on a light you can see and when you turn off the light you can stumble and fall.

As a believer don’t get tricked by the devil and his demons and stumble into the enemies camp. He deceives many people and tries to make darkness look good. That is how he does his work by scheming and making things seem right. The Holy Spirit helps you recognize right versus wrong.

Tell the enemy out loud “you get away from me and my family as they belong to Jesus. Stop lying to them and stop making them think they can do life apart from God” and then trust your prayers are going to be answered.

PRAYER: I thank you for letting me see the light. Help me not ever stumble into the darkness Satan wants me to. I cover my family with the blood of Jesus as they were not set apart for Satan but for God. I thank you I can claim your word and run my race to win. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Time To Reprogram Your Mental Software?

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5

Do you have junk in your head like wrong thinking or imaginations that has to be reprogrammed? For  you to walk in the spirit you have to get control over your mind and thoughts. You may think a certain way or think people are thinking a certain way when in fact it is not so. Continuing on that path will make you crazy. 

For you to gain control and have victory in your walk with the Lord you have to take thoughts captive as todays’ verse says. Joyce Meyer, Bible teacher calls it ‘stinking thinking’ and I can attest to the fact I have had much ‘stinking thinking’ that I have to get control over with the help of the Holy Spirit. 

Satan uses your mind to try to destroy you. If you fill your mind with wrong thinking, lies, vain imaginations, wondering what people think, worrying over the past you are not going to gain any ground spiritually. It is essential that you cry out to God and break this bondage in your life to have victory. 

PRAYER: Father God I need you every moment in my life. I need you to help me stop letting my mind wander into places it should not be. I want to live a day at a time and not conjure up things that do nothing but make me feel bad or worry. I choose to keep my mind on things ‘above’ and run towards the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Cues From Aviation

For the LORD, who is high and lifted up, looks upon the humble, but the proud he does not know. Psalm 138:6

 There are four principles in aviation those being lift, thrust, weight, and drag. All aviators need to know what these are and how they affect flying before obtaining a pilot license. Lift does what it says that is lift, thrust to get the plane off the ground, weight is crucial so you are not overpacking the plane, and drag knowing how everything effects the maneuverability. Now aviators out there do not  correct me but just using this for purpose of writing. 

In Christian life God is our lift the one who lifts us from a pit of despair and hopelessness. Thrust could be your brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage you to run the race to win. Weight and drag could be the forces of darkness trying to throw you off course and keep you from living victoriously. 

You can’t live a negative life and expect to soar for the kingdom. Do you want to be lifted up higher or drug down into the pit. Easy question and simple answer. 

PRAYER: I want to rise higher and give the glory to God. I don’t want to meddle in things that will drag me down and confuse me. Help me recognize the attacks of the enemy and run to the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a song of praise: https://youtu.be/xdvC7LSTUQ0

Note: I got the idea for this devotion from the ministry of Joel Osteen. 

Spiritual Fitness Often Involves Stillness

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.1 Timothy 4:8

When you think of physical fitness what comes to mind? Gym time, sit ups,  walking, weight lifting, eating right? Spiritual fitness is even more important and yes, it can involve walking in the form of ‘prayer walking’, but a good bit of it learning to be still to hear from God. 

After praying there won’t necessarily be an instant answer in fact it may be years or not even in your lifetime for you to see the results or the fruits of your labor but God hears you. Occasionally a great spiritual discipline for a spiritually fit person is being still before the Lord. No phones, computers, TV or radio. Just you, God, and your Bible and maybe a notebook and pen. 

Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “be still and KNOW that I am GOD” so that in fact is what you need to try to do. Even this time of year where people get crazy busy for whatever reasons they really don’t need to, go back, have some coffee, schedule some ‘time alone with God’ daily then keep your appointments. 

PRAYER:Lord Jesus I thank you so very much for the word which is truth. Help me not let life take over and drive me over the edge but help me insure a time daily for stillness regardless of my schedule. Help young moms perhaps include their babies in this time or do it while they nap. Help everyone reading this prayer make spiritual fitness a priority. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Leave Home On Empty

And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19

When you drive you certainly would not venture out on a long trip without first filling up the gas tank on your vehicle. Similarly as a believer you should not venture out of your front door without first filling up your spiritual tank.

