Welcome to God's Lemonade Stand

It is my hope that by reading this daily you will grow in your walk with Christ and knowledge of scriptures and be set free from any struggles in your life that are weighing you down. Be blessed to be a blessing.

Friday, January 31, 2020

Do You Have Heart Blockage?


For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ Mark 13:15


A cardiologist would attest to the fact that if your arteries and veins are clogged that life sustaining blood can not get to your most vital organ in the body and that of course is your heart. Thus you suffer from heart blockage and are in danger of a stroke or heart attack.

Were you aware there is another kind of heart blockage that being your spiritual heart? If you have a hard heart toward spiritual things it is hard to grow in Christ. Often times a person can be going through the motions of a ‘Christian life’ when in fact he or she has never asked Jesus to be Lord of their life. ‘Churched’ in other words.

 When this transformation occurs you hunger for all things God, I know it happened to me in 1975. The Holy Spirit changed my heart and gave me a greater desire for Christ. The outside world may call it being a Jesus freak and I say “what is wrong with that anyway”? Do you want an unclogged spiritual heart? Do you desire to grow in Christ? Start each day with prayer and hide some scripture in your heart before you face the onslaught of the world outside your door. Eventually your heart will change and be desirous of the kingdom and not just a church experience to check off a block.

PRAYER: I am so very thankful for those people who have prayed for me some of which I never knew and am grateful for being able to know my name is written in the lambs book of life. I pray for those I know who may be suffering heart blockage. Surround them with believers to light their path and make their heart yearn for you more than this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
>

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Where Are You At Today?



Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.Mark 4:18-19

Where are you today? I don’t mean your physical address but where emotionally and spiritually are you? Are the cares of this world weighing on your heart?

Usually with the start of a new year comes an opportunity for a fresh start, a clean slate and a chance to right wrongs and let things go. It is a good break, so to speak, to be able to make up your mind to be different and change things up for the good. Call it a resolution or whatever you like, but 2020 ushered in a new era not only a new decade but the feeling of having new hope. 

New beginnings are terrific. You purpose in your heart you are not going to allow things that drug you down or took you away from your spiritual growth to take root in your life again in the new year. You yank up ugly junk by the roots and plant new seeds of forgiveness, peace, joy, love, caring, dying to self, sharing, and kindness. Let the bad stuff that got you nowhere go and strive to reach a new level with the Lord guiding you. 

PRAYER: I am so grateful for a new page on the calendar and a new chance to have the opportunity to turn things around and live for kingdom purposes. I trust in you Lord and I resist the devil and he has to flee. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Everyone Is A Greeter



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

At my church I am using my spiritual gift as a greeter to welcome the many people who attend each week. I love doing this and am comfortable doing so but do you know each and  every believer should sort of serve as a greeter of sorts in every day life. Let me explain.

Each and every person needs to be kind and loving to those we come into contact with. You never know who may need a smile, a kind word, or gesture of joy. Be like the salt of the Earth and imagine being shaken out of a giant salt shaker into the places you go every day. Granted, not everyone  is blessed with a bubbly spirit but at least try to smile.

So go out there and be a greeter for the kingdom.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am grateful to live in a nation where I can worship freely and pray openly and speak of you. Help me look around and share your love with others I run into daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Distractions?


For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33(Bible Gateway NKJV). 

There can be many distractions in life to include cell phones, noise, bad news, television,  even sometimes church. 

Wait a moment before you get upset. By church I mean are you there to worship God, truly worship him? Sure fellowship is vitally important but do you ever find yourself getting concerned over how you look or thinking wrong things or even starting to judge and condemn another while sitting in church of all places? A tool of Satan for sure the king of distraction and confusion. 

Tune out noise in church and wrong thoughts and tune into God’s perfect peace. Perhaps you find yourself chattering or looking at phone when another is trying to meditate and get closer to God. Truly tune out others and focus on the Almighty. 

