Forever Young

 





Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:4-5


What is the infatuation with youth?
Marketing experts try to look for the perfect models to sell their products. Most often life is depicted as a fun haven for those 50 and under. Older people matter too and are often overlooked by young hot shots who at times don’t want to ‘trouble the old man’. 

With age comes wisdom. You may stereotype ‘seniors’ as slow and old and that is truly not fair. The brain is still working and more times than not many of them feel devalued or useless after they retire. There is nothing in God’s word about joining a club for mature adults and kicking back with pickle ball till you are called home. 

If you are ‘mature’ go back to work if you want to. Younger managers hire those older citizens as they have life experiences that are quite invaluable. Find volunteer work where your skills can make a difference. Try a new hobby or take a class. Hey write a book. 🤔If you are blessed to be welcome in your grandchildren’s lives make an impact there. Go and rest and know God is not finished with you yet. 

PRAYER: I thank you for people young and old. Every life matters to you even those society would cast off. Help me to be brave to try new things and live life with gusto. Use me to impact someone. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Encounters

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Matthew 7:12 ESV 

I am blessed to get to travel on planes about once a month. I always try to smile at people especially those with frowns. And engaging in conversation is rewarding too if a person is willing to talk or they start talking first. 

Often times if you aren’t looking down at your phone you can meet interesting people. Engaging is important as people these past two years have been so isolated often to the point of needing mental health therapy. 

If you want to be a friend you have to show yourself friendly. Be the one who extends the invite for coffee or lunch and maybe even the old school way of actually in your own home which seems to have almost disappeared. Be aware there are people out there needing a friend. You never know who the Lord will place in your path. 

PRAYER: I am grateful to be able to meet others and enjoy smiling and encouraging others. Sometimes I need encouraged so bring me an encounter when it is needed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Is Greater!

 

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?Numbers 23:19

What is bothering you? Do you feel overwhelmed with something in your life that you almost feel stuck or how are things going to change and get better?Sometimes things are like that. I know I have been there and am sort of there right now. 

Hang on to the rope my friend. God is holding the other end and he loves you and wants you to trust he is way bigger than anything coming against you or someone you are praying for. 

Try to be still. That is very hard I know personally. No matter if you feel there is no way out you messed up too bad there always is. 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and I choose to rejoice. I give you the praise even when things go wrong. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Spinning Plates

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV Bible Gateway

If you aren’t a baby boomer you probably have no idea what I am referring to in spinning plates. Well Ed Sullivan frequently has plate spinners on his Sunday eveningvariety show who would attempt to see how many plates they could spin on a tiny pole atone time. 

Do you ever feel like your life is a spinning plates? Let’s  say you post or text something not meant to hurt anyone and out of the woodwork come all these offended people. Or you just can’t say no to things and find yourself swamped with commitments and your own life on top of it. 

The one thing that is certain is God’s love for you and his understanding of your concerns. Do you have a burden weighing you down my friend. I know I have a few I wrestle with and ask God to sustain me. Whatever it is go to Him and have a talk(pray) and then trust He will help. 

PRAYER: Each day is a new day with fresh challenges and I ask for help to resist the attacks and onslaught of Satan who tries so hard to trip believers up especially when they are having healing or victory. Help me stand strong and others I know facing challenges. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

The Storms Of Life

 

The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.Nahum 1:7

 

Recently here in Idaho we had a nice thunderstorm after no rain since May. It was wonderful. Storms of life aren’t always wonderful nor something you look forward to.

 

The ‘storm’ could be a scary medical diagnosis. Being rejected by a long time friend. Perhaps a relational storm or some sort. God is there and will be your shelter. 

Often you may not understand what is going on or why things occur as they do but after these ‘storms’ subside you more than likely start seeing the silver lining of why they were necessary.

 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the lessons I learn and how I grow during the temporary storms of life. I choose patience and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Turn Heads This School Year

 



Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.Rather, it should be that of your inner self,the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.1 Peter 3:3-4

It is that time again when consumerism takes center stage to make school age children feel they have to have a certain look to be ‘cool’ at school. One ad said to ‘Turn Heads’ so I used it for title. 

If you are not supposed to worry what others think and attempt to pass that on to the next generation you have to combat this line of thinking of ‘look at me’ and instead try to cultivate the importance of the inner man and spiritual walk. Yes hard I know in homes where TV and computer pop up ads grab the attention of girls especially. 

You can not let this present culture shape the youth. Children can be mean to be sure and the ‘world’ is all about appearance and titles so you have to seek God daily and ask for guidance in combating this earthly force. 

PRAYER: Father help the parents of this nation to be wise in decisions and help me to not follow this culture. Give me strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

Weeds?

The seed sown among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.Matthew 13:22

Don’t you just hate weeds? You try for a pristine green smooth golf course looking lawn then out of nowhere here they come. 

Life has its’ weeds too in that you are chugging right along and then poof, a ‘weed’ aka spiritual test,  comes along. It could be in the form of bad news, hurt feelings, confusion, an answer to prayer that seemingly backfired, relational issues. 

Don’t give up. Keep praying as that chokes the devils plans to disrupt your life. Never quit believing and for certain don’t stop your morning quiet time. 

