Blocked View

 

To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 4:22-24

The area I live in is a valley surrounded by part of the Rocky Mountain chain and home owners of individual spacious lots have intentionally purchased land somewhere they deem as ‘safe from development’ only to have several years pass and a subdivision full of single family homes is built and blocks their breath taking Mountain View. 

Reminds me of how as believers and followers of Jesus you can often let things block your view of the savior dabbling in areas that will take you further from the view of the cross. Have you been there all gung-ho and without warning you find yourself starting to mess with areas that caused your spiritual backslide in the first place? 

So you run as hard as you can for Jesus. Next stop entertaining friends of the devil and participating in activities you would never think to invite Jesus to. Tune out this present day culture which is bordering on insanely anti Christ deceptively masquerading as normal. Make your daily schedule to put Jesus as top priority. 

PRAYER: Father I do not want my view of the cross to to be blocked or blurred. I know I have to intentionally get rid of anything or anyone who tries to deceive me with Satan’s lies. Help me stay discerning. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Embrace Truth And Hope

 

 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

Have you been having a love fest with Satan buying into his wicked schemes, deception, and lies? It is pretty easy to become pals with the enemy and not even think you are forgetting God. 

So you are raised in church, good, but that doesn’t save you nor protect you from the fiery darts and onslaught of the enemy. Evil is tricky and often masquerades and deceives to the point that you are in way over your head and sinking fast. Perhaps you had a praying mom or grandma who cried out for your eyes to be opened. 

Now is the time to stop being a fence sitter and toying with the darkness of this world. Wake up and crush the strongholds with the truth found only in God’s word. Stand firm and look to Jesus! 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life. So much hurt and pain is in our world. Brokenness in families, corruption in government and business, trickery in education of little ones by institutions of learning. I want to break any chains of darkness or wrong associations in my life. I choose to grab hold of truth and pray for any I know who are being sucked under by evil. In Jesus

In God We Trust

 

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.Psalm 37:25

United States currency proudly displays this motto although many atheists and other so called woke groups have been on a constant campaign to erase Biblical founding from history books. 

Who do you trust? News reports? Magazine articles? Television talk show hosts? The stars? Your horoscope? A palm reader? I will tell you unequivocally you as a follower and believer only trust God. He has your back. He has America’s back. 

Believe receive doubt do without was a clever saying I heard years ago that makes much sense. Cast your cares, trust in God, turn in on some worship music and try to relax. 

PRAYER: Jesus you are the answer. So many people are wandering and lost due to having no moral and spiritual compass to guide them. Use me in someone’s life to be that compass with God’s help. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Giving Satan Credit!!

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

Are you feeling like you are at the end of your rope and seemingly keep talking about it or going over your faults in your mind? Probably all of us have. Now is the time to get your shovel and dig yourself out of the emotional hole you are at the bottom of.

You may be in a bad place in your life right now because of sin that you purposely ignored as you were shutting out the voice of the Holy Spirit. The Lord kept knocking on the door of your heart even though you never answered. Alas you were at such a low point that you did go to the door and Jesus welcomed you and forgave you and now wants to have a new relationship with you.

Don't keep allowing the enemy to think he is in charge because HE IS NOT! God has got you warts and all and is shaping you through the hardship you have been in and will use you in His kingdom in a miraculous way.

PRAYER: My heart aches whenI think of times I thought I knew the Lord but only knew about Him. Many struggle with that today and do not have any real fire in their belly for things of Christ. I can do all things Lord because you give me strength. Hallelujah. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Trapped?

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17

Anxiety, fear, panic, remorse, shame can be tortuous on the human spirit. You can lead a life pretty outside the lens of God so you might think but issues in your life are trapping you and making you feel immobilized.

Certain things you do or don’t do can take a toll on your mind, heart,spirit, and body. You are convicted of something like an addiction, a shortcoming, a past life and just may feel it is inescapable. My friend Jesus is always the way of escape. 

I don’t know what is going on in your life but I do know each person has to account to God for all they have done on their life. Often times things can be outwardly manifested in health issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart problems and the like when not left at the foot of the cross. God wants you to rise up and have victory and cast off any work of darkness still holding you back and giving you that trapped feeling. Run to Christ, give him your issues, leave them there. Now continue pressing on to the high call of Jesus! 

