Halloween…Love It Or Hate It

 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Once again Halloween rolls around and people who love the Lord, either love it and participate,  or go for the fall harvest theme and parties or none at all. 

Granted it is fun to dress up and get treats but the origins of this holiday have me in a dilemma. If I criticize it then some believers come down on me as too serious or try to give me the All Hallowed Eve approach. My answer is just to ask you do you know the underlying meaning of Halloween. I have included some reading material from Focus on the Family at end of this devotion. 

So this may be a touchy subject when others you know decorate with witches, ghosts, creepy skeletons, haunting sounds, and so forth. You are not to judge others but become convicted in your mind. It is an individual choice. Obviously you can not shelter children from all the creepy things in neighborhoods during this holiday but ask yourself what you need to do. A bat or two caught in a huge cobweb, not Satanic just scary. Think about it, pray, and enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Thank Lord for different times for celebrating and help me to be convinced in my own mind not judging others and to show love to those who really get excited about this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

To Read for further study:

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/should-christians-celebrate-halloween/

Fearful…Who Me?

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.Psalm 34:4

NIV Bible gateway

The day of fright and fear is upon us of course I am referring to Halloween. Movie theaters at this time usually only offer horror movies. Why are people so captivated by wanting to be scared in this fashion? 

Now other things cause fear. Some are heights, getting grades after a test, results of a doctors visit, roller coasters, zip lining, being stalked by a wild animal you get the idea. Seems like this appetite for being frightened is alive and well. 

Our bodies are designed to take certain amounts of fear but too much can cause panic attacks, heart attacks, high blood pressure and other problems. And some jokingly do comical things at Halloween with the demonic things which is no joke. Let God be your guide. He is not in the market for purposely scaring you but Matthew 10:28 says “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for knowing I can be delivered from fear. I choose to find joy in my journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Do You Need Rekindled?

 

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.2 Timothy 1:6

Rekindle means to relight, revive, or excite. Say in relighting a fire that is going out you put more ‘kindling’ on the flickering remains of the flame to get it roaring again?

If your spiritual life needs to be rekindled what do you do? You may have fallen away from all things Jesus maybe during the pandemic due to being fearful to go inside church with or without a mask. Perhaps now is the time to start praying and finding a good Bible believing church you can at least watch online each week.

Satan does not want your spiritual fire relit. He does not even want it to flicker. You need to tell Satan out loud that you choose to be a glowing flame for the Lord and then ask for desire for growing in Christ to be restored.

PRAYER: I choose Lord to serve you. I choose to pick up my Bible daily and get fed the word of God. I will not allow the enemy to blow out my fire anymore. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Me...Forgive Them..Are You Kidding?

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "LORD, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

Have you ever been hurt so bad and are so angry you almost don’t want anything to do with the person who hurt you? You try to act Christian but are so miffed. 

There are oodles of verses in the Bible about anger and forgiveness and letting things go. If you don’t you can obsess and become bitter. 

Jesus is the ultimate answer for forgiveness. When brutally beaten and hanging crucified on a cross he simply says “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”(Luke 23:34).  Now you may not have to forgive a murder, wrongful death, or beating but if you do keep in mind bitterness grows and only hurts one person and that is you. Choose to forgive and love. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you and thank you for loving me even more. Help me to choose forgiveness over getting back at people. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You A Peacemaker?

 

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

Do you consider yourself a person who strives to maintain peace in your daily life? I am not referring to peace like saying anti war or doing yoga but peace meaning calmness and quietness. 

Peaceful people are the ones who try to diffuse tense situations and attempt to smooth over arguments. A peaceful place would be on a mountaintop watching the sunrise or at the seashore listening to the crashing of the waves. 

Do you want to be known as a peace lover? Do a study and word search on peace and peacemakers in the Bible. You will be amazed. You as a child of God are called to be a peacemaker to the world around you. Is your heart filled with peace? Have you made peace with God who is the source of all peace? 

Shalom my friend. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for your gift of peace which you want me to maintain in the world I am in. Use me to show your peace to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: May I recommend a sermon series from my former church in Huntsville, AL Church of the Highlands entitled Beatitudes. To view messages go to www.churchofthehighlands.com

What Are Your Strongholds?