PRAYER: Many things in life can keep us distracted, so help me Lord to listen to your still small voice and seek to resist wrong thinking and distractions that take me away from true worship of you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Forget About It...God Has!



“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."Hebrews 8:12

Human beings are a funny bunch. For instance as a believer after you have gone to the Lord in prayer and confessed your sin, God has buried them in the deepest sea and put up a no fishing sign. Why do you try to keep beating yourself up?I will tell you why. 

 The enemy Satan loves to try to defeat us. John 10:10 says “he comes to kill, steal, yes and destroy.” Don’t let him. Take authority in Jesus name and bind the little weasel from torturing you anymore. Talk out loud to Satan and remind him you are bought  with the blood of Jesus and no weapon formed against you will prosper(Isaiah 54:17-Bible Gateway HCSB)and  that you received forgiveness and that is that! Case closed!! 

Stand firm brother and sister and run your life race to win. Don’t keep dragging up your past failures because that will only disable you for the kingdom work. You are cleansed and set free so walk in victory. 

PRAYER: You are so worthy of all our praise Lord. Forgive me when I don’t trust that you have forgotten stuff because human nature takes over. I want God’s nature and I want to be used mightily by you. I resist Satan and he has to flee(James 4:7- NIV Bible Gateway). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Me, Me, Me, Me



I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:20

It is easy to get caught up in self here in 2020 as we indulge in Facebook, selfies, and all about me. Trying to fit an image given by magazines or TV which does not even matter anyway. You have to dig the urge to do all things for only you. Like a toddler who says “mine” it is necessary to grow up and grow beyond self.

A dear friend gave me a cute sign that simply reads “be yourself everyone else is taken” and this is something you have to get comfortable doing not trying to put yourself in the center but thinking of others as greater than yourself. (See Philippians 2:3). 

Don’t worry about others or try to be a carbon copy of others. God created every person unique with different gifts and abilities, unique personalities. Surround yourself with positive people. Don’t conform to the world but let your light shine bright in a different way and Christ be known.

PRAYER: Father I need strength each day to not be like the world and to stand out for the kingdom. I pray for young people and teens who sometimes struggle more with wanting to fit in and caving to a life they really don’t want. Give me grace and help me treat all people kind and with respect. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Cyber Space Loss



Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.Mark 11:24

After spending a good 30 minutes or so writing on a devotion sending it to a folder it stays in until time to publish, somehow it mysteriously disappeared. Freaking out was not an option as it solves nothing. Granted, I was disappointed after all the work I had done and then my writing just decided to exit stage right into the black hole of cyber space.

What I did was pray and believe for a miracle. Our church is doing 21 Days of Prayer and since starting a couple weeks ago, every day a ‘God wink’ has occurred.The morning of 17 January 2020 was no exception as the night before I had prayed for my missing devotion to reappear somehow after searching folder after folder on my computer to no avail. I settled in at a coffee shop after prayer and poof, there was my missing devotion from the previous day. To God be the Glory!!

God is good. Don’t discount things that seem like coincidences as not being the answer to prayer and the hand of an Almighty loving God. It is easy to get ruffled feathers over things and get impatient. Impatient impulsive hyper people can create much anguish to others and add fuel to the situation at hand. Better to be calm and give it to God.

PRAYER: Marvelous are your  works oh God. From everlasting to everlasting you Oh Lord is a caring loving God. I praise your name for being there for me Lord and helping me stay calm when I would otherwise like to explode. Guide me to stay peaceful as I wait for you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, January 24, 2020

Cease Your Grumbling And Get Happy




Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Philippians 2:14

It is way easier to gripe and complain than it is to be nice. It is easier to frown than smile. NOT. Try this. Say something good to someone you don’t even know. Smile at a person who is frowning. 