PRAYER: Take my life Lord and let it be consecrated unto you and you alone. I will not allow fear to have dominion over me. I choose to cast off the lies of Satan and be released from my chains. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Presence Of My Enemies

 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Psalm 23:5

Who are you enemies? You may be a kind hearted soul thinking you face each day without enemies but Satan is there trying to throw you off track. 

You are not to be scared or alarmed of anything that seems greater than God because in fact nothing is greater than God. He has power to make lions lie down with lambs. He is much more powerful than any situation you are faced with. 

So the enemies may be people that dissed you on social media over something silly like politics. It may be a person who says you annoy them. It could be a person who has an unforgiving heart. Basically give that stuff to God and go enjoy a banquet in their presence. To God be the glory. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for wounds I have received from enemies because these taught me to be strong. I am thankful for lessons I learn and growth I receive as I get closer to the Lord. Help me choose  wisely and stay smart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lock Those Lips

 

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

Do you find it hard to keep secrets, confidences, or get ahead of the Holy Spirit in His work? It is tempting to want to ‘chime in’ and be the great human orchestrator with your man made solutions and ‘divine’ wisdom but pause please and allow God to work. 

You are waiting on an answer to prayer and things are picking up but maybe, just maybe, you could nudge it on with your comments or suggestions instead of the right thing to do which is prayer. Oh I have been guilty of this and many people in the Bible also tried to play the role of ‘Holy Spirit’ which has no understudy like in a theater production. 

Be still with your comments. Satan wants you to blurt out in haste. God is working so let Him and just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of not hearing your own voice being in control. 

PRAYER:Oh the Lord works in ways I can never imagine I just have to learn to be still, be quiet, relax and wait for the miracle. Help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Desert Into Life

 

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

I live in what is known as ‘high desert’ and if it were not for irrigation canals the place would look pretty dead and farmers lush crops could not survive. 

Man too needs water to survive and needs the ‘water of life’ to survive spiritually.

 You have probably heard of the Bible being called the ‘bread of life’ but it is also the ‘water of life’ to keep you growing and maturing in Christ. Satan will attempt through numerous sly methods to stop this flow but you as a believer if you earnestly are seeking the Lord and making Him a real part of your life not an afterthought your life will bloom! 

Have you tasted this living water which never runs dry? You can, you know. Many are dried up and wasted away due to manmade philosophies and dry religion. Punching an attendance card each weekend is not what makes you never thirst but it is earnestly seeking Him. 

PRAYER: I want to be thirsty for you Lord and not wait till I am in a bad place and all dried up. I want to bloom and grow for the kingdom. Open up the fresh streams to help me let your love flow from me. In Jesus’ name. Amen

The Devil Is Loose, Take Cover!

 

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.Colossians 2:8

Satan hates truth and will work through people and do destruction through twisting the truth. Right now this evil is permeating the government in a huge way causing confusion, hate, disunity, bickering and it borders on communism which is from Satan. 

Proverbs 23:7 says how we think in our heart determines who we are. To think right you have to be immersed daily in the word of God. No excuses! You have time to check email, social media, read the daily news, so where is God in that equation. Satan makes you too busy to do what is really important. Deception comes in and tricks those who can not discern the truth. 

Freedom is found in Christ and true freedom comes from knowing the Lord. The 'woke' crowd is 'woke' through the darkness that has seeped in because hearts were not attuned from right thinking and the love of Christ. Don't allow this world, it's media, it's pop culture, the lust of the flesh to shape you my friend. Run hard for the cross of Christ never looking back. 

PRAYER: Jesus is the answer to everything. I pray for those I know or even don't know who allow politics to shape them, who believe the lies of the modern culture and it's 'woke' leaders. Some of these sadly break long relationships with friends because of the lies of the enemy. I come against this deceit and ask that this world be healed. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Epitaph?

 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15

Ever give much thought of what you want your tombstone or grave marker to say once you are no longer alive? I joked one time and said put “I told you I was sick!”

In the mid 90’s a close friend died in her mid 40’s and her marker read ‘Mother,daughter, wife, sister, friend’ with a Bible verse. A meaningful way for those of us still here to find some degree of comfort. Military members may simply say their rank or if in a war have that listed.

Is your life one now that brings glory to God or disgrace? It may not matter what your epitaph says but your present life does matter to God. No one knows when they will take their last breath. It could be suddenly at young age or an elderly person who has been suffering for a while. Stop and think if your life in Christ will be glorified.