 

Indeed, we live as human beings, but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.2 Corinthians 10:3-5

What strongholds are in your life? Doubt, fear, pride, sexual sin, jealousy, addiction? Once you recognize and accept the fact there are strongholds then get busy tearing them down with the help of God.

Today’s verse is good to commit to memory and to remember to not let wrong thinking captivate you. You have the mind of Christ if you are a believer and Satan tries to enter and disrupt your thinking. You have to take wrong thinking captive just like the verse says.

Don’t let the enemy lie to you and trick you. Quote scripture to him and stand on truth.

PRAYER: Father you are my savior and I thank you for helping me recognize when strongholds drag me down and speak truth to the enemy who is the one causing them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Kindness Leads To Repentance

 

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?Romans 2:4

People are won to the Lord by being kind to them and letting your life be a witness more than shouting condemnations at them. Every one has sinned so who are you to throw stones at your neighbor who has slipped up or make fun of others and mock them.

Do you know someone you could be kind to? It could be a simple mailed note to a neighbor, a card to a long lost friend, and unexpected gift. Be creative and ask God to bring to mind anyone you need to pray about being kind to.

PRAYER: Thank you Jesus for your love for me and for forgiving me when I messed up and sometimes messed up in a big way. Use me to show grace and mercy to another who may not deserve it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Is On Your Back Burner?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34

Things on the back burner of your stove often are neglected or forgotten about entirely and might scorch or burn. In the back burner of your life do you have things you have neglected that need attention and tended to? 

Many times well intentioned individuals decide to put God First, sounds good doesn’t it but does it truly happen?This is not meant to guilt you but to make you think about what is really important in life. You might be surprised that by desiring a quiet time and Bible reading to start your day you actually will have more time in the long run.

Does your schedule need to be prayed over and some changes made? Pray and ask God to help you. In the meantime wake up and read some Psalms and  Proverbs and pray. 

PRAYER: Father I want to guard my heart and my time so I don’t waste precious time with you. Help me resist attempts by the enemy to stop me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Flat Tire?

 

Where there is no knowledge of the soul, there is no good: and he that is hasty with his feet shall stumble. Proverbs 19:2

Are you a regular Sunday worshipper somewhere or has Sunday just become another day perhaps a day of recreation after a busy work week?Has the air gone out of your spiritual life and caused you to stall out and not keep charging ahead?

It can be easy to get on a spiritual high of sorts then allow it to become mundane or get spoon fed by Bible teachers on radio and Tv. You must pick up God’s word daily and READ and not allow Satan to lure you into the repair shop to fix the flat in your life.

Satan does not want you to read God’s word and he may put thoughts into your head that it is boring and dull. Stop right now and get on your knees and pray that the fire of the Holy Spirit will come alive giving you a hunger like never before. Knowing God is more than going to church. It says in Psalm 119:97 “oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.“ Do that friend and watch your life change.

PRAYER: Jesus I love you and live for you but sometimes don’t act like it. Help me stay ablaze for you and use me to draw others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Time For A Harvest

 

Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.Hosea 10:12

Many had gardens this summer or may live on a farm. The soil is very crucial to a good crop. If it is not fertilized and moist it will be hard to grow anything.

Your heart is kind of like that earthly soil. It can be hard and therefore not open to Christian growth. A ‘seed’ or two may drop on it such as a good message or worship music or a testimony but if the heart’s ‘soil’ is unprepared it won’t take root.

How is the soil of your heart my friend? Does it need to be plowed and tended to in order to let the ‘seed’ that is planted take root and grow? Ponder that.

PRAYER:Oh Lord I want my heart to always be prepared to accept truth and for it to grow and produce a harvest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be A Lover

Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV Bible Gateway 

How is your kindness and love meter to all people, not just those you know? These challenging times we live in have been rough on many. Arguments on who is right and wrong and people refusing to listen. Families separated over misunderstanding or fear. 

Today’s verse says to do ALL things in love that means even how you react to those close to you who have hurt you over conflicting opinions. You may want to lash back but I urge you to pray and mend relationships. 

This division is straight from the pit of hell and it is not worth it to go to battle over whose theory is better or who knows more. Be at peace with everyone. If there has been a rift, pray for healing.

Don’t allow controversies to divide family and friends. Turn on the Christian love. 

