BDATT2D

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.  Philippians 2:5

Does anyone know what my title means? I saw it on a car at the Boise airport recently and took a while to figure it out.

It says ‘Bad Attitude’ and made me chuckle as I guess the owner of the vehicle is not a very cheery individual, who knows. If you had to put a phrase on your auto tag to describe yourself what would it be?

They are called ‘Vanity tags’ for good reason as many people are vain or have a high opinion of themselves and their worth. Not everyone brags on them though so also known as personalized plates to express your passions too. Mine says 3JHN4 which is a Bible verse. Look it up. (3 John 4). 

If Jesus had a car, kind of comical to  picture that what would his license plate reflect? 

King, Savior, Exalted, Lowly, Despised, and so forth. Let your life be a reflection of Christ even to the point of choosing others as more important than yourself. If you are hurting in some way find a person worse off, there will always be someone, and commit to pray for them and possibly to do a good deed for them maybe even anonymously if you can orchestrate it. Now go be CHEERY. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and I want to be a servant wherever you send me in life. Things may not always be ideal situations or make me humanly happy but I choose the joy of the Lord as I get through the tangled messes in life. I know I get stronger when I do press on. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Storm Watch

 “Lord, You are my strength and my protection, my safe place in times of trouble” Jeremiah 16:19

Are you a fan of weather alerts on things like the Weather Channel? I know storm information is vital for all areas of life particularly if your job depends on the weather such as fisherman at sea, airline workers, road and house construction, farmers,  and anything outdoors.

Are you prepared for the ‘storms of life’ which may be all sorts of things? Death, disease, sickness, bankruptcy, identity theft,  loss of friends or family. All sorts of ‘storms’ can come in life but you don’t need to be unprepared. 

To be prepared you have to make yourself strong ahead of time by preparing your spirit and keeping calm. If you go crazy when something bad happens you won’t be able to fight the enemy off. Stay positive and stay focused. Believe God will see you through whatever it is and use it for good. Hang in there. 

PRAYER: I come to you Lord asking for your supernatural power to resist attempts by Satan to make me anxious and fearful. With your power inside of me I am able to stay the course and know the outcome will be okay. I choose Peace right now. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Is My Anchor

 

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19

When you think of an anchor what comes to mind. For most it is probably the heavy iron 

 object connected to a rope or chain used to hold a ship or boat in place in the open water. An anchor keeps the vessel from drifting on our into the waters. 

Jesus Christ is the anchor of our souls. If you stay connected to him you will not drift into worldliness and things that can cause hurt and pain. This connection is maintained by daily time alone with God. 

How do achieve this daily quiet time you might ask. First and foremost make it truly a priority and if you live with someone who isn’t making it a priority don’t nag them simply pray for them. The Holy Spirit is the one who draws people unto Christ. In your heart you have to be convicted of your need for him so no amount of hounding anyone will create a desire for knowing God better. Press in each day because Satan will throw distractions at you so you have to be purposeful. 

PRAYER: Lord every day I need you. Before I get going a thousand different ways help me stay focused on setting time alone with you before anything else. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Rejoice….Always!?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV

Thanksgiving was just celebrated yet I wonder how many stopped to realize the true meaning. Not football and tons of food, but the sacrifices the brave Pilgrims made to come to this new land. 

Often starting in early November the big frenzy commences, to have the perfect holiday seasons, but do you ever stop and say “why?” or go right on like the crowd shopping till you are crazy and trying to make it like a Hallmark holiday? 

Be still. Have peace. Take time to just rest. Stay out of crowds(Covid rules want you to anyway). Don’t go to every festival there is and don’t feel like you just have to have a gathering. As for the cards do like I do and send New Years cards in mid January which takes part of the pressure off. Each year I ask myself “Is this really what Jesus wants or expects and what does it have to do with a savior born in a manger to save the world.”