PRAYER: I want my life to stand for Christ, for freedom, for love. Help me do those things now so people won’t have to scratch their heads when trying to figure out what to inscribe on my tombstone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fathers Are The Key!

Start children off on the way they should go,and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

So many of the problems in the world today are a result of an absent father figure. Father's hold the key to discipline and are intended by God to be the head of the family, not the dictator but the guide who gently but firmly leads with Christlike love.

Modern culture has fractured traditional families in so many hard hitting ways. You can’t hardly say something without being accused of being a hater of sorts. But it is true that crime rates and all rise skyrocket when father figure either didn’t care or abandoned his family or the wife divorced him.

So many problems could be avoided if marriage was taken seriously and if more people would study and apply the word of God. Not judging anyone today as things happen but go to the throne of God with your wounded father memories and he can set you free and set your feet to dancing again!

PRAYER:Lord bless our fathers today those living or deceased. Heal hearts of wounded wives and children and help Fathers see they have a tremendous job in guiding and shaping their family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Emerging From The Bubble

 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:35

Half of 2021 is gone behind us like a vapor. So much confusion still, hate, lies, stress, but God!

God is there as you emerge from your Covid quarantine isolation bubble. True there are still cases as I can verify from my doctor son who deals with it daily. But that bubble we have all been in was just about to pop emotionally and for many it did. 

Sad situations I heard from lockdown were divorces, suicides, no family contact, political turmoil, but this year ahead is promising and although many are dealing with stress related issues which is to be understood, many more have taken measures for healing and wholeness take that devil. What Satan meant for evil I believe will have many beautiful outcomes. Standby. 

PRAYER: Jesus Christ is my all. When I am afraid I run to him. Satan may try to pull punches, take away friends, and hurt me but he has no control over me. I will have victory in Jesus! In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Trying To Be Christian In A Hostile Environment

 

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

When I was a baby Christian after being ‘born again’ this verse was very meaningful to me. It has such power to help new and old believers alike to remember they are NOT part of this present world with all its’ lies and darkness. 

Satan has multitudes of  stumbling blocks for the follower of Christ in our society. In many workplaces you may be pressured to ‘conform’ or accept ‘diversity’ and agree with it or you are threatened with loss of employment. You either stand for ‘something’ or you will fall for anything. 

For a true child of God it should not be a difficult decision. Scripture says John 16:33 that “in the world you will suffer persecution but rejoice because I have overcome the world.” Do you believe that brother and sister? God’s word should settle it. 

PRAYER: I want to stand strong Lord when the winds of persecution are trying to blow me down. When ‘friends’ don’t understand my commitment and love for Jesus make me a lighthouse where they can be rested and hear  truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Leave And Cleave

 

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24)

As a married couple it is very important if you want a strong marriage with no interference to leave and cleave. An apron is not part of the marriage vows with mom and dad still tied to it. 

This is so very important so the young family can develop their own life, their own styles, their own traditions and make their own choices. Even more important when children come into the equation. 

A meddling mother, mother in law, father, or father in law is never a good thing. Respect works both ways. Be kind, be loving, but remember each separate unit develops their own life apart from mom and dad. Try to keep this in mind and everyone will get along better. 

PRAYER: Marriage is sacred and the marriage vows are to be kept. Marriage is between one man and one woman although many are confused and lost and try to change the word to match their desires. Help those married persons show honor to their spouse and leave the parental bonds for the unbreakable Holy bond with their spouse. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Walk Away?

 

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."1 Corinthians 15:33

There is a little voice of conviction inside of all humans called the Holy Spirit or some say their conscience. Never the less when you are doing things you know won’t please God somehow you know it or will soon. 

My heart breaks for Christian families whose son or daughter went astray from the values they were taught. Compromising always leads to no good thing but there is a way of escape and His name is Jesus. 

Living a life you know deep down displeases God will eventually catch up with you through all sorts of ways. Today’s generation has the temptation to sin even more when laws are made with no moral compass involved and a host of the enemies lies are swirling about supported by ungodly social media guru’s and news media. All I can say is maybe we’ve all sown our wild oats or done something you later regretted but God can and will erase that if you repent and walk away. 

