PRAY FIRST

 “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. ” John 8:7 King James Version (KJV)

Do you ever feel like you may have almost arrived spiritually then find yourself passing judgment on someone because of their appearance, lifestyle, beliefs? It is very easy to slip into a secular, judgmental,  condemning mode but then remember that scripture says ALL have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. (Romans 3:23)

Certainly a person who is ‘different’ will not be won to the Lord by being condemning and belittling. Many things in life lead people to getting messed up. The motto ‘pray first’ is a bracelet I wear daily and have to remind myself at times before saying or thinking something that ‘praying first’ is exactly what God requires of us. 

It is easy to slip into hate, anger, freshly actions when your mind doesn’t stay focused on things of the Lord. Loving someone different doesn’t mean you are agreeing with them but allow God and The Holy Spirit to work through you simply pray and be kind. You be kind and let God do the rest. 

PRAYER: Our world has many problems and there are many messed up souls out there but I am not perfect and regret ever thinking an unkind thought about someone. Help me Lord pray for people and be sincere and watch as the Spirit works. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click Here For More About Jesus!

 

Jesus answered, “I am the Way, and the Truth and the Life. 
No one comes to the Father except through me”. John 14:6

Isn’t it strange how you can’t do anything on your devices without advertisements or news stories popping up to distract you? Things like “read the truth about Bob Saget’s death or amazing new fruit puts an end to extra pounds” and indeed there is no urgent need to click on any information that pops up but you probably do it like I do.

This lure by the ‘world’ to distract you is constantly at work. Wouldn’t it be great if pop ups instead said “Have you talked to Jesus today” or something like that. Instead off you are sent on a wild goose chase being kept for the real reason you were on your computer or phone. 

Can you decide once and for all you won’t be distracted by Apple News, People Magazine pop ups, news flashes and the like. Perhaps if you have this problem make it a matter of prayer and fasting to keep away from distractions or better yet limit time on any devices. Don’t treat your phone like a defibrillator seemingly needing it to survive. 

PRAYER: Today I will stick to my purpose and not allow lures of this world and Satan to drag me into a never ending pit. I choose to be lifted up and keep my mind clear. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Stock Market Is Tanking!

 

Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle.Proverbs 23:5 NIV Bible Gateway

Many people have a tendency to check the Dow Jones averages every day and become pessimistic when it goes in the toilet so to speak. Scripture warns us not to trust in our riches. Believe it or not most of us in the Western world are considered wealthy by standards in other parts of the country. 

Don’t fret when you see bad things happening but trust in the Lord your provider. He won’t fail you and will take care of you. Do a study on God’s provision and you will see what I mean. 

By all means you want to save for the future as that is wise but don’t trust in your money. Our money in the US even says ‘In God We Trust’. Put your trust and hope in God and God alone.

PRAYER: You are my sure foundation Lord for all times. When things around me look hopeless you are my source and my hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

           #Biblegatewayblogger

Click link for a song of worship: https://youtu.be/3ch6eXkQWU8

Keep Going My Friend

“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Psalm 119:504.

During these past couple years have you had trouble staying motivated and keep charging ahead with whatever it is? Maybe creating new recipes, exercise, staying in touch with both long distance and local friends. 

It is imperative you stay connected to the word of God and have connection with Christ centered friends. No matter what is going on the enemy tries to capitalize on it seeking to destroy your peace, stillness, and joy. 

Today make up your mind you will not be tricked by the enemy and this could even be caused by ‘angels of light’ or those who may imitate the truth but really aren’t preaching the gospel of Jesus. Beware. Stand your ground and run the race to win. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you every second of every day, and I need to get fixated on you not problems I perceive. Use me to spread joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click for a song of: worship:https://youtu.be/HTHS4W1bPj8

Comparison A Big No No

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Exodus 20:17 Bible Gateway

One of the biggest tools that makes its’ users discontent is Facebook and other forms of social media. Many at this time of year fast from social media for 21 Days. Trolling others pages and seeing their ‘perfect life’ can make a person feel inadequate or that they don’t measure up. As one of my sons once said “Facebook is not real mom!”