PRAYER: Joy to the world the savior reigns, let Earth and Heaven rejoice. Oh Lord many are downcast these two months while others walk around charging ahead and charging on their credit cards to have Christmas. Help me Lord to be still and not fall into the trap of commercialism as I try to maintain peace and worship throughout a world that is aching for you whether they realize it or not. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Black Friday…No Way!

 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.Numbers 6:24-26

Today is traditionally the day people who love shopping can’t wait for. Hoards of people trying for bargains for Christmas. I personally prefer peace on Earth good will to men as opposed to craziness of hundreds of people especially during a pandemic. 

With this day comes the official start of Christmas shopping. Have you lost sight of what Christmas is and would you love to just enjoy a simple no hassle day? I personally don’t think Jesus wants us frazzled and overspending. 

So today why not start a new tradition and that would be not trying to live up to others expectations and traditions and to chill and be still. Might be hard to get used to. Remember what this upcoming day is all about. Go in peace. Shalom. 

PRAYER: Every year this time my heart gets heavy for those who have unmet expectations or who are lonely. It is a tough time for many. Use me Lord to brighten someone’s day and help me stay off the ‘holiday treadmill’ and enjoy the reason for the season. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Give Thanks All The Time

"I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High." (Psalm 7:17)

Thanksgiving Day sadly gets brushed under many carpets in lieu of early Christmas festivities. It makes me sad because this day is part of our Christian and patriotic heritage here in the United States.

Thanksgiving is the time the Pilgrims set aside in 1621 to give thanks for their safe passage across the Atlantic as well as thanking him for a good harvest. 

What will your Thanksgiving Day consist of? Family celebrations, friends over, waiting to shop the following day, football, overeating then joining Weight watchers, or something simple at home alone? Whatever you do ponder the real meaning of this Holy special day where thanksgiving was given to the Almighty God. Don’t be in such a big hurry to celebrate Christmas that you forget to thank God for blessings this day. 

PRAYER: Oh precious Father thanks for a day meant to give you gratitude. I am grateful for so many things and so many people. I choose to thank you daily for using me in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: check following links for accurate information on true Thanksgiving history. https://shop.wallbuilders.com/product-category/thanksgiving/#

I Reject You Satan!

 

 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. Matthew 8:16 ESV Bible Gateway

Did you know there is good then there is evil not any really middle ground although some may consider themselves not that bad or not Hell bound. 

Many are not schooled in demonic warfare as many churches fail to teach about spiritual warfare. Demons are real and demonic spirits possess those who are blinded to the things of the Lord and continue on a path that leads to destruction. 

To fight Satan you have to quote scripture to Him. To do this you need to know the Bible and where those ‘power’ verses are. Satan loves it when ‘church people’ mock the existence of casting out evil spirits because obviously those people don’t believe in strongholds so are powerful against demons because of their unbelief. Friend stand strong against the enemy who tricks, lies, deceives, destroys, and kills. Be alert. Your enemy(the devil) prowls around like a roaring lion seeking who he will destroy. (1 Peter 5:8) Now go in peace. 

PRAYER: Lord I am thankful for the power I have in the word of God to take authority over the devil and pray for complacent churches who keep their people weak by not talking about it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Think First

 

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19

If you suffer from impulsive behavior thinking first will take some work but for the rest of you it is really important to consider how you will reply to someone.

Stop, think, go. Be wise and be prudent.

Before you respond to an email, stop, think, proceed. One night I was constructing an email that I proofread a few times before sending it to make sure it didn’t convey wrong message or guilt the person receiving it. I had attached some photos and was ready to send when poof, my screen went dark. The email was lost. Maybe an answer from God I needed to wait a full 24 hours before my response.

Thinking before reacting is so vital to have a balanced life. Don’t just fly off the handle with the first thought or emotion in your head or things could get nasty real fast. Be still and pray. Give some time and thought to your response. Don’t proceed until you do this and make sure you feel at peace over it.