PRAYER: Lord today’s young people face so much more ugliness and outright sin than ever before due to laws passed to protect ungodliness. I choose to stand for truth and pray those I know and love don’t cave to modern culture. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Now Hiring!

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10

This is a frequent sign seen all over the United States now. Things are opening up and businesses who were blessed to stay alive through lockdown need employees!! One thing is you are not to be lazy and expect handouts but work to provide for yourself and or your family. 

In the kingdom of God there are also many ‘service’ positions openings that each believer usually has a calling to and is qualified for. These are not paid but from the willingness of each followers heart there are gifts given to each believer. 

 

So are you ready to work willingly and represent Christ in the workplace and to also find a way to serve Him in your Christian community. 

PRAYER: Father I am grateful for paid jobs I have had throughout the years starting with little jobs as a youngster maybe a newspaper route, washing cars, mowing grass, babysitting. Thanks for the opportunities to serve not expecting pay when I am needed in the body of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Temptation…Leave Home Without It!!!

 

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.James 1:14

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out this world is full of temptations. Temptations lurk around every corner. 

Temptations to overspend and ruin your credit history. Temptations to overeat and end up with medical problems. Temptations to view pornography now that everything is online. Temptations to become a liar. Temptations to do other things than be fully in love with Jesus. Temptations to become an alcoholic or drug addict. Temptations to stay on line too long or on your cell phone. Temptations to drive too fast and be unsafe. Temptations for sexual sin. Temptations for lust of the flesh. 

It is pretty obvious temptation is not from God but originates with Adam and Eve and the Serpent(Satan) in the Garden of Eden. Everyone is on their own journey and if you follow Christ does not mean you are immune to temptation but you have the armor of God on to fight against it and don’t have any excuse other than human nature from standing strong in the Lord. So take up your ‘shield of faith’ and charge on! 

PRAYER: I love to do what I know pleases the Lord but there are times it is not easy because I have chosen the wrong path or wrong friends in my life or allowed the desire to fit in to override my common sense from God. Give me strength to stand strong and run towards the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Confess And Feel Better

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.Ephesians 4:25

Lying is pretty easy to fall into because of your sin nature and listening more to Satan than to God. 

If you have ever felt guilty or ashamed often the enemy tries to get you to not share it with anyone trying to get you to believe others will think less of you which is a lie from Hell. True brothers and sisters in Christ will always be there for you. 

James 5:16 says “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” When you share with a trusted friend or family member true healing begins and you are closer to freedom in Christ. 

PRAYER: Father I know nothing I have done is ever hidden from you and some things in my past I am not proud of. I choose to find freedom in believing for total freedom once I have trusted people I can share with. Victory will come with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stop Your Grumbling

 

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

Many places in the Bible are references to words, speech, being positive. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most positive and 1 being a horrible complainer where are you on the scale? Do some soul searching. 

Maybe your parents may have said to you “If you don’t have anything to say say nothing at all” because it is so easy to pick people and things apart. When you feel like doing it even when you feel it is justified, stop and pray instead. Develop a habit of becoming aware of your negativity. 

When you go about your day do you better represent the kingdom of Christ or a legalistic Sadducee and Pharisee like in The Bible? Which do you want to be? Only you can decide and if you recognize you have slipped up pray as Holy Spirit is in the transformation business! 

PRAYER: Even when I feel justified in speaking bad about someone or something help me stop and realize I represent you Lord and I need to pray for those who are slipping up or maybe who just need a life transformation and a rededication to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Look Around You

 

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Depending on where you are when you are reading this or perhaps later in the day what do you see? I happen to be in the waiting area of the service department for one of two Subaru dealers here in the Boise area. Music playing in the background to make people feel good. The TV on to the Food Channel. Customers looking at their phones mostly. 

You never know what is going on inside someone or what type issues they are dealing with on their life. Could be hurt and pain from rejection by a friend or family member. Perhaps the loss of a job. Maybe dealing with a bad medical report. Be sensitive to those you encounter daily. It is not just those individuals in ‘Tent cities’ or sleeping under a bench covered with hefty bags that need help. My niece and I recently witnessed a lady taking left over food from garbage cans on Santa Monica pier. Think about that, so hungry you would eat leftover food from strangers. This is in America!!

Anyway the point being is to be kind to others around you and treat all people with respect this includes those ‘annoying drivers’ in front of you who purposely drive slow to irritate you right? Be kind means on the highway especially where tempers can flare and road rage could occur. Be a Christian there especially. Go into your day today seeking to be a representative of Jesus Christ whether at home alone or out and about. You can do it!! 