You are not to desire what belongs to another or for that matter not give thanks for the good things you do have. Always thinking they grass is greener on the other side of the fence but maybe the yard has fire ants and let me tell you those things bite and sting.

Are you able to live in your own world giving thanks for your life and not compare yourself to another? You don’t know their whole story anyway. Be real because God knows the real you anyway.

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for reality and truth. Help me have self control and not go all over social media and then become unhappy with my own life as a mom, grandma, writer, runner, and so forth. I choose to compare myself only to the standard of living a life for Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Oh No Not Again

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV Bible Gateway

Oh that wonderful little mouth, tongue, and vocal chords that God gave us when he created us. If only I could use it to bless and not aggravate people or say the wrong thing and get someone down in the dumps because of not giving thought to how my comments come out ahead of time. 

Do you find this to be a problematic area in your own life? It could be speaking out of turn, butting in, gossiping, boasting, spreading rumors, misquoting someone, saying too much, not thinking how what you say may affect someone. 

I am glad I  can run to the loving arms of my savior Jesus and he understands me when everyone else thinks I really blew it. He forgives when others ridicule me. He is patient when others scold me or call me names. Keep praying and you will get freedom. 

PRAYER: Lord I need to think before I jump into every thought I have and need you to help me out a guard over my lips to only say what is helpful. Give me discernment and wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger 

Click link and listen to this awesome some of praise: https://youtu.be/HcpeLDp0Foo

Love One Another....For Real!

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

What does it mean to love one another? Love, Christian love, not a Hollywood version. Love for even those you don’t particularly like or wouldn’t choose for a friend. 

Everyone is created by God, male and female he created them. Even those who are misusing God’s word deserve love. Maybe it is Christian love that will set a person free. 

If you catch yourself talking ugly about a stranger, for instance, a politician,  remember that God loves them and perhaps if you made it a point to ask God to help you love them with your love changes would occur. Numerous unloveable people in the Bible were loved by God. Do you want that kind of love? 

PRAYER: A childhood song lyrics said Lord I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart. I sang it but do I really do things in my life where people would know I was. The biggest thing is to show love whether talking or silent. Help me do that. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don't Listen To The Voice Of The Accuser

 

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom (dominion, reign) of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come; for the accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night. Revelation 10:12 AMP Bible Gateway

What you think and what you speak out of your mouth have great power and with God's help if you are negative in these two areas you can CHANGE. How? Devote yourself to prayer and reading scripture for one. 

Today's verse speaks of the 'accuser of the brethren' and that of course is Satan. He is the one who causes wrong thought and negativity to come into your mind. You have to daily feed your mind with God's word and His promises to fight this. To do this you need to know scripture. You can't have power over the enemy with a Bible just sitting collecting dust day after day but it is a tool to be put into use daily. 

Speak out loud and tell Satan you are wise to what his tricks are and he can not confuse you because you know the word of God and then quote Isaiah 54:17 that "no weapon formed against you will prosper" and stand on the word!

PRAYER: Lord ,I know I have power over the enemy by simply quoting scripture to defeat him. Keep me knowledgeable of the tricks of the enemy and let me beat him with scripture/ In Jesus' name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

All Things New....2022!!

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away. The One Who sat on the Throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ Revelation 21:4-5

New things are good. Fresh starts, do overs, second chances, redemption. In the end of everything, which is coming because God said so,  every thing will be new. 

The training ground we are in now is just the start of things. The enemy has tricked many people to believing lies, false narratives, and accepting things they should not. This Earth is not our home and many birth pangs will be experienced until the glorious return of our savior. Don’t be caught up in this world and it’s false pleasure and hope. 