There was a song back in World War 2 days “Forget your troubles come on get Happy we’re gonna chase all the blues away” copyright 1930 sung by among others the late Judy Garland of Wizard of Oz fame. (Link to it is below if you need a cheery song to pep up your day.) Music has the ability to lift you out of your doldrums, to set your feet to dancing, and to simply make you feel good.

I heard once for every bad thing you said you need to try to counter it with 7 positive things. Get in the habit of trying to curtail griping, complaining, and arguing even when you may think it is justified. The enemy has an open door when you have a harsh complaining spirit. When you point a finger there are pointing back at you. Be still, be kind, be loving. Have a blessed day. 

PRAYER: Father sometimes it is hard to love everyone. Some people even in families can rub me the wrong way. Help me love practice loving like you do, reaching out like you do and helping someone have a better day. Help me to keep my mouth closed if good things don’t come out of it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NOTE: click link for the song ‘Get Happy’:https://youtu.be/7x6vocfX_2o

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Weave On Abba Daddy Father



For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14(NIV) Bible Gateway 

Iwas on a flight recently where I was watching someone crocheting a blanket. Not only did I admire their work and the fact they knew this skill but thought about how God formed each and every one of us. As today’s verse mentions he knit us together in our mother’s womb. 

No matter how you got here meaning the circumstances surrounding your birth and even maybe possible adoption, God has a distinct purpose for your life. There are no accidents in the kingdom of Heaven. You may have felt your life was not worth living because you did not have a perfect entrance into this world. My friend God loves you so stop beating yourself up. Each and every life is awesome because He created you. 

In weaving or knitting there are sorts of threads. Dark, light, colorful, maybe frayed. Each of those is used to make a beautiful product when all is said and done. Don’t listen to the enemies life. You are a wonderful creation and beautiful inside and out. Run after God with all your heart knowing He did not mess up making you. 

PRAYER: I thank you for my life. I thank you for my birth parents whether t I grew up with them or not. They are who you used to create me. Help me choose joy over hopelessness and run the race to win just for the purposes you created for me. In Jesus’ nam. Amen.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Hang On Regardless


You are my refuge and my shield;  I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:114

Did you know God is working regardless of what you see or how you feel? The enemy likes to trip you up and trick you into thinking that your prayers are meaningless. That is a lie from the pit of Hell.

Hang on to hope. Don’t become a cynic and start turning into Satan’s camp which is full of lies, deceit, fear, pride, anger, doubt, confusion, wrong thinking and everything not of God. God loves you my friend. He knows your hurt and pain. Turn away from things dragging you into ugliness, discouragement, doubt and run full force into the arms of a waiting savior. He endured the cross for you!

Today stop what you are doing and simply say thank to God even if you don’t see an answer to your prayers yet. Never give up. Jesus loves you this I know for the Bible tells me so.

PRAYER:Lord Jesus at times my heart aches mainly due to wrong thinking. I need to keep my focus on faith not fear and get rid of the stinking thinking in my mind. I know good things are coming and I trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Jesus Yearbook Photo



Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. 1 Peter 5:6

Pretend for a moment Jesus is in a high school yearbook. Most yearbooks have the back sectioned like an index listing what pages a person is located on and by the  senior picture list the  High School activities such as Pep Club 1,2,3,4 Yearbook 3,4 and so forth.

I would venture to say that Jesus would not seek out trying to be popular but would be hanging out with those kids that school and activities may have forgotten. The less popular, ones who got made fun of. Perhaps from a low income family with a blue collar job. The lowly who feel people have forgotten them would be on the top of his ‘friend’ list. No pomp and circumstance here for the King of Kings.

Staying humble, teachable, and willing to put others before yourself is the key to a life set apart for God. Don’t just hang with those who can help you get ahead but be willing to stoop down and help those society has forgotten. Dying to self is the real key to a fulfilling life.