How do you do this? First don’t compare yourself to sister Suzy Q who you hear may read her Bible for an hour, go to all sorts of Bible studies and pray for hours. God does not want us to compare. Whatever works for you the important thing being to make it happen. There is not a certain amount of time and God standing there over you saying “that’s not enough” but instead he wants your love, faithfulness, devotion. One theory I once heard was to tithe your time similarly to how you tithe your income so however many hours you are awake do you only give the Lord crumbs?

Now is the time as the year starts to draw to a close to get serious about your quiet time. You don’t just exist for yourself but you exist to bring glory to God by your actions. I know how easy it is to stay glued to your TV or computer and then it is 10 at night and whoops no God time. Pray about what you should do then go have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I love you and I love spending time in prayer and reading your word or a devotion book or watching a Christian preacher on TV. Guide me as I seek to put you truly first. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: Click link for a wonderful song of praise: https://binged.it/2Pbi5L4

You Are Special

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:16

I recently got a new book for my granddaughter entitled ‘God Says You Are Special’ but sometimes we adults need to take a good dose of feeling special affirmation as well. 

Opinions of others, hurtful words or actions whether intentional or unintentional, listening to the lies of Satan over what the truth of God is. There are a host of negative messages out there that can really get you down on yourself and feeling like a scum bag but God says you are special, period! The enemies specialty is deception and lies and you know when you feel negative it is NOT from God. 

Today know God loves you period. The world puts standards on people to reject them and even some believers are guilty of judging and not loving. We are ALL sinners remember that. Come down from that lofty perch meant for eagles not for you. Today love those who are hard to love. Smile at people that may need that to be lifted from an otherwise bad day. See what you can do to make someone feel special. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord. There are all kinds of people that may not love or serve you but we are called to love them and be kind. Open the hearts of those who would reject because of manmade standards. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Trusting God For Little Things And Big Things

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

What are you trusting God for? It could be a change in someone, an item you need and can’t afford, a new job, even a coat and a nursing bra. Yes that got your attention I am certain. I actually prayed once for hand me down nursing bras and coincidentally, NOT, a lady in day care at church one day says “hey could you use some nursing bras.” I prayed for a certain jacket years ago and found it shortly thereafter at a Thrift store.

Don’t figure out how just trust God to do work in your life seemingly impossible stuff but once again not on your timetable but His. God is the giver of good things and he loves you. He is not Santa Claus or a genie but simply and powerfully God. Enough said. 

So today whatever you are hoping for or wishing you would see a breakthrough in a situation don’t listen to the enemy who will make you the biggest doubter ever, don’t compare yourself to another’s situation as everyone’s plan is different, but simply continue to pray believing God can do the impossible! 

PRAYER: I lift your name on high Lord Jesus! I thank you for miracles I have seen or heard about and know how awesome and powerful you are. As I look around at people whose faces look sad or hopeless I pray for a touch of God to come to many not just because it is the Christmas season but to show your mighty power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Him Not You

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD”. Isaiah 55:8

We are living in a me centered generation with selfies, Facebook, and self promotion. When it come to God Almighty He is first. I doubt he would be stopping all the time capturing selfies of Himself at The Jordan River and The Temple Mount and other places. Sounds comical but trying to make a point. 

When it comes to praying you have to remember God is not a genie or a cake where we wish and blow out the candles. Its not about what you want it is about what He wants. Sure the Bible says He will give you the desires of your heart but His plans supersede yours. Then why pray? Because he wants to hear from you. He is a jealous God and wants your love and devotion. 

Is God really first place in your life? If I asked the question “if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you” what would the answer be? Think about that and then make changes as necessary to get closer to be wholly devoted child of God. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the opportunity to live in a free nation and declare my love for Jesus and God openly without fear of punishment. I continue to pray for more people to come to know Jesus as savior and leave the church they are in if they are not growing and it is more out of duty than love. I pray you will use me to draw others closer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Zip It!

And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Sometimes things are better left unspoken, untexted, untweeted, and not posted on Facebook if you know what I mean. I feel a new area for professional counselors will not only be electronic device addiction but will be hurt and pain caused through this modern outlet. 

Keeping your thoughts on ‘things above’ as it says in Philippians 4:8 is another vital thing to do. Not feeling compelled to talk back or reply and being still. Give things to the Lord and zippy the lippy. As a friend of mine often reminds me “Facebook is not real” and it can absorb huge chunks of time if you allow it to. Discipline is for sure necessary. 