PRAYER: How I wish I could take back misspoken words, bad emails, hurtful texts, but I can’t. All I can do is learn from mistakes and try with your help Lord to be Christlike in my communications. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Overwhelmed With The Dark? Spread Light!

 

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible-and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."Ephesians 5:11-14

At times do you get so down in the dumps with the issues of light you can hardly imagine there is light at the end of the tunnel? In order to keep being able to escape the darkness of life you have to press in to know Jesus better and let the things of this world that aren’t important fade away.

Easier said than done I know. You may have been hopeful for a miracle to occur and somehow it has not happened yet. So God’s timing or yours is the question. You allow wrong thinking to penetrate your brain and start getting fretful.

My friend you have to do more than Sunday, and you have to make time alone with God a daily priority. The enemy of our souls stands ready with his lies, excuses, and deception to get you off track. Stand firm and call out to Jesus. Maybe that is something you are unfamiliar with or have not done in awhile. It’s ok the savior is waiting to hear you cry out for him.He is only a prayer away.

PRAYER: I once walked in darkness and allowed the foolishness of this world to control me because of the demonic deception which I was under. I thank you Lord for rescuing me and setting my feet to dancing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

**Dedicated to my son Matthew on his birthday.

A Savior Is Born

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.(Bible Gateway, NIV) John 14:27


Every year about this time I see the hustle and bustle starting up where the two seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas collide with a frenzy of activity and I think of Martha and Mary in the Bible where one was calm and the other all caught up in the ‘doing’ that she forgot who she was really serving.

Do ever wonder about that as you observe Christmas trees go up even before Thanksgiving is completed? You don’t have to get on this treadmill of endless activity unless it truly does not stress you out and make you give second place to the true meaning of both these sacred holidays. 

Try to decide once and for all that these days are both about prayer and Thanksgiving and God. It is not about parades, clowns, Santa Claus, egg nog, crazy sweaters, gorging on high calorie food and sweets, or getting gifts. It is about the gifts God to the pilgrims first then to us as we remember the birth of the savior of the world who came to set eternity in the heart of man and forgive you of your sins. He wants to be first place. Can you slow down this time of year and allow that to happen? 

PRAYER: Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate my freedom in Christ and my freedom in the land I live in. Many countries are under tyranny. I thank you for Jesus who came that all men might have life and have it abundantly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger 

Lazy With Your Mind

 NASB: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." NLT: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 

Scenario: Believer, loves Jesus but hungers more for Hallmark movies or sports than growing in Christ. Sound familiar maybe. Sadly those I am attempting to reach and impact probably are blinded by Satan. This is not meant to guilt you into submission but to give some thought to what you let into your mind on a regular basis. 

Until the Holy Spirit convicts a person of their ‘true’ need for growth and mind control probably it would be like talking to a brick wall and is best left to The Holy Spirit to reach the individual. 

Your mind is so critical to your well being. For instance if you lack faith and keep worrying, that could affect your health in a negative way but if you truly trust God and have prayed then release your concerns don’t relapse into fretful worry. Let your mind be filled with joy and don’t allow negative thinking to enter. Now go think on good things! 

PRAYER: Lord thank you for the gift of my brain and the ability to think and reason. I know that Satan tries to enter our spirits through our mind and I choose to cast out wrong thinking and think on good things. (Philippians 4:8). In Jesus’ name.Amen.

Mouth Wreck

Reckless words pierce like a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing.Proverbs 12:18

Are you careful with your words? Do you speak often before thinking? What do you do if the shoe is on the other foot so you speak and you become victim of a tongue lashing?

Scripture contains many references to the mouth, words, the tongue. Sit and do a search and you will be amazed. Often hurting people hurt other people mostly with a tirade of hurtful words. Your choice if a victim is to pray and be still. 