PRAYER: Father open my eyes to the needs of individuals I encounter on a daily basis. I know you have me exactly where I am for a distinct purpose to work for your kingdom. Help me to know I am not here for myself and to share your love all around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Gateway is the source I use for my scriptures. Check it out on biblegateway.com

Monday, January 20, 2020

Crosses On The Road Part 2



He himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains. Isaiah 53:4

Here in my part of the United States on the highways if a person has been killed in a vehicular accident often those left behind erect a cross at the spot their loved one took their last breath. It is humbling, makes you think, slow down, not tailgate, and should make you pray.

Recently I have seen new crosses since writing about this a few years ago. I try to remember to pray for the family who is hurting and also hope the person knew Jesus before they passed on.

If you were to be t boned today at an intersection, had a blow out and lost control of your means of transportation, fell asleep and drove into oncoming traffic, is your heart right with the Lord? First let’s pray nothing does happen. When you do see crosses ask God to give the survivors peace and supernatural love comfort. As for you just be there for your hurting friends who are grieving.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know part of life is ultimately death. I also know this world is not my real home. While I am here use me to spread love, joy, comfort and help out a watch over my mouth so that don’t utter stupid unnecessary things. Give me wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Look Up!!



“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When  these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:27-28

Look around you on any given day and what is a prevalent thing you notice in crowds of people? I notice men, women, teens, and sadly some children looking down at the tiny screen that beckons them. So much is missed  nowadays because a great deal of potential interaction face to face is alleviated by the tiny screen monster. A good tool yes but one that can break relationships.

Looking up is important. When you walk if you don’t look up you may fall off a curb, down steps, walk into a moving vehicle. In the Army there was a Jody call that simply said “what’s the use of looking down ain’t no discharge on the ground” a catchy tune to run to and stay in formation, but also a statement with much truth.

Some day Jesus is coming back. It is exciting to think about. The Bible says “when we least expect it”(Matthew 24:44). Are you ready for His return? Are you looking up, reaching out, sharing His love wherever you go? Look out expectantly and in the meantime go do some kingdom work.

PRAYER: Oh Lord I am excited about your return. I thank you for the gifts and abilities you give me to use to bring glory to you and to help share the love of Christ. Forgive me when I am on my tiny screen more than I am making face to face relationships with those close to me or strangers. Give me strength to put down my tiny screen and share life with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Celebrity Look Alike?



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
I have this habit of finding people who I think look like certain celebrities. Just now as I write I told a girl she looked like the Bush daughter on the Today Show. People used to tell me back in the mid 70’s I looked like Gold Medal figure skater Dorothy Hamill.

The person we should all want to resemble in a powerful way, not by outward physical appearance,  but by the inner person is Jesus Christ. There is a statement “if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you”.Ponder that for a moment or two.

If you accept Christ as savior you should try to be more and more like Him in the way you act, choices you make, and the way you treat others. Truly think about Jesus and what he would do. He wouldn’t condemn, judge, gossip, harass, unfriend people, be ugly, or just hang out with righteous churchy people but he would be kind, loving, and go into the world seeking lost hurting people. Are you imitating Him?

PRAYER: “Lord I want to be a Christian in my heart” the children’s song says. Most people in Western world live a cushy comfortable Christian life venturing out on maybe an occasional mission trip overseas but help me whether I go overseas or stay right here to be used for kingdom purposes. I thank you for blessing me even when I don’t deserve it. Help me look for someone who needs a touch from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, January 17, 2020

The Trouble Is Not In Your Set


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

As long as there is technology of any sort there are potential problems. Recently I got locked out of my google account.Back in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s Television being only 3 or 4 channels would give you an occasional screen message. The thing about God is you never get shut out from Him.

God is a 24-7 God yet many fail to even think to access him. If you can’t fall asleep at night the best thing to do would be go get your Bible and read the Psalms. God gives His beloved rest. He wants to hear from you. That means in the form of talking to Him otherwise known as prayer.

Connect with God each and every day by talking to Him. You don’t need a special degree or a formal language. Just talk. Tell Him what is on your heart also tell the devil he has no power over you because you are a child of God. Now go have an awesome day!