So today go out with good thoughts, kind words, love in your heart looking to the cross of Jesus Christ to guide you and sustain you knowing He is all that really matters. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for forgiving people who don’t take things so seriously and pray for those who get hurt too easily and wreck relationships because of being unwilling to forgive and move on. Help me Lord never be guilty of intentionally hurting anyone with words. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Transformer

 '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.' Romans 12:2

While waiting to board a plane to Chicago I saw an advertisement for a local university which simply reads "Transforming Lives". What parent would not want to send their child where their life would be transformed? But wait. It did not specify "how" this transformation would take place. Would it be intellectual, situation, emotional, relational, spiritual?

As a believer I want my life transformed and that of my children but I want it transformed into the image of Christ. Today’s verse is one my favorite verses after recommitting my life to Jesus back in 1975. Transforming your mind requires getting into the word of God on a daily basis and reading it and studying it so your life will "conform" to His.

The world's way is not God's way. This is not to say that we become monks and act holier than thou but it is necessary to make a deliberate effort to saturate your mind with the teaching of the Lord so when wrong stuff comes along you will recognize it. Are you ready for that transformation today?

PRAYER: My desire Lord is to have more of you in my life. I want your light to shine so others can know that you have transformed me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Cyber Church

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10

Excitement abounds this time of year in the retail industry. Cyber Monday, Black Friday. Spend till you drop. Buy, buy, buy. Order, order, order. It’s Christmas. 

What if you and I could get as excited about church and Jesus as we do for buying stuff we really don’t need or may be returned? What about a Cyber Sunday or something like that where Jesus is truly lifted up and celebrated. His name is above all names. And at his name we are to bow down. Scripture says that in Philippians 2:9-10

Jesus loves you this I know for the Bible tells me so, you have heard that child’s recitation right? Well he really does love you. All this hoopla of shopping and going crazy for bargains is supposed to be about him, not us. Giving is part of wanting to be kind and nice and Jesus Loves givers. But in all the craziness surrounding getting off track over what December 25th is all about don’t forget him and run to him on a daily basis. A dynamic church home is a good step to take if you aren’t currently seeking one because there you find fellowship and there you grow in Christ. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I love celebrating you but I pray for those who may not care to for whatever reason. I pray man come to bow their knees to you and run after you every day of the year. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NOTE:Might I suggest a link to find a dynamic spirit filled church in your area if you are not already planted and growing somewhere. Www.associationofrelatedchurches.com

Prayers All Around

Never stop praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Are you guilty of telling someone you will pray for them then totally forget? It seems to be the pat answer when someone asks “will you pray for me” to say “of course” just like when a passerby says “how are you today” and your answer is “fine”. 

I have a tremendous idea because I too have been guilty of forgetting. If you can, do it right there when they ask. It might take them by surprise but just say “can I pray for you right now” or simply compose a prayer to send them on email they can read over and over again. I have a couple friends whose email prayers I have saved when they wrote me a prayer and it is so encouraging. 

Try prayer walking through a park and pray in general for family and friends and other things or go directly to a ‘boots on the ground’ scenario where you prayer walk say for a school and pray walking by or pray in front of city hall. My ‘go to‘ prayer walk has been Washington DC because I am blessed with standby travel as an airline employee parent and there is a direct short flight. But you don’t have to go to DC to pray for our leaders. Just do it. Today stop what you are doing for a few minutes and think of those you should be lifting up in prayer. 

PRAYER: Thanks so much Lord that I get to pray and CAN pray without fear of arrest or being beat like in some anti Christian nation’s. Forgive me when I told someone I would pray then forgot. Help me get more serious about talking to you daily. In Jesus‘ name. Amen.

Miracles Can And Do Happen!!

“I am doing this so all who see this miracle may see and know may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this." Isaiah 41:20

God has not closed up shop and He is in the miracle business and sometimes it is not all about you and the miracle or breakthrough you are waiting for but about bringing glory to Him and more people to Christ. Ponder that for a while. Also God has no time constraints like we humans try to put on Him. 

The Bible says in Luke 18:1 to “pray and never give up”. I Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray without ceasing” and I guess that is because God likes to hear from you and hear you from your heart. 