Proverbs 13:3 says ‘He who guards his lips guards his life but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.’ Likely those with a mouth wreck issue won’t even be reading this so you need to lift them up for God’s healing power to touch them and help them realize their problem. If you on other hand have issues with your mouth go to the Father and ask Him to do a work in your life. 

PRAYER:Father I need you every hour although many days I just jump into the day giving little thought to my spiritual life which is hungry for truth. Guard my heart and my mouth. Let both be aligned with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Time To Get Serious About Prayer

 

Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying. Romans 12:12

When you pray do you wait until a crisis erupts or are you pressing in each and every day? It is easier to go the prayer route in a crisis as even ‘non spiritual’ friends may ask you to pray for them because you seemingly have a ‘hotline’ to God. 

My friend we should pray in season and out of season.(2 Timothy 4:2). It is easy to tell someone you will pray for them then unless you write it down most likely it is forgotten. You could stop then and there when the request is made and lift the matter up in prayer if the person who asked is okay and comfortable with that. 

For me, areas of concern I can think of now are my grandchildren, a coffee shop owner to have thriving business, broken relationships to heal, Covid to disappear, loneliness of friends who are alone, for my pilot son daily, my spouse each day he goes to work remotely, protection of my great niece in LA, nephew house issue to be resolved, for my sister and brother in law health and jobs, encouragement for church plant pastors such as our pastor Brian, and many more things. Focus on what God promises to do. Always be thankful no matter what. Feed your mind on good things not a steady diet of secular TV and things that aren’t necessary. God loves you my beloved and you are important to him. Make time in your day to commune with him in prayer. 

PRAYER:Jesus you are my everything. Thank you for using me in the life of others to lift them up. When I am feeling down help me to kneel quickly in prayer and cry out to you. Satan can not and will not gain access to my life or life of my family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Season Has Ended There

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning Daniel 2:21

Here we are still in non stop never ending Covid season that seems to have gripped the USA and world since December 2019. During this time seasons sort of run into each other. By this I mean fall brings Labor Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving yet Halloween seems to overshadow Thanksgiving and Christmas knocks on the door before Thanksgiving can even be started. 

I am thankful our creator gave us varying seasons and nature to enjoy. Imagine a planet earth that never changed yet God wanted us to enjoy it so provided winter, spring, summer and fall, each one unique in various parts of the world. 

When referring to seasons there can be seasons of Life too where things occur and emotions are varied depending on what season you are in. Maybe you are in the young adult season or the young married season. Some are in their mature season, it all has purpose and opportunities for growth. Embrace the season you are in and give God the glory. 

PRAYER:This is the day you have made Lord so I choose to rejoice and be glad and be thankful. Forgive me when. I have whined about things in life help me instead give thanks for all you have done. In Jesus’ name.Amen.

Walk This Way, Watch Your Step

 

"He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:6

You probably have heard someone trying to be funny saying “walk this way” then start walking goofy. Or a tour guide who says “follow me walk this way”. 

In your journey through life you need to be careful how you walk, not as unwise but as wise(see Ephesians 5:15-17)and readily understand and follow the truth, that being Christ. When you fail to do this, stumbling blocks can be in your way placed there by Satan to try to get you to fall away from Christ. 

Do you abide in Christ,  simply stated means to remain,live, or dwell, or are you giving preference to things in this world which will be of no value and pass away? Simple question should not be a complex answer. Do you desire the things Christ provides more than this in this earthly home that soon fades away? Your choice how you choose to walk so ponder that if you will. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you and would rather spend one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere as it says in Psalm 84:10. I choose to rather abide with you and walk with you so help me be alert to stumbling blocks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of praise:

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Hope Dealer

 



Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.Romans 12:12

 

Watching Life Church in Oklahoma on TV recently I saw a shirt on someone that said simply ‘Hope Dealer’ kind of catchy as the rhyming word would be ‘Dope Dealer’ and no one wants that. 

What does a person that deals in spreading hope do exactly? Stay positive and encouraging for one. Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Hope is one of the main themes throughout the Bible. 