PRAYER: I need you Lord. Thank you for being there all the time. Forgive me when I get caught up in things of the world and the flesh and forget about you. I am thankful for your miracle working power. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Marching Onward


For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Psalm  86:13

Sometimes you may feel you can’t go on. You may not realize it but the enemy loves to torture Christians with wrong thinking. Even though you may think you have it all together alas issues arise in your life and many times you may feel God has abandoned you but he has not.

 It is necessary for you to resist the enemy meaning Satan because his only purpose is to kill, steal, destroy, lie, deceive, manipulate, give you stinking thinking and every thing else bad and wrong. Demonic spirits like to get inside people and turn them into ugly creatures who lack power, as long as they listen to the enemy,  to run their race to win.

Friend you who have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life are you filled with his love towards all people even those who are ugly, mean, hateful, despiteful, and cruel? Many can be taken captive and not realize it. To love the Lord is to have a pure heart and to be in prayer for those around you. Don’t fall into the trap of the enemy by taking his bait. Stay strong and keeping marching onward to the cross.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus help me to stay grounded in the word and filled up to overflowing with joy. Help me rid myself of wrong things that take my mind off you or teach hate or wrong thinking. I pray for those captured by lying spirits to return to the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Wednesday, January 15, 2020

God’s Power


Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.Psalm 89:13

There are all sorts of human power sources you may rely on. Simply an internet connection in this modern age is vital to almost everything. Electricity to keep everything going. Gasoline to power your vehicle or jet fuel to power an aircraft. 

The best kind of power is from above from the Almighty God maker of Heaven and Earth. He can strengthen your weak mind and feeble body. He can give you strength to fight daily skirmishes around you all the while maintaining a witness for the kingdom. 

Above all there is power in prayer. The same power that lives in Jesus lives in you(See Romans 8:11)  if you accepted Christ and follow Him. Don’t be afraid to pray and lift up the name of Jesus and pray boldly. Many are angry at God for ‘taking their loved ones’ or a variety of other things but for those people if you know any, pray God can restore their joy and give them a new purpose in life. Go on now and get powered up for the Kingdom. 

PRAYER: Oh God you amaze me. You can do all things and you help me to overcome things in life. I choose faith over fear and joy over sadness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for an awesome worship song to go along with this devotion. 

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Huge Responsibility


Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11

“Are you one of those praying people?” “You have connections don’t you?” For whatever reason those who know a person is a believer often may come to you for prayer as you have that special ‘hotline’ so to speak. This is an awesome privilege and responsibility as some people have just not been taught how to pray in their denominations or by their family. 
As a believer you are not in it just for yourself to ‘feed’ yourself although that is necessary to grow and get knowledgeable and be able to help others, but you are made to help and serve others even those you may not know. I recently got a prayer request from a stranger who found my card in DFW Chapel In Concourse B. I was touched by this individuals pouring out their heart to me. You never know how the Lord will use you.

Get up each and every day and put your armor on prepared to go into battle in the world around you. This world is not your real home and you are to be salt and light for the kingdom while you wait to be called home, simple as that. There will be trials and junk happen as no one is promised a completely pain free life. It is through trials that you grow spiritual muscle. Cry out to God. He loves you. Resist the devil and he has to flee. 
PRAYER: Father use me daily someway to bring joy to another. Thank you for the God winks I get through an answered prayer, a prodigal friend or child returning, a friendly smile when I need it. Direct my paths to help spread your love and win more to the Kingdom of Heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Monday, January 13, 2020

Old School, New School, Same School



Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Frequently I hear the phrase “I am old school” perhaps referring to ‘back in the day’ and it can apply to so many things. “If something isn’t broken why fix it” also used to be a phrase. This doesn’t mean you live in the dark ages and do everything like the pioneers but simply that maybe you kind of like ‘old school’ ways.