PRAYER: My heart aches over so many wrong words I have said I wish I could take back especially if they have contributed to the division going on now in our world. Lord I want to please you and forgive me where I have fallen short. Bring healing and favor. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.1 Corinthians 13:4

How patient are you? How about waiting on a barista who is only one on duty with 7 orders waiting ahead of you? You can choose to be kind and still or get angry. Remember as a believer you represent the kingdom to everyone you meet of all faiths or no faith at all.

Getting flustered at people only hurts your witness and also destroys your peace. Develop an attitude that regardless of what goes on you will hang in there for many situations are training grounds to help you grow your faith.

Be an example to others around you who may be in a less jovial mood. Use every opportunity to share Jesus’ with others.

PRAYER: Lord I want to learn to be kind and courteous and stay patient regardless of what is going on. Help me to seek your face each and everyday as I seek to be your witness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

No Likes, No Comments, No Problem

The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you.2 Corinthians 3:2

Facebook and Instagram love them or hate them or stay off them entirely? Almost seems like compulsive behavior to constantly post pictures. Don’t get me wrong I have posted my share then I stop and say “why”. 

But why the checking for ‘likes’ as the only ‘like’ you really need is the fact that God loves you, period. Don’t be needing affirmation from social media to feel worthy and as a matter of fact give it a rest and fast from it for a while the Earth will still be here. 

Today I challenge you to live a life free from checking on your ‘likes’ and instead try reading the book of John in the New Testament. God loves you no matter what your hair looks like, no matter what clothes you are wearing, no matter where you went to school, or what awards you have won. Be at peace and enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Lord you are beautiful and your face is all I seek. Thanks that you love me warts and all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Martha, Martha, Martha

 

Martha, Martha," the LORD answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42but few things are needed-or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."Luke 10:41-42

How are you when unexpected visitors or even ‘expected’ company comes to visit? Actually it is good to try to just be still and chill but occasional frenzied activity can take place depending on how you grew up reacting to guests. 

In this story in the book of Luke many women may be able to relate to the story of the two sisters getting ready for Jesus’ visit. Martha was beside herself with what seemed to be modern day stress trying to get everything ready while Mary was chilling and relaxing not worried about perfection. Another verse I like is Proverbs 15:7 which says “Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred” which in modern ‘Becky translation’ would say “better hot dogs and peace than a four course meal and undue tension”.

Can you sit at the feet of Jesus and be still or do you get so worked up about perfection it is hard to do? The important thing is to not strive for perfection but be willing to be hospitable and welcome others into your home with gladness, peace, and love not comparing yourself to others. 

PRAYER: I am thankful that I don’t have to be perfect or concerned about being perfect. Help me be a gracious host without making guests feel nervous or stressed and keep me from comparing myself to others because you made each of us unique. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dealing With Deep Pain

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Suicide, verbal abuse, job problems, being misunderstood, family quarrels, isolation issues surrounding the pandemic and add to this list, are all hard to deal with. Have you recently experienced hurt or confusion in your life, because it seems pretty common place since the end of 2019 and start of Coronavirus. 

So many issues require you to be still and to also find trusted friends to confide in. People say something in haste then regret it. Waiting is a hard thing to do at times. Many times critical spirits can arise from a host of hidden issues and are not necessarily beating up on you. Also if you have dealt with family suicide or death it will take some time to process that and heal. 

Now more than ever this world needs healing from Jesus. I don’t see how a person or family deals with life without a relationship with God. Are you hopeless and need a touch of healing? Turn to God and he will see you through.

PRAYER:I need you Lord and I cry out to you on behalf of friends or family members who are just fine without a deep relationship with you. Bring people across their paths to lead them closer to you. Give me open doors to witness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fall And Get Back Up

For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.Proverbs 24:6 NIV Bible Gateway

To go through life without ever making a blunder would be wonderful. You may be guilty of making the same error over and over say in a relationship and the recipient is at end of their rope. 

Guess what. God completely listens to you and understands you and gives you grace even when mere man refuses to. All you can do is ask God to help you with whatever issue it is that is driving a wedge between you and a loved one. 

Friend you may be really hurting today because someone close has refused to forgive you or you just can’t seem to figure things out. You try to get control but slip up again. Your hope is in Jesus so give it to Him and stand firm. 