While you dwell in your human body on Earth ask God what your assignment is. How does he want to use you to spread the Good News to others. 

PRAYER: I thank you for the promises in your word of the things awaiting those who love you Lord. Help me not squander the time you have given me as I never know when my last breath will come. Use me to help bring others to Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Sorry I Am Having Technological Problems

And I will be with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Who has ever received the message which is my title? Very frustrating and requires patience. You won’t  get a message like this in God’s prayer room as He is 24-7. 

Get a Bible, a notebook and a pen and have a quiet time. First just talk out loud to God. No formal language or voice inflections needed. Today since it is the 21st of the month pick a book of the Bible and read that chapter such as Psalm 21 or Proverbs 21. Jot down how the Holy Spirit speaks to you through His word.

Each and every day you might find numerous excuses to put off your time with Jesus. What is more important than that? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you I don’t need electricity, a WiFi connection or anything else to talk to you. Help me be consistent and not just a task to check off list. Help me have a priority doing this because of my love for the Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spoon Feed Me Lord

2Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Philippians 2:12-15

Sometimes you may wake up and just not know how to do morning quiet time devotions. You hear stories of those who pray for an hour or read a couple of chapters in their Bible and you don’t feel up to it. 

Guess what? God understands your moments when you are not all there spiritually and He wants you to lean in and cast off wrong thinking that may make you not trust Him. 

You are in a battle each day between good and evil, wrong and right and God is there with you. Reach out and cry out to Him. He knows there are moments you need Him to maybe spoon feed you on your way back to maturity. Don’t get stuck in that place though. Speak out loud to the devil and tell him he has no authority over you and press on to run the race to win! 

PRAYER: Jesus you are wonderful and I love you and love to do those things to please you. At times I need help to get over a bump in the road and ask you to give me a push. Open my ears to hear your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

How Is Your Heart?

Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;Psalm 26:2

These past two years have been very trying emotionally. It is because of this it is important to stay connected to somebody. How is your heart? I don’t mean are your arteries clogged and you may have heart attack but is your heart joyful or a little on the so so side? 

Even we who do devotions and teaching sometimes need some encouraging. The key is to stay connected to God. Don’t allow Satan to take advantage of your isolation. Stay lifted up and rejoice! 

Don’t allow Satan to hand deliver your pity party invitations because pity parties are not well attended. Do something to brighten another’s day. Find a way to make an impact even during this pandemic. Keep smiling!! 

PRAYER: I thank you for good times and bad times because through it all I lean on you and learn to trust you more. I choose to smile and stay prayerful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for an upbeat song with dancing to start your day:

https://youtu.be/2WOpbltzcaU

Be At Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

Many situations can create chaos and turmoil. Here in the Western world our problems mostly are referred to as First World Problems meaning we who did not go through the Depression and wars have no clue really of problems. It is a matter of perspective and much is taken for granted.

For instance mothers of young children and infants have issues that a female exec in a high rise could not identify with. If you are reading this in America even though at present we have borderline tyranny nothing can compare to the horrific treatment of Christians in other parts of the world.

Seek peace and pursue it as much as possible. Jesus is the prince of peace so followers of Him should try to stay peaceful and not argumentative or stressed out. Be in the world but don’t get caught up in its’ problems. You are here on purpose at this time in the world so ask God to use you to spread His peace.

PRAYER: This world is not my home but while I have breath use me to share your peace with others and this draw people to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

And Without Coffee!

 

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

Jesus got up very, early scripture says, and didn’t have a cell phone, flashlight, or a cup of coffee. He simply went to pray.

In the start of the new year did you vow to start praying more or get up earlier for quiet time? Going to a quiet place like a safe park, bench on a trail, somewhere not to be distracted is important for communing with God. No distractions.

Talking to God is key to your daily spiritual life. Everything else can try to get your attention but you need prayer and God’s word to stay strong against the lies and trickery of Satan. What do you say? Is this important enough to put it on your daily calendar.