PRAYER: I thank you for many opportunities and chances I have to let your love shine through me and sorry for times I have acted less than Christ like or had an opportunity and did nothing. Guide me daily and give me strength to be  your hands and feet in a hurting world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DEDICATED to the Memory of Gary Roberts, Harrison, Oh one of my High School English teachers at William Henry Harrison Senior High in Harrison, Ohio who had been a faithful reader of God's Lemonade Stand sharing it on his Facebook page with his friends and family nearly daily. I appreciated that so much and was also grateful for his kindness. He left to be in Heaven on 26 May 2021 in literally the twinkling of an eye at age 81. Had not been sick just sat down, was dizzy, and next thing you know God called Him home. May God comfort his wife Judy and their two adult sons and families. 

Where’s That Smile?

 

A happy heart makes the face cheerful,but heartache crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.All the days of the oppressed are wretched but the cheerful heart has a continualfeast. Proverbs 15:13-15 NIV Bible Gateway

How you feeling today? Grumpy, angry, alone, scared? Why not try to give those emotions over to God and exchange them for a big beautiful smile. 

Smiling and laughing is proven to be good for you and not bad to those on receiving end being blessed with a happy face. Now that many places are being able to take off masks that beautiful smile can shine through mightily! 

It is so much easier to be cheerful than gloomy. Of course there are situations where sadness is not an option such as in death of a friend or family member or pet. But as you go about day to day try your best to be cheerful even when you don’t feel like it. 

PRAYER: I like to smile and bring joy to others. Even those people at stoplights asking for handouts can use a smile and eye contact sometimes. Share Christ love with a smile! In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Where Does Your Money Go?

 

He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. Acts 10:2 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you give money to causes that build up the kingdom of God? Do you desire to tithe or do you only do it because you feel compelled?

There are many verses in scripture dealing with money, finances, giving, receiving, hoarding money, and squandering riches. Do a word search as it is very interesting. Never ever give because you are trying to get something back but have a heart attitude of willingness and trust.

You are only the steward of the money that God has allowed you to acquire. Don’t get fixated on money as stocks rise and fall and change is always around the corner. Put your trust in God and know a test of how much love you have for him is how you willingly give money without someone suggesting it or forcing you to. Live generously and you will be happier.

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I put giving to you and kingdom work last because I failed to trust your provision for me. You are a miracle working God who helps families in need experience a blessing from above. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Other Scriptures dealing with money and riches:

Malachi 3:10. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ...

Ecclesiastes 5:10. 10 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. ...

Romans 13:8. ...

Psalm 37:16-17. ...

Proverbs 13:11. ...

Hebrews 13:5. ...

Matthew 19:21. ...

Proverbs 17:16. ...

Matthew 6:24. ...

Luke 3:14. ..

Luke 6:38..

Proverbs 23:5…

Been Pruned Lately?

 

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:1-2

 

When you have a garden or bushes and trees you need to prune them occasionally to help them grow better fruit. At times when you chop the branches off it can look pretty ugly like there is no hope but then after waiting, voila, the flowers and fruit are blooming all over the place!

 

Do you feel in life that you are in the process of being pruned? Things hurt, you feel lost and alone, you cry out to God to please please help! 

The things you endure that you may not be able to understand now will be clearly understood when you keep running the spiritual race to win and see what the Holy Spirit is doing to shape you into the vessel most useful for the kingdom. So friend know trials will end and hang on to God, stay in the word, and on your knees. Life is going to be just fine! 

PRAYER:  I am thankful sometimes after the fact when I see how you used junk in my life to help produce a better vessel for the kingdom. Help anyone I know who is being pruned right now to hang on to the truth and keep running the race to win. I pray for Satan to be gone. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Put Sin In The Junk Folder

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

Recently I spent about an hour purging old  email and things I had let clutter my life electronically and what a good feeling it was to be free of junk not needed. 

Similarly to when you clean your garage or attic and force yourself to part with things you know the surviving relatives are not going to want when you leave this Earth. Your spiritual life could use some dusting up and tossing out as well. 