PRAYER: Oh Father how I wish I could stop making blunders which usually are because I don’t think before speaking. I pray anyone I have hurt gives me another chance because you will. Give me self control, In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Click link for a song of encouragement:

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Look Up And Give Thanks

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Do you  have trouble with comparisons or feeling down over stuff? The enemy knows your weak areas and is likely going to attack you where you are most vulnerable. 

During a time like this it is best to be still, talk to a reliable confidant in your circle of friends for prayer, and don’t act in haste. 

Get your mind off whatever it is dragging you down and look up to Jesus the author and finisher of your faith. So much time is wasted on speculating, fretting, being fearful but you know it takes discipline but you can change your thinking before you open your mouth without thinking or send a text and put a relationship in jeopardy. Where are you at today? Are you faithful in trusting God’s timing and can lean on him.

PRAYER: Today is a new day to start fresh getting rid of old habits and trust you for seeing me through. I choose to throw off hindrances dragging me down. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

How You Feeling My Friend?

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.Psalm 31:24

Mood and feelings come and go. Some days you may feel lazy and have trouble getting started. Others you just sort of want to be at peace and maybe get a cup of tea or coffee and sit and read scripture and talk to God.

As I am writing this we are having a rare occurrence in the high dessert of Idaho…rain! It sounds good, it smells good and it is long overdue and needed after a severe drought curtailed irrigation ditches from running. Soon the colder temperatures will turn it to the fluffy white stuff, a winter sportsmen delight! But it is time to sit, listen, stop striving , and give thanks. 

Let go of burdens, guilt, troubles, wrong thinking, hurts from people in your past and focus on the goodness of the Lord and how he has got the whole world in his hands. You have prayed things burdening your heart and God heard you now he wants you to trust him and rest. Enjoy this day and don’t let fabricated worries and the prodding of Satan steer you off course. You have got this. Keep going! 

PRAYER: Lord I long for peaceful days with no schedules or agendas. I can sit and think of blessings and let go of complaining, harmful thoughts, fears, and just enjoy relaxing in your presence. Use me today once again to shine your light into someone’s heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Walking In The Spirit Not The Flesh

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5-6


Feelings and emotions can get in the way of your peace and you must be  determined to not let the flesh control you. Things like jealousy, hurt feelings, anger, can easily cause wrong thinking to take over your once peaceful prayerful demeanor. Emotions can get the better of us at times. 

What is on your 'plate' so to speak? This covid season has produced a myriad of emotions and amplified many of them. It is necessary to step back and relax and not overthink too much. You may imagine things that are not even real. Comapring to others is also a no win situation. 

Try to make a list of what you have to be grateful for instead of sitting around throwing a pity party for one. Today's verse says to trust in the Lord with all your heart....give him your concerns and really really trust Him and not cave to fleshly reactions. Say Father I don't like the feelings or emotions I have right now and don't want Satan to win over me help me stay on the right path and not be constantly fretting over things I can do nothing about. Prayer is the journey to be on no matter what the sitiuation is. Can you do that? 

PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I have sat around crying over things that I really can not control. Help me instead to continue to pray and stay focused on helping others and not worrying about myself so much. Guard my heart also so I dont allow the enemy to ensnare me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Slow Me Down Lord

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

Years ago my a close Army friend gave me a book for my birthday entitled ‘Slow Me Down Lord’ as even back then in 1975 I guess I needed work on ‘being still’.

How are you in the area of being calm and peaceful? Do you rush through days, even during the slow down in Covid, seemingly on overdrive and fill up every spare moment or can you ever feel no guilt by just sitting down in a chair or a park bench doing nothing?

The fast pace of the Western world is not always a good thing. Being able to make time for important things like friends and family and maybe even doing something ‘old fashioned’ like writing a friend an actual snail mail letter and not constant emails. The days of real letters are sorely missed or the servicemen letters to his wife or family which are cherished mementoes for many. Kind of hard to save electronic memories. Take time today to look at your calendar and make adjustments like how about a few empty spots. Ponder that now go have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Father thank you for making me just like I am. Help me to take care of myself and that means learning to be still occasionally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fifty Years...Wow!

Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow. Psalm 144:4

I just attended my 50th class reunion and I don’t feel any different but fifty years is a big span of time for we humans. As I watch TV today and see the changes at night in many violent crime shows versus the peaceful happy family shows of the 60’s and early 70’s.