When it comes to our walk with the Lord sometimes you have to switch things up to grow in Christ for instance maybe you are at a dead church and the only reason you go is because that is what you always did or your family did. The question is are you excited about Jesus? Have you in fact asked Jesus into the your heart and desire to run the race of life with Him?

Now my friend the word of God does not change it applies to new school or old schooling. There may be false teachers out there that eliminate or twist scripture or even invoke His name for other reasons. The Lord knows your heart. 2 Timothy 2:19 reminds us “Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the LORD must turn away from wickedness." The way you know to discern wickedness is to read the Word and pray. Let God be truly Lord of your life and not a denomination. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I love new things and old things. One thing old I don’t like is former sinful ways. They are gone. I choose to live a life filled with purpose and ask you guide my steps. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Shut Or Closed?


Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Words can be used different ways for different meanings. A card shop in Huntsville has a sign on their door indicating they are closed but it says “shut”. Guess depends on where you are from even within the USA people say things differently.

Closed and shut both basically mean the same thing maybe one understood better for the purpose it has. Made me think about your mind. Is it closed or shut to the things of God? Do you crack it open a wee bit each Sunday to get a little truth in?

Why not put a big open for business sign on your heart and mind allowing God and the Holy Spirit to penetrate your innermost being?  The thing you can shut out are the lies of Satan which war against truth found in God’s word. Close the door to the ways of the world and culture that try to trick you. Run hard for God’s open door.

PRAYER: Father I want to open my heart to all things God and shut the door on Satan. Help me be discerning of the tricks of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Breathe, Relax, Repeat

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27


So now we are 11 days into then new year and hopefully you have not scheduled yourself into a tizzy already. 2020 gives the opportunity to start new things and make changes. A fresh calendar and a new beginning. 

Whatever has been bothering you or getting you down truly turn it over to the Lord. You will never experience God’s perfect peace unless you do. Trying to fight your own battles with Satan never works. It is necessary to embrace Jesus and his word. You have to believe He alone can give you perfect peace. 

Today choose to breathe in, breathe out, and just relax. Turn off distractions. Put your phone down for a while. Go for a walk. Enjoy life.

PRAYER: I am very thankful that I can have perfect peace when I learn to trust God and let things go. I pray for any needing a special answer to prayer and confidence that God has got their back. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Friday, January 10, 2020

Living In An Evil Age?



”Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. Matthew 12:33-35

Can you recognize true evil or are you desensitized to the trappings of the world that try to lure you in? Like a frog in a pot of water where heat is slowly turned up till the frog is cooked and unaware of danger is how humans can get if not careful. Compromise a little here and a little there until you can’t recognize you have fallen into a trap. 

Satan tricked Adam and Eve and they succumbed and he is still at it today making a person justify evil and sin. Society makes something okay and all of a sudden it’s ok? Not in God’s eyes. 

What master do you serve God or Satan? There is no middle ground in getting an admission ticket to Heaven. The Holy Spirit brings conviction but some have hardened hearts and need deliverance. If you know of someone keeping praying their eyes are opened and they fall in love with truth and Jesus and run far and fast from evil. 

PRAYER:You are the potter and I am the clay. Keep molding me into your image. I pray for those I know who have stumbled into a pit and Satan is lying to them. Set them free in a mighty way. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Breaking Up With Technology Overload In 2020



“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10

I am so extremely grateful for when I grew up and when our sons were born. Everyone wasn’t running around like zombies with cell phones being carried like a life saving device. There was no need to unplug because all these devices weren’t tracking your every move. 

Those people  under 25 have grown up with this overload so they know no different and may think I am an old fogey but  alas even younger people acknowledge this constant need for connection is not good. So in 2020 see if you can ‘breakup’ with your phone and computer for a while. Use it for work sure but then stop it. 