Some deliverances and breakthroughs may seem pretty far fetched to the natural man but you and I operate in a supernatural realm where nothing, and I do mean nothing,  is impossible. (Matthew 19:26). Go for it my friend. God’s miracle shop is open for business around the clock. Romans 4:17 says “calling things as not as though they were” press on and speak forth Victory to that lie the enemy has tried to get you to believe or well meaning friends and family who may give you strange looks and think you are a bit kooky. God has big plans. Trust Him okay? Some day you can testify, “God did this!”. 

PRAYER: I know you do big things and things beyond human imagination. I know the miracles you perform are to bring you Glory and get others to believe and start hungering for you. I know you do the impossible and I thank you for what you are going to do in the lives of people I have been praying for and for others who are just waiting for a breakthrough. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B_lnQIITxU

I’m Scared

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Maybe the kind of fear you have is not of roller coasters, thunder storms, tornadoes, intruders, and stuff like that but just fear of messing up a relationship somehow or fear of an upcoming event. 

Worry and fear do nothing but make the fearful one a mess on the inside. You have to truly learn to let go and trust in God to handle things. Things like a health condition or upcoming surgery, concern about a adult child deployed to a war zone, fear that you won’t find favor with your child’s new spouse, fear of losing your job and I am certain you can add to this list. 

My friend let go and truly let God work and trust Him. Your fretting does nothing and indeed just puts you square in the enemies camp I am sure you as a child of God do not want. So today just say “Hey Lord I know you have this so help me trust then move on and trust. 

PRAYER: I praise you because I know you are handling things in my life and those family members. Only Satan wants me to stay in the muck and mire and get myself sick for no reason. I choose trust. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Free Refills!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--Ephesians 2:8

Getting things free is fun isn’t it? That is how many merchants lure people in offering freebies  or supposed discounts. Guess what, God gives free refills on a daily basis if you allow Him to. 

Salvation is a free gift from him, not anything you have to earn. Each and every day His gift to you is His word, The Holy Bible yet how many of us fail to even open it up and some may not even know where their Bible is. If it is out on a table it should be more than a coffee table decoration. 

Satan can fill your mind with all sorts of lies and excuses for keeping you from truly knowing Jesus. Religion and denominations often get in the way to cloud the real truth of the gospel message. Do you want free daily refills? Do you want to feel closer to God? For starters open  up the book of John and just start reading then forget the manmade things many denominations teach and just ask Jesus to come and live in your heart and give you an hunger for the word. 

PRAYER:Father God I want to know you better. I love free refills so come and fill my heart now with overflowing love and joy and remove the ugliness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Oh Where Is The Christ Child?

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

As we begin the month of December, which is usually at a frantic pace due to human expectations, where is the Christ child? Is the frenzy mainly due to preparing for his birthday? Really? 

Every year this holiday can be a real joy stealer and stress producer if you allow it to. It is kind of like Martha and Mary in the Bible (Luke 19:38-42) where Martha was crazy with all the preparing and Jesus told her In a round about way to relax and chill. Have you had a desire every year after you say to yourself “whew I am glad that is over” to recenter the celebrating on Christ as it should be? Then why not make it happen?

What is Christmas about anyway? Blown up snoopy characters, smurfs, teddy bears, snow men, and here it comes, Santa Claus? Not going to diss Santa because the story of Saint Nick has a history of gift giving but the focus should not block out the reason for the season. Where is Christ in your Christmas celebrating? 

PRAYER: Father help me refocus on what the day of Christmas truly is. This time of year people get super nice and generous and I would like to think it is because of you that they do it. I pray for those who may be religious but not truly know you to find you this time of year. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Are Special

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

I recently got a new book for my granddaughter called ‘God Says You Are Special’ but sometimes we adults need to take a good dose of feeling special affirmation as well.

Opinions of others, hurtful words or actions whether intentional or unintentional, listening to the lies of Satan over what the truth of God is. There is a host of negative messages out there that can really get you down on yourself and feeling like a scum bag but God says you are special, period! Social media can be super hurtful feeling you have the right to condemn someone through a tweet, text, or even Facebook.

Just remember you are God’s creation. He did not make you by accident no matter what the circumstances surrounding how you were born. Every creature has a distinct purpose and God loves you so much. The world’s standard of being special is not God’s so always remember that.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for creating me in my mother’s womb. Creation alone is such a miracle. Every thing you make is good. I pray for those who may not be feeling very special that you give them a God hug. In Jesus’ name. Amen.