PRAYER:Lord I love you and sometimes I don’t even bother talking to you and sharing my heart and prayers. Break any strongholds like procrastination or apathy that keep me from doing this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: many churches this time of year have 21 days of prayer and to participate go to www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days

Stay Positively Positive

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.Philippians 4:8

Even if your life isn’t peachy keen you don’t have to be drug down in a dark pit. You can choose to be uplifted by keeping your thinking positive. It requires discipline such as turning of news which feeds your mind with doom and gloom. 

Don’t fixate in negative things and keep talking about them as it doesn’t change things. A good example is continually feeding mind on Covid statistics which can fuel anxiety. God wants his children fixated on ways to lift up others not cause them stress. 

Don’t be a ‘Debbie Downer’ but instead seek ways to spread joy, peace, love, and contentment. Don’t dwell on negative issues or negative people who maybe don’t like you. Shake off the past and focus on God’s goodness. Let those people ‘in the world’ stay negative but you must seek to help show how to be positive. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord you are beautiful. Help me to choose praise and Thanksgiving daily over flipping on negativity and having wrong negative thinking. My desire is to spread joy. Give me strength to resist negativity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have You Fallen In The Crack?

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

Isaiah 43:1

What comes to mind when you hear ‘fall through the crack or in the crack’? Myself would be recently when I possibly dropped an ID card in the space between seats on a flight I was on. Never found it. 

Definitions of this term I found online are “fall through the cracks meaning To go unnoticed or undealt with; to be unintentionally neglected or ignored, especially in a corporate, political, or social system.” You can probably cite incidents in your own life maybe concerning a promotion, maybe a bonus check you expected but never received. 

Jesus knows the pain you feel of losing things or feeling left out or neglected. He was left out and rejected by many. No matter what God has a plan for your life and just maybe that bad incident can be used for good.Keep looking up. 

PRAYER: I have had times in my life when I felt forgotten or overlooked and help me not to ignore those around me who may feel left out. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Take A Deep Breath,Relax

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27

I was doing what I do best and that is flying somewhere on a commercial airliner when at the end of one flight my military ID had gone missing. I stopped asked cabin crew and then calmly filed a lost item report with the airline. Chomping at the bit and get wound tight won’t solve the problem but time for prayer.

Stuff happens and no doubt you have also probably misplaced something important and initial reaction is to freak out. I found a quiet spot at the major airport I was in at the time and had a couple hours to kill so simply and quietly bowed my head and prayed.

You no doubt have had a touch of anxiety maybe over a lost wedding ring, important documents, or something, but no amount of fretting helps get it back. Be still, breathe in, and pray on. God hears you.

PRAYER: Father I am glad you are the great finder of lost things and you help calm fretful spirit inside of me. I choose this day to enjoy life and trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I Go And Prepare A Place For You

“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5:8(NKJV)

For the person who loves Jesus and is a follower of Him, when death comes he or she will be met by Jesus in Heaven. No more pain, tears, heartache but the joy of a glorious reunion in Heaven. 

If you have asked Jesus into your heart you have the hope of eternal glory. When a friend dies or family member we are sad but for a person who lived for the Lord it is nothing to fear. 

No one knows when they will take their last breath or how they will die. It is not something you need to stress over unless you are ‘religious’ but don’t really know Jesus. Death is not something to fear for those who love Jesus. Are you ready? Or are you fearful? 

PRAYER: I am ready to meet you Lord but many can’t honestly say that. I pray by reading the Romans Road below many will find peace and make decision to follow Christ. Thanks for preparing a place for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for Romans Road: http://c317808.r8.cf1.rackcdn.com/Romansroad.pdf

The Broken Cross

And suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened.Acts 16:26

Recently a favorite small wooden cross that held a special significance to me broke. I am hoping to glue it together. In the meantime it went in a jewelry music box for safe keeping. The cross itself is what Christians identify with.