Hope is never lost if you believe in the almighty living God. His ways are not our ways. What are you hoping for? Continue in prayer never doubting and don’t doubt as hope is your assurance things not seen. Don’t give up.

PRAYER: The word hope gets tossed around lots but it has so much meaning. I choose to never lose hope for what I am believing for. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

https://www.amazon.com/Hopelifter-Creative-Ways-Spread-Hurts/dp/0310320151

Stoney Heart?

 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.Ezekiel 36:26

What exactly is a stoney heart? Picture just a bag of small stones how hard they are and impenetrable. A heart that is like stone would be same way. Unyielding, cold, harsh. 

Many people who don’t truly know the Lord have stoney hearts that are hard hearted and really only have a form of being Christ like but have many issues that keep them distant from God. They could be religious or assume because their parents baptized them they are good to go. 

Friend God is the one who created you whether you choose to believe it or not and he wants you to choose to follow Him. He won’t force it on you but there are many decoys in this world that are counterfeit and trick many people. Do you overflow with the love of Jesus? Do you want to?This works is not your final home and it is your choice whether to accept or reject Christ. 

PRAYER: Thank you for dying on the cross for mankind even many who choose to reject you. I pray for those people who need a personal relationship with you to encounter you through people in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Avoid Godless Chatter

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 2 Timothy 2:16

Rumors, gossiping, lying, half truths,belittling, guilting, verbal abuse, boasting.They all fit into the category of godless chatter. It is super easy to slip into that mode of conversation if not careful. 

Can you think of a time in your life you may have unintentionally caved and started talking in hurtful ways? You can be forgiven if you truly want to and if you need help changing God can do help you. 

Purpose in your heart you will not engage in conversations that hurt other people. God gave you a beautiful gift of conversation to use for his glory so go do that. 

PRAYER: Lord I need help with not opening my mouth in inappropriate ways this bringing pain on those who hear. My voice is a gift and when I speak let it be only to build others up. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Service And Sacrifice

He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior- from violent people you save me. "I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:2-4

Yesterday Veterans’ Day was observed in the United States. It was an honor for me to serve my country and almost every soldier, sailor, airmen, or marine would echo the same sentiments. Many brave men and women died  in service to their country and we are to honor their memory and show respect on Memorial Day but Veterans Day is to pay tribute to all who served whether a few months or stayed in to retire. 

The military and protecting our fine country and keeping it free is not taken lightly and sadly our freedom is at stake after every presidential election. Defense of the nation is written in the Constitution of our nation in Article 1, Section 8. 

Because of our military you enjoy freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and so much more. Many attempts by certain administrations to re-engineer tthe military and control and domineer the citizens of the United States has occurred but those brave warriors stand for freedom and to protect our rights as American citizens. Always be mindful of this. Have a blessed day. 

PRAYER: I am so grateful for the freedom I enjoy in the USA and am grateful to have a voice in my nation and when that voice is stolen to rise up and defend our liberty. Thank you for freedom and for those brave citizens who protect us to include our law enforcement officers and firefighters. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and celebrate America:

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Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

 

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1 Thessalonians 5:18

What has you upset or emotional lately?Sometimes when you are not in tune with the Lord and try to figure things out on your own your imagination can go wild. 

Many things are out of your control and trying to figure things out or manipulate a situation is heading down the wrong path. Comparison to others is wrong as well. 

Be content with what you have and don’t be griping to others. If you have been contemptible go back and confess and you can be redeemed. Don’t worry be happy. 

PRAYER: Father I love that you love me no matter how stupid and ungrateful I act. When I have acted out and been less than Christian you still love me and wait forever me to come back to my senses. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Selfish…Who Me??