Also in the span of fifty years my home had been torn down as had my grade school and junior high replaced by new modern facilities. Many classmates had passed away even before their 68th birthday.  

Life is a gift from God and God knew exactly when we were to be born. We are here for such a time as this. Are you grateful for your birthdays or bemoan getting older? Be thankful for each year and each breath you take. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for the gift of life, and for milestones in life never to dread but to celebrate. Help me use each day of my life to serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Very Big Financial Burden On Board

 

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. 5Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:4-5

Recently I was at a traffic light when I looked over and a truck has this decal in their window that is my title. The driver was probably trying to be funny referring to their baby on board but it made me sad instead. 

How many people see children as a burden and would be happier with a pet? Truly disheartening in my humble opinion. Yes children cost money but every bit is worth it. Children don’t need spoiled they need cares for and loved and taught to love Jesus. And ALL children are gifts from God no matter how they got here. Adoption is a wonderful choice as remember we are adopted by Jesus into his family. If you have children and grandchildren you are truly blessed. 

PRAYER: Lord children are a gift from God and scripture says ‘the fruit of the womb is His reward’ and I thank you for the gift of life. I pray for hearts to be thankful for life and respect it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Legacy

His descendants will be mighty on earth;The generation of the upright will be blessed.Psalm 112:2

Have you ever given much thought to your legacy? Is it leaving a big house, lots of money, a plot of land? All those are suggested by the worlds’ standards which thinks in terms of only material things.

How is your Christian legacy shaping up? If you died tomorrow and people found your personal effects and your Bible or Bibles would they look like they belonged to someone who was religious or someone who really truly loved the Lord? Ponder that a few moments.

A good name, a Biblical background where you taught your children to live for Jesus and not just attend church. Of course we are to provide for our family and should want to leave our finances and possessions but more importantly is what they will gain if mom or dad truly loved the Lord and you could tell. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord may my words be salt and light around my children, children’s’ children’s and their children. Help my offspring desire you and desire to teach their children to love and serve you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Verses pertaining to inheritance for further study and reflection:

Joshua 4:6-7

Proverbs 13:22

Ecclesiastes 2:21

Proverbs 3:35

Proverbs 22:1

Proverbs 22:6

Psalm 127:3

2 Timothy 1:5

Psalm 78:6

Click link for song of blessing: 

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God Can Change Hearts!

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.Psalm 37:1-4

Have you ever caught yourself despairing about something that hasn’t even happened yet and in fact may be a couple years away? Or a seemingly humanly impossible situation that seems like no miracle could ever occur?

Newsflash. I too have to remind myself God is over all situations, all of them, ALL. Fabricating scenarios for the future to make you worry now is a tool of Satan. And thinking God can’t turn around a humanly impossible situation is also wrong cause He still does miracles.

Try to relax and live each and every day with hope and promise. God is in the business of setting captives free and of doing what humans think he can’t! 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for working miracles to show your awesome power. Help me testify to your goodness when something good occurs in my life or a prayer is answered. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

So You're Getting Older

 

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10

Many people dread getting older. Seems like we are in a society that glorifies youth and at times disrespects or pokes fun at older people.

As I wrote this I chuckled because I was headed to my 50th High school reunion making sure not to forget my contact lenses and age spot cover cream. The cosmetics industry makes a ton of money trying to sell the fountain of youth.

Frankly I would not want to live forever. Death is nothing to fear if you know the Lord and as a matter of fact is the icing on the cake of life to be looked forward to. Gods’ plan was never being frozen and brought back to life once mankind knows how to keep you alive. Rejoice in each day the Lord has given you. Mourn those who died ‘before their time’ whatever that really means. My heart aches for those who lost babies, children, teens, or thirty somethings. Know that God loves you and can be your source of comfort if only you allow him to.

PRAYER: Thanks for giving me life and in this generation. Help me to rejoice instead of being puzzled by death. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Test

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 1:7

This is not about taking school exams or a work or drivers license test but about being ‘tested’ in general when it comes to your boiling point and patience, particularly when wearing a bracelet that says ‘Pray First’.