Everyone needs time for rest and unwinding and kind of hard to do it with tiny screens blaring at you or the TV noise constantly permeating the air. If you know you are addicted ask God to help. He can deliver you if you truly want to be. Start the year with a walk in the woods or a trail somewhere WITHOUT your phone. Walk and take your Bible or a devotion book and spend time with the Lord. Go get em tiger! 

PRAYER: Oh father as I use my devices I thank you for them but help me know when enough is enough even with seemingly good stuff. Give me strength to admit I might have a problem and to back away. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Ponder On Dude!


The earth and sea is his for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Psalm. 95:5

I was thinking of the beauty of our earth as I flew over the terrain at 35000 feet. How can there be atheists or people who think ‘science’ created the Heavens and The Earth? God is not only the Creator but the chief architect, scientist, engineer, and the great makeover artist.

All we have is created by Him and even man made things were made from things made by Him to include people. Don’t ever become too big for your britches thinking your degrees got you where you are. You are nothing or going nowhere without Him.

Everyone has a purpose. Your gift is not better than another persons. Stay humble. Be kind. Reach out in love. Go across political lines. Ponder all this wonderful creation and how you are used to do His work.

PRAYER: Oh Father there are good days and bad days for all people. Help me get through the bad days with as little self pity as possible and show me ways I can help others and get my mind off myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Freedom From Tyranny And Fear



And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

America is in a battle of good versus evil more than Republican versus Democrat. Recently I spoke with a Mexican native now living in Alabama who feared every time he flew into his home country. Cartels, kidnapping, robbery. America to him was his safe haven. Many have flocked here for freedom.

There is a spiritual battle being waged in the heavenlies. Although America is not specifically referred to in scripture it is a country where we experience so many freedoms unheard of to many. Why would politicians disguised by a political party and favored by the media want to destroy this? Power and control mainly and also lack of love for Jesus and His people.

Make no mistake about it. Break away from the news media in 2020. Why do you need their ‘facts’ and ‘opinions’? Deep down you know what is right. Stop believing the lies of the devil and getting captivated by his schemes. Pray for those who verbally abuse our president and try anything they can to destroy him. I feel God is using him for such a time as this. God did use unlikely people to do his work. So stop fighting with your relatives and friends and get on your knees in prayer for this great land.

PRAYER: Almighty God you have placed certain people in authority. I pray for a revival in the ranks of the news media. I pray for people to break away from their addiction to nightly news and talk shows and lean on you and spend time in your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Monday, January 6, 2020

Do You Have Hallmark Channel Syndrome?


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

My sister coined this phrase and I thought how it would make a great devotion particularly for those addicted to ‘perfect life’ movies. Life is not a movie. Movies are good escapes to get away from your life for awhile and I love going to them.

Everything in life is not like a Lifetime or Hallmark movie. Things are not perfect and predictable. Life presents twists and turns. To live an airbrushed version of life is not a good thing. You have to realize that stuff happens and you can indeed bounce back. There isn’t a perfect anything. Families have issues, co workers can irritate, things break, and it is good to not make assumptions or fabricate ideas in your head as reality quickly sets in.  Get up and be thankful for your family, your friends, and even the ups and downs. God loves you hang on to that and charge ahead focusing on lifting up the name of Jesus.

Don’t set yourself up for disappointment and discouragement by patterning your day to day life on perfection or comparisons with others. Live for Jesus and let life fall into place. Wake up praising Him. Take time to pray which is simply a conversation with God. Read the word. Don’t base life on a fantasy that may never happen. Stay encouraged and thankful.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus it would be fun sometimes to have life like a Hallmark movie but reality is junk happens in life. It is the bouncing back that makes the story of life genuine. I pray for any  who struggle with issues and losses that in time their hearts may be healed. Help me guard against fabricating a fairy tale life. In Jesus’ life. Amen.

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Wrong Reasons



But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.Matthew  6:3-4

Over the Christmas season generosity was at it’s max. Pleas over network TV to fill boxes, kettles, and hearts. I assume giving can significantly be impacted the months following if people did it for the wrong reasons.