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;Romans 12:10

Recently I had to deal honestly with emotions I was experiencing over my granddaughters 4th birthday wondering why no invite to come the ‘day of‘ thus digging myself deeper and deeper into a hole going nowhere. Well meaning fellow grandma friends comments were “that’s not right” “you deserve to be there” and so forth when in actuality I was the one being self centered and selfish putting my expectations on my son and his sweet wife. Thankfully I kept my mouth shut which was wisest thing to do. 

A grandparent is a job most look forward to but there is no job description or list of what is right and wrong. Every family is different. The demon of discouragement and comparison tries desperately to get you to succumb to anger but thankfully in my case after a phone call came and we were able to sing Happy Birthday I came to my senses again. Praise God. 

Grandparents have no rights per se. The child belongs first to God then to your children who bore he or she. There is no rule book saying holidays all need to be a family and things like that. It is a precarious thing to juggle and be happy with your decision. To stay on the parents ‘nice’ list it is essential to be still and keep quiet and be grateful for the times you do have. 

PRAYER: Lord my prayer is whether or not someone is a grandparent or not they got something from this writing today. Help me to put a watch over my heart and mouth and not get self centered but put others first. It truly is not about me so forgive me when I acted that way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don’t Let Satan Get The Upper Hand

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.1 Peter 5:8-9

Have you ever allowed a situation to overwhelm and control you? Usually this domination of your mind by Satan comes when you have not talked to God in prayer and instead started to let your emotions control you. You select the scenario I have a few of my own. 

Recently I was down in the dumps over something and a couple hours went by before I had an ah-ha moment and realized the enemy was toying with me. After all if the little weasel can get me under his spell no telling what mistakes I will make plus I wouldn’t be very effective at helping others through writing. 

So my friend the next time you are gloomy and feelings of negativity creep in stop and realize what is happening. Fear, mind torture, worry and things remotely like them aren’t from the Lord. 

PRAYER: Thanks for each day you give me Lord. Shame on me for not getting first things first and spending time alone in Bible reading and prayer. When I am lonely that is exactly the time to fight the spiritual war that the enemy wants me to lose. I choose prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stay In The Sunshine Spot

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.Psalm 119:105

My cat Moses loves to lay in the sunshine and loves to lie down on paper as well. Any person with a cat knows this to be true. Humans are sort of that way too in that many like to retire to Florida or Arizona.

In your life you have sunshine all the time if you are a believer and connected to God. Some days may seem dreary but God is there in the dark moments to to help you back to the light.

If you are able each day to wake up and focus on the Lord and his goodness your trials will seem less and and the dark place you may find yourself in right now can be illuminated. Tell Satan you refuse his darkness because you are walking in the light of Jesus.

PRAYER: When I am alone in dark places of my life I know you Lord are the key to unlocking the glorious sunshine of your radiance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Words

 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Do you ever give much thought to words you say? Trying to be a representative for Christ in a fallen world is a big job. 

You are with friends or neighbors and join in gossiping or speculating about something or someone. Then you ask yourself was that really right. Maybe instead of chattering about something you could be still and pray. 

Our mouth and vocal cords are a great gift from God, the ability to speak, sing, and laugh is a true blessing often taken for granted. Scripture says some day you will have to account for every word you ever spoke(Matthew 12:36-37). Ouch! So my friend go in peace and share God’s love. 

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have used my mouth to say things that did not glorify you this includes lying or stretching the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Here Come Da Judge

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.Luke 6:37

Excuse my bad English but most my age recognize that slang. When you think of a judge what comes to mind? A courtroom most likely. 

Hopefully you don’t try to act like a judge to those around you as it is a great way to lose friends fast and alienate. Sometimes you may do it and not realize it and the recipient may think you are acting rather smug. 

The only judge is God. He judges the motives of our hearts. His judgments are just whereas man’s judging condemns. This issue comes up many times at Halloween for who is right and wrong about celebrations. Let each person gain their own conviction from the Holy Spirit and stay out of it. 

PRAYER: Lord I love your word and I try to do things right but sometimes I mess up getting judgmental and self righteous. Forgive me and teach me how to cease from those behaviors. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stoney Heart?