Even without the bracelet telling the folks around you who see it that you believe in prayer, as a follower of God, it is important to keep in mind others are watching and maybe want you to mess up.

Many situations can agitate especially under time constraints things such as traffic jams, tailgaters, airline travel, slow clerks, lines, and busy signals or being on hold only to get cut off when trying to secure the last room at a hotel for your class reunion one day away. When ‘tested’ take a few deep relaxing breaths, say a prayer and trust God. Now go have a good day.

PRAYER: Father I need your help to not come unglued and frazzled when a situation goes south. I know each ‘test’ I pass means I may not have to take that same one again. I choose joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Job?

 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come. (Luke 4:18-19 NLT)

What do you consider to be your job? A stay home mom, student, teacher, factory worker? The list of jobs paid and unpaid is unending. Do you also consider your job a disciple of Jesus wherever He places you?

The verse today sort of fell in my lap, so to speak, the first day as a volunteer counselor at a Pro Life center and it puts in a nutshell what a believer does or is ordained to do.

Are you doing your best for the kingdom? You should want to if your heart is truly in the right place. Make it your ultimate aim to work for God’s kingdom wherever life takes you.

PRAYER: I am humbled that as a lowly servant you have big ideas for me and a very important job to do. Help me realize I don’t live for myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Belong!!

 

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:37

A popular fitness center has a motto on the wall that simply says ‘You Belong’ and another that says ‘Check Your Ego At The Door’ and both of those statements readily apply to walking a Christian walk. 

There are no levels in your Christian life of one person being better than another because another’s spiritual gift seems outwardly taking more talent. Humility, kindness, love are right up there at the top for following Christ. Being thankful as well. 

You do in fact belong in God’s family each person has a choice whether to accept Him or reject Him. What have you done? 

PRAYER: I am thankful all gifts are equal in the kingdom. It takes many gifts to build a church. Help me never think more highly of myself and thank you lord for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Nana Nana Boo Boo

 

But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.1 Peter 4:15 ESV Bible Gateway

Words are powerful. Emotions can be powerful and confusing. Being a neighbor who cares is important to keep watch over anything that could be dangerous or harm the neighborhood.

Different personalities react to things in different ways. Differing temperaments also can influence how good a neighbor and friend you are. Something meant to help others may be interpreted as being none of your business. So where do you draw the line on neighborhood watchfulness and being caring and helpful. 

Your gesture of doing something to keep others safe may be considered an intrusion. So maybe unless it is a life or death situation it is best to put down the bullhorn and keep friends and make new friends. 

PRAYER: I try Lord to be kind to all people even if I have never met them. People can say ugly and hurtful things and can name call but help me never be guilty of this. Lord give me love for even those people I disagree with or don’t see eye to eye with. Calm my spirit so I am more like Jesus and less like myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Love One Another….Can You?

 

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

As a follower of Christ we are commanded to love one another. A tall order you may think with so many personality types to deal with but it is right there in the Bible. 

Love unconditionally like Jesus’ would love and when others enter into gossip about people don’t involve yourself but instead pray for the gossiper and the person being gossiped about. 

Satan loves division and he loves false fake people who claim to know Jesus but say they hate someone. Love others and treat them kind as wouldn’t you want the same treatment? 

PRAYER: Father thanks for giving me the ability to love supernaturally because of the Holy Spirit who dwells inside me. Help me to love every person and pray for those whose hearts are hurting due to rejection. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Books To Transform Your Life

 

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

 

A pop up appeared in my news feed one day with the heading ‘Five Books You Must Read To Transform Your Life’ leaving  out most important One…The Bible. This is typical of a secular worldview where spiritual things are not important unless talking of yoga or Transcendental meditation or some other New Age religion. 

The Bible transforms your mind simply by reading it daily. You read, meditate on what the scripture said and read some more. What you take into your mind does have power and that is why many parents get concerned over tactics to re-educate their children with false narratives knowing how susceptible the human mind is to transformation. 

You hear something long enough you assume it to be true or you don’t know what is truth because it has been keep from you through a propaganda machine. This is why God’s word is ever so important so the more you read the more you recognize truth. Be aware or the enemy can deceive those you love.

PRAYER: Lord keep me wise in what is necessary to know to stay above the lies and deceit and tricks of Satan for I am not unaware of how he subtly weaves his way into all facets of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.