Think about the cross for a moment. It was how criminals died in Jesus’ time. By crucifixion on two beams crossing each other. A horrible way for anyone to die hanging there while blood drains out of your body and ravens pick at you from above. How could something horrible be a symbol of something wonderful? 

You may have things that are special to you that someone close to you gave you. If they get misplaced you get sad. Think of the cross of Jesus Christ one of the most special symbols ever. This broken cross was given to me by a stranger who did not know I had junk going on in my life but God knew. Similarly I found a palm cross outside my car door several years ago when I had a major issue bringing conflict in my life. It stood for a sign of peace and I see it as a miracle from God. Maybe you can site incidents such as this. 

Lean on God look for miracles in your brokenness. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for both the good and not so good in life because I am drawn closer to you. There are people I know who don’t think they need you anymore or are mad at you for something like death of a loved one. Help these people have mended hearts and spirits and come back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Things Hidden

 

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.Luke 8:7

Recently when watching a show on Prime about a Six Flags theme park ‘Jazz Land’, in New Orleans, that closed after Katrina and the flooding which destroyed much of the city. To an outsider passing by on the interstate it looked as if it was not that bad. Internally the equipment had immense flood damage and had been undervalued several feet of water. 

Outwardly many people look like nothing major is wrong in their lives but if you got down to the nitty gritty and honesty prevailed soon you would find out there are many imperfect broken people with issues overwhelming them. The ‘shell’ we see on outside does not reflect their hurting insides. 

Don’t assume certain people must have it all together because in reality the last two years have been extremely tough on everyone and family divisions occurred over differing opinions and basically Satan had us just where he wanted us but alas brother and sister you do not have to cower to the demonic spirits but know you are a child of the living God and greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! (1John 4:4). Shine for Jesus! 

PRAYER: Every day I wake up and need to remember to give thanks for the breath in my lungs, ability to walk and talk, and many other blessings. I choose to run strong in 2022 and ask Lord that you help me run my race looking to you and not the world and culture. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Disciplines

 



Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.Deuteronomy 6:5

The most well intentioned people who love Jesus can still be asleep at the wheel so to speak when it comes to being disciplined in their spiritual walk. Don’t just get up and start the day but start it intentionally. 

To do this mean putting things of the world on hold or stop all together. Stuff that draws you into worldly thinking and not Christ centered thinking. Daily secular news, mindless TV and talk shows, soap operas, reading the daily paper maybe even before God’s word. There are many excellent Christian networks and even if no cable can be viewed on your computer most the time. 

But I am a ‘religious’ person some may say or I love God and His Bible. That is fine but do you meditate on the Lord day and night or on You Tube, stock report, vaccine statistics, and mundane things similar. Basically I am saying to grow in Christ you have to want to spend time with him not forced. Do you delight in His word? 2 Timothy 2:15 reminder says 

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 

PRAYER: Lord help me use the time I have each day doing things to draw me closer to you. Help anyone that thinks they have arrived or don’t need you and bring people across their path to help bring conviction. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Cabin Fever

 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;I will strengthen you, I will help you,I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10 Bible Gateway ESV

Depending on what part of the country you live in and what is going on in your life you may feel dry, lonely, stuck, isolated, and just needing a touch from God. God is always there but at times you may feel sad and not knowing what to do next. 

Time to bring sunshine into your soul and cast off wrong thinking. Just do it whatever it is. Start by quiet time with the Lord. Get up, get out, get going. 

Covid isolation has certainly not helped when it comes to feeling alone. Press on, think of ways to bring cheer to another’s day. There is always someone worse off keep that in mind. When you feel like no one cares or want to run away lean in and cry out to God and find an activity to get involved with to get out of your funk. Be grateful and start proclaiming the goodness of the lord because when you are paralyzed with self pity Satan wins. Don’t let him. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for good times and bad times because it helps me appreciate life. I thank you for freedom. Help me never take that for granted. Once again I pray for ability to see others pain and meet needs. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

#Biblegatewayblogger

Hang On

 

“So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.”Psalms‬ ‭143:4-6

A week into 2022 and how are you feeling? What is your mood? Lethargic,scared, hopeful, doubtful, fearful, helpless, or what other emoji you could conjure up. You need to remember to focus on ‘things above’ not the nightly news. So many are addicted to the habit of watching news it is hard to break away. 