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.Ezekiel 36:26

What exactly is a stoney heart? Picture just a bag of small stones how hard they are and impenetrable. A heart that is like stone would be same way. Unyielding, cold, harsh. 

Many people who don’t truly know the Lord have stoney hearts that are hard hearted and really only have a form of being Christ like but have no real fruit to show for it. They allow the world to shape them more than the word of God. 

Do you get excited about following the Lord or is Saturday or Sunday the only time you put on your Christian hat? Followers of Christ are to be salt and light on this Earth. Are you letting God use you or do you have a stoney heart?

PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for showing me how to be closer to you and it takes way more than the weekend church services. This world is not my home so help me not let my heart get hard and stoney but instead use me for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Time To Decompress

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11

How are you feeling my friend? After nearly two years of being stalked by a pandemic and obeying rules to socialize and go places do you feel worn down?Perhaps you had friends or family succumb to this virus, and my heart breaks for you with even added sadness.

To decompress normally means to calm down, relax, relieve pressure. It has been an unusual couple of years for sure topped off with political drama. Infighting between ‘experts’ on all things Covid. It has to stop and you need to get away from computers, phones, TV, and radio. Relax and imagine a peaceful flowing brook. Breathe in peace, breathe out anxiety.

Try this. Go for a walk or just go sit and enjoy fall colors.Talk to God just as if he were your buddy. Let him know your heart.Breathe in, breathe out. Give thanks in the midst of it all. God is good and his mercies endure forever.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the gift of silence which I don’t use enough. Help me not think I always have to be around people or noise. Here I am Lord still my anxious heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Impossible? No Way!

 

Jesus looked at them and said ,”With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!” Matthew 19:26 NIV Bible gateway

Do you believe all things are possible with God? For instance a person who used to be be a criminal and was incarcerated can have a miraculous turn around. A person can be healed. There are many cases of bonafide miracles.

You might scoff at thinking of miracles because maybe the word has been thrown around so much but I have had them in my life. Not enough room here to elaborate.

Whatever it is you are believing for God to intervene keep praying and never quit(Luke 18:1) and speak positive confessions of calling things not as though they were according to Romans 4:17. Stand up and wait and you will see the glory of the Lord!

PRAYER: Miracles still happen maybe not exactly how or when we want cause God has reasons for doing his miracles and it takes faith to hang on and keep believing. Stand strong and don’t be a negative person but believe in miracles. I choose to do that so help me press on Lord and encourage the feint hearted. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Shhhh Little Lips

 

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26

Gossip these days takes the form of not just speaking something you ‘heard’ but also sending it in a jet stream across social media. Our business should be our business I learned quickly.

Do not get into needless speculation. You don’t want to be known as a meddler or gossip do you? How would you like if half truths were circulating about you throughout your neighborhood? Not too good probably.

I had to stop myself recently as it is so easy to become part of the problem and not the solution which is to nip gossip in the bud then pray for those involved.

PRAYER: Help me not be guilty of continuing a gossip stream that only seeks to hurt people or look down on them in bad way. Help me instead to pray for anyone going through something others are gossiping about. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Psalm Of Life

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.Psalm 23:1

I am not so sure why Psalm 23 is always used in funerals because it speaks more to the living than to those who have departed this earth. Take time to read the entire chapter only 6 verses, as it only will take a minute and ponder as you read it out loud.

The Lord is your shepherd and he will guide you if only you will allow him to. He gently guides you and doesn’t drag you into submission.

Even though hard times may come he helps you find your way through the darkest moments of life. He is only a prayer away. He is a guide, shepherd, and refresher of your soul. Allow him to help you learn to rest in him.

PRAYER: Mighty God creator of all thank you for being with me and guiding me. Forgive me when I got stubborn and went my own way not submitting to your gentle leading. In Jesus’ name. Amen.