When you give you are not to sound a trumpet and holler out “hey look at me and what I am doing” and also you are not to give under duress or obligation(2 Corinthians 9:7;Matthew 6:2) but only if your heart is really in it. It is neat to be able to just be kind and ask God for opportunities to meet true needs. 

How about it? Want to feel good inside and make someone else feel good as well? Pray for open door to be a blessing without being a show off or tooting your horn or doing it just for tax write off. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for blessing me so I can be a blessing to others. Help me not get tempted to give only to prove something but do it from my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Happy, Happy, Happy New Year!



This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

During the Christmas season everyone seems happy, generous, joyful and my thinking is I wish that feeling could permeate the halls of Congress in 2020 and remain the attitude for all people everywhere to have. The peace on Earth kind of feeling.

It’s up to you what attitude you choose. Yes you can make a decision to be joyful and then do a word study in the Bible on joy and news flash, the more you do for others the happier you will feel. It is so easy to get in a pity party where the only guest is yourself.

Start 2020 choosing joy. Get up, get going. If you feel yourself slipping grab that Bible and open it up to Psalms and start reading. Don’t allow the enemy to start 2020 off making you down in the dumps.

PRAYER: I am thankful for a new year, fresh start, ability to decide to do things differently and to choose joy. Give me strength on my joy journey and help use me to bring joy to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Heart Aches And Healing In 2020



Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave  your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24

2020 is a new start. Fresh beginning. Time to right wrongs. Time to get relational healing. 

What if the person you want to be reconciled to has zero desire to want to have peace with you? It hurts. You have to give it to God, keep your chin up and mouth closed, and march on. So very hard to do. 

My prayer for you in this new year is that God and The Holy Spirit can mend broken hearts, heal painful memories, loose bonds that need to be broken, and help you look to the future and keep positive as hard as it is. God loves you. Let Him shine His love through you even when you ache inside. 

PRAYER: Sometimes things make no sense and disagreements and brokenness that should have never occurred does. Help me Lord when I encounter this to look to you for strength, healing, courage, and the ability to pray and let it go. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thursday, January 2, 2020

And Heaven And Nature Sing



You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

The second day of the new year. Whew. You made it. Time for new beginnings. Always a nice time to collect your thoughts and just relax. 

Today why not ponder God’s creation apart from all the man made things. Trees,mountains, oceans, streams, fish,birds, the sky, cattle, lions, and just go on and on praising God for what He did and how He spoke creation into being. If you are able take a hike and enjoy the beauty of creation keeping in mind we are not to worship creation but the Creator. 

God created the Earth and everything in it. He gifted you and I with certain abilities to fulfill His plans on Earth. He wants your praise. Before you start scheduling every last minute in 2020 sit back and relax and praise God. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord Jesus for the gift of life. Life also includes death and that is never something anyone looks forward to but it happens. I love you and I thank you for letting me breathe and have life! In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: I have attached a song of worship just click link and listen. 
https://binged.it/35NsPpY

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

New Year....Yippee!



And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

This time of year is super. All the hassles of what was to be a birthday for Jesus are behind us and now the focus is on changes and new beginnings. Weight loss programs are a biggie, no pun intended, this time of year as the clock rolls around giving fresh starts for things you want to accomplish and hopefully get serious about. New goals are often set as well.

Is there something you desire  to accomplish that you just need a little push to get going? Keep on keeping on. Don't allow negativity to have a place in your life. Make up your mind in 2020 to kick Satan out and live for God and His kingdom.If you need to start finding Sunday fellowship by all means do that. This is a great time to get up and get going!

So what is it going to be? Lay around and let the things dragging you down continue or press on and not allow the enemy to steal your zeal for the Lord?

PRAYER: This is your world Lord and I am glad to be a part of it. I love new years and the chance to make positive changes. Help me run the race to win and use the gifts you have given me for good. In Jesus' name. Amen.