Find a Christian news source to watch if you have to watch and get the news from a biblical perspective. This is not doomsday. God is still on the throne and He wants His people to wake up and turn to Him. 

Hang on my friend because Jesus is for you not against you. Pray for those you know who are lost in the muck and mire of all things media. 21 Days of Prayer starts today so why not purpose to give a rest to social media, news flashes and instead focus on the glorious day our Lord will return. Let Him find you without  spot or wrinkle. Do what you can to share the truth to others God places in your path. The enemy has had a heyday these past two years and has captivated many and caused immense turmoil and division. It is time we put Satan in his place. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the Bible. Thank you Lord for being able to read it without being locked up or killed. Forgive me when I act spoiled and don’t pay heed to the spiritual blessings in my life, and I pray for family and friend who may not ‘get it’ to wake up and come into  your presence and accept you as Saviour and make you more important than the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#21daysofprayer

Are You Fit?

 

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

When you think of the word ‘fit’ what comes to mind? Perhaps exercising and staying in shape that at the beginning of a new year appears on many peoples list of ‘to do’. 

Besides your physical body which is the temple of God there is a much more important type of fitness and that is spiritual fitness. Do you go to church on Sunday and then spiritually shut down the remainder of your week? Maybe you don’t attend at all saying things like “I don’t need a brick and mortar building to prove I love Jesus” or “I worship in nature” or “I haven’t gone in years and know I need to start back”. 

Church is not about religion as religion is dry and boring. Church should be life giving and a place you want to be. Believers are ‘the church’ when you take on the nature and character of God. Maybe commit in 2022 this is the year things will be different spiritually. If you aren’t worshipping God who or what captivates you?

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the many Bible believing churches spreading the love of Jesus even in the pandemic. Use me to draw others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Press On...Hang On To God!

 

And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.2 Peter 3:15-16

A grieving widower, a friend with cancer, you or spouse overlooked for promotion or bonus, friend lost house in a natural disaster, snubbed by friends due to ‘stupid politics’, family who is dealing with an unexplained child illness, and many other scenarios are very painful if you are the one enduring them. 

Hurt and pain are part of life and also can be tools God used to mold character as long as you can remember to not act like you know more than God and shake your fist at him.

What do you say to someone who is close to you to lift their spirits and help get their life back on the right course? The main thing is to not quote scriptures to them but be there with them to encourage and give a hug. As a new year has just begun it is time to reflect on what you want to pursue and do different as the calendar changes. Just know you are not alone. 

PRAYER: Lord when the world seems to cave in around me help me to press on and know I am not abandoned. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Arsenal Against The Devil

 

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

As a believer there is your enemy, Satan aka the devil, who is not a comic character but is a real being. Those church goers who don’t hear about this in their denomination would be at a loss to ward him off. 

When you have strongholds in your life that keep you from victory and freedom it is likely demonic influence trying to get your thoughts off God and onto worry and fear. 

Likewise in the world there is good and there is evil. Good of course is God and evil is, you guessed it, Satan. To fight the enemy you do it by quoting scripture to him and continually staying in the Word. To learn what is wrong you study the Bible. Keep from saturating your mind with worldly junk found in many tv shows and movies. Stay alert it says in 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  Your arsenal is knowing the word. 

PRAYER:Thank you Lord for my Bible for in it I have the tools to defeat the enemy.In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Light Versus Darkness

 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

The Christmas celebration is behind you but the light of Jesus should remain alive and bright not be extinguished like a candle blown out at the Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Light represents good and darkness represents evil and both clearly do exist. Don’t be angry at an evil person but instead be mad at demonic spirits which have indeed captivated people to turn away from the light.