Do you cling to things you know you have been forgiven of or get stuck on some thought you have no business thinking? Today’s verse says to get rid of sin that so easily entangles. The enemy knows your weak points and will continue to dangle the ‘sin carrot’ in front of you hoping you will go for it. Continue to run your race tossing off old sin and accepting God’s forgiveness. 

PRAYER: Sin is a part of every human’s life ever since creation, but I don’t have to continue sinning when I know the right path to take. Make things crystal clear and I know the Holy Spirit guides me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stream Of Living Water

7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

What is bothering you? What are you pro actively doing to not allow the enemy to torture you?

One of the best ways to regain peace is to go where you can watch a stream of water flowing be it a river, creek, or stream. Flowing water seems to have a way of calming the soul.

Today’s verse says to “cast” meaning to toss or throw. Time alone with God by a stream is a good remedy especially if not a bunch of people are around and you can speak out loud.

Whatever wrong thinking you have get it out of your head and replace it with positive thoughts and God’s word and positive confessions. Give your cares to the Lord then be at peace.

PRAYER: Lord I will stand strong as I realize the enemy likes to torment me with wrong thinking and the solution is to read the word of God and tell the enemy you are a child of God and to go away. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Beyond Your Selfies

Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Social media can be used for good or for narcissism and can be a great way to stay in touch with relatives or friends.

Why not step back and take inventory of your life and how you are using it to bring glory to God. Are there any areas of your life that probably displease or break God’s heart? Are there better ways to use social media other than being into self? 

Here we are in the middle of 2021. Has social media caused issues in your life that Satan exploited? Have you spent more time staring at your I phone than opening the paper Bible you may own? What have you done to help build up another person? Just some thoughts to ponder today. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for your blessings and for hearing and answering prayers. I thank you for suddenly moments when an answer to a long standing prayer comes. Help me Lord look for a need and meet it. Give me control of self worship. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Need Godly Friends

 

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”1 Corinthians 15:33 Bible Gateway

Followers of Christ are supposed to be salt and light in a secular world BUT you are also not supposed to be a Lone Ranger doing life totally alone. You NEED good trusted Christian friends. Don’t leave home without them!

When you go through storms of life you need a circle of Christ centered friends to listen to you and pray for you but if you spend all your leisure time in a worldly atmosphere those friends may never be made.

To develop those trusted Christ following friends in your life you need to be involved and immersed in Christian things such as small group, Sunday school, good church, Bible studies and so forth. To be a friend show yourself friendly.

PRAYER: I pray for those I know who may have no Christian friends they are close to that they can lean on when life gets rough and there are bumps in the road. Guide those people to a spirit filled church and help them know what should be their priorities in life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It's All Good And Not That Deep

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. On the contrary:“If your enemy is hungry, feed him if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:17-21 NIV Bible Gateway

What is going on in your life right now? Any little petty irritations? Minor issues can get your ‘feathers ruffled’ but press on. 

Slow line when you are in a hurry. Long time friends that decide they no longer like you because of politics. Delayed flight. Two hour wait at a favorite restaurant. Water pipe bursts flooding your living room. Unexpected bill. So many things can shatter your peaceful world so how do you react? 

The younger generations in the past couple years would say chill, it’s not that deep, it’s all good meaning basically in a nutshell, simmer down God has this. When you steam and stew over something your enemy Satan rejoices. Stand your ground. Be at peace. Breathe in and give thanks! 

PRAYER: Father I love you and thank you for being with me every day in every way. I pray to stay cool in situations I have no control over. Guard my heart to stay pure and holy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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‘Pray-Er’

 



If I had cherished sin in my heart, the LORD would not have listened; Psalms 66:18

Are you the person who is dedicated to intercession or perhaps you are a praying person and people know it so ask you to pray like you have a better connection to the Almighty?

I have to admit there have been time’s someone asks for prayer and I kind of forget, shame on me, so decided the best remedy is to pray on the spot whether over the phone, in an airport terminal, at a coffee shop, wherever. 

Prayer is a direct hotline to the Almighty. Sometimes prayers aren’t answered like you think but they have still gone up to Him. If you don’t already try to make prayer a habit a routine. If you can go somewhere special like a park bench or rock by a stream and spend uninterrupted time alone. Don’t let prayer be an after thought but incorporate it into each day.

PRAYER: I rejoice that I know my faith in you comforts me and sustains me and help me Lord help others in this area if they feel they somehow are not qualified a lie from the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.