After Christmas you may feel like a let down but Jesus has not gone anywhere. You may take down the lights and the tree but Jesus is alive and his word is alive and active. Keep letting the light of Jesus guide you and keep you out of darkness.

PRAYER: Father I am ever grateful for being able to walk in the light. Satan would like us to put our light out or make it barely flicker but I know all I need to is stay in your word daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Great Designer

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

When you hear the word design what type designer comes to mind? Maybe you think of an artist who designs furniture, houses and so forth but I reflect on the ‘greatest designer’ of all time Jesus Christ.

There is a perfect design of each human and no mistakes in the big scheme if things. Modern society may not be happy with genders so decide to try to alter God’s design of male and female. There is no telling God He made a mistake in creation. 

You are a unique puzzle piece created by God to worship and serve Him. God did not just accidentally drop you into the cosmos but had a purpose for each being. Mankind has always thought they knew better than God so tried to come in between. As from the fall of Adam and Eve mankind thinks they know more. Do you trust God or do you try to be on the throne?

PRAYER: Lord help me stay under your great umbrella of protection where I trust and follow you and not the opinions of ‘experts’ in the modern culture. Use me lovingly to share truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Put On New Things For 2022

 Put On New Things For 2022

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT Bible Gateway 

The break between the old year and new year always seems like a good time to change things up or work on areas of your life that need improving. A marker of sorts as a starting point. 

What in your life needs some improvement? Spiritually speaking do you have any areas needing some touch ups? 

Only you can hone in the on areas you know deep down displease the Lord. Perhaps the goal to study and read God’s word more. Whatever it is commit to doing it and stick with it. God can help you. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord I want to grow deeper into my knowledge of you. I want to be used by you to draw others to the throne of grace. When the enemy tries to get me in a slump help me resist that stronghold and look to the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: suggest reading entire Colossians Chapter 3 for more insight. 

Note # 2: Many churches have 21 Days of Fasting and prayer to start each new year. For more information check this website from Birmingham, AL and try to participate if you can. https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/

God Is My Pilot

 

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.Proverbs 19:21

There is a well known bumper sticker that simply says ‘God Is My Co-pilot’ and I get the message but I would rather God take the left seat and be pilot in command. 

In day to day life he wants you to follow Him. He wants to be first place. He wants you to talk to Him in prayer.

What is so hard and complicated about developing a relationship with the Almighty? Depending on your church background or lack thereof has many things to do with it. Do you think there is more to following Christ than just naming a name of a church when someone asks if you are a Christian? As you start another calendar year why not decide this year is the one you will be intentional about putting God really first. 

PRAYER: Father I know you are in charge of my life and if I choose to put you as my assistant or co leader or second anything I would not be truly trusting you. Take the wheel Father and be my guide. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Some New Years’ Thoughts

 

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

Well welcome to 2022. Wow. That sounds like fiction almost. 2022, where have the years gone. Last year and the year before were certainly filled with emotions of all kinds. What will 2022 bring? 

The resolutions are made, bucket lists updated, tentative plans made for 2022 but really what will happen and what do you want to happen, and what changes do you need to make?

Maybe this is the year to become more serious in your faith. Perhaps you have wandered away or don’t feel that inspired or excited about a relationship with Jesus. My prayer for you is that in 2022 you will draw closer to Him and discover Jesus in a new and fresh way.Maybe today’s verse could be the verse you could meditate upon, memorize,then live by. Something to ponder. Happy New Year! 

PRAYER: Lord give me eyes to see hurting lonely people around me. Help me not think only of myself but use me Lord to build your kingdom here on Earth. Guard my heart that it is not drawn to or captivated by evil.In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for a of worship:https://youtu.be/IdJBYyNsQd0