PRAYER: I know the Bible is the best weed killer ever getting deep into my spirit when I read it and apply it and as I soak in the truths I can combat any choking weeds the enemy tries to invade my peaceful ‘garden’ with. Give me strength to press in. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Get Control Of Anger

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man works not the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

You can be angry but do not sin as it says in Psalm 4:4. Uncontrolled anger is like a forest ablaze. 

Are you angry or upset about something? I think if you are honest you can say truthfully you have been agitated about stuff. Call it miffed at spouse, hurt by friend, maybe misunderstood. If you can’t get a grip and let it go real problems will surface. 

Satan is the one behind the anger whether justified or not.The little weasel wants you to keep on trying to win and get the last word. Don’t do it my friend.  Keep your heart still and your mouth closed and pray. 

PRAYER: Father I give you any anger I have towards anyone in my life. I want to grow spiritual fruit and anger is rotten. Guide me daily to shine for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Help Is From The Lord

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54:4

What is going on in your life right now? Estrangement from family or adult children, recent death, financial troubles, betrayal, sickness, or maybe you are blessed to have every thing going smoothly. God cares and he is your help. 

No matter what you are aching from God has endured pain too. Remember the Cross? 

God is a God of miracles and nothing is impossible for Him. He has a time, reason, season for everything. Trust him with the issues.Don’t allow demons of darkness to drag you down. Stay uplifted. 

PRAYER: Lord you are almighty and wonderful and I release every care and weight to you. I know you are working. Deliver those from evil who are being tricked and deceived. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mental Strongholds??

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.2 Corinthians 10:4

What exactly is a mental stronghold? It is when you get fixated on some issue that drags you down and steals your peace. It is not thinking on things ‘above’ but instead letting your thoughts be scattered all over. 

To lead a victorious Christian life it is necessary you get a grip on your random thinking. Thoughts sometimes come from things you allow in your mind so be careful and make your reading, TV viewing, movies and such not drag you into a cesspool. 

Perhaps you have prayed continuously over a issue and trust God will work in His time and for His glory but you become impatient and  you step in and mess things up and you almost go back to square one. Philippians 4:8 says to think on things above. Read the entire verse found in the New Testament after Ephesians. Now go and work on keeping your mind focused and thinking on godly things. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord how I love your word and love to soak it in daily. I pray you will help me stop jumping the gun playing Holy Spirit junior and trust on your timing. In Jesus’ name. Ame

Don’t Be Offended

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.Proverbs 18:19 ESV

Offense ruins so many relationships. Offense is like self pity. Probably everyone gets offended at one time or another but it is recognizing it and getting control of this nasty emotion that is important.  

Someone hurts you and you sulk and take offense. If you read in the book if 2 Timothy 3:1-5 in the New Testament it mentions offense along with a host of really other terrible things that will take place in the last days. Now no one knows when the last days is. Every day is closer for sure. 

Maybe you are not even aware you have taken offense but have had people take offense and almost ruin a relationship. The enemy is the one behind being offended. Why can’t brothers and sisters in Christ just take a ‘chill pill’ and instead of lashing out try to reverse course showing love. Give it a try! 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am sorry when I do something that causes a person to take offense and I pray for myself to put up a guard against being offended. Help me recognize it and show love instead. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Let Things Go

 

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIVBible Gateway

At times it is necessary to let things go. Off the top of my head I think of children leaving the nest for college, marriage, or the military. I have heard that a mama bird will start making the nest uncomfortable and eventually the babies are pushed out and fly away as God intended.

Things you don’t want to let go of are friendships, dreams, goals because they spur you on to growth. The things that weigh you down like mistakes of the past need to be forgotten. Many mistakes teach you valuable lessons.

Running your race to win you need to learn to let go of heaviness of the past and keep looking straight ahead seeking God’s guidance.

PRAYER:Lord I need your guidance daily so I don’t go wandering off on my own tangents. Help me be still so I can hear your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Click link for song of worship: https://youtu.be/rtD-_q2kl-Q

Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 ESV

Even within the body of Christ there can be so much division when followers of Jesus start to have division over worship style, denomination, being charismatic, those on fire for the Lord and so forth. A wedge can easily be driven and make Satan jump up and down when you lack understanding of a persons’ style of worship. 

If not careful you can become self righteous or legalistic when you envision things a certain way and they don’t go that way. The Holy Spirit is your guide. He fills some with the spirit and they get another prayer language which us meant to glorify God. He bestows gifts on people. He uses those in the body of Christ to do His work and uses many different ways. 

The main thing is to bring glory to God and let His love help set the prisoners free meaning those bound up who need freedom from lifestyles, addictions, maybe even need deliverance from themselves. Where are you at today friend? Do you judge others or stay focused on Christ the King? 

PRAYER: It is so easy to allow Satan to wreck friendships over stupid things when our main goal is to love the Lord with our heart,souls, and mind and for some that is jumping for joy and others simply are still. Help me never judge another and look to you for answers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song with a point: 

https://youtu.be/5_dNilPu2oI

Giant Playgrounds Are Fun!

 

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.1 Timothy 4:8 NKJV Bible Gateway

If you watch children on a playground whether it is at a park, McDonalds or even at a fitness center children’s area, you observe children having so much fun on the equipment which is way fancier than our old school jungle gyms. Children don’t realize it is exercise but it is quite the workout for any adults who have joined their grandchildren or children. I often think adults need one for them.

What if you were to give as much concern to exercising your spirit just as if it were your body. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit so it is good to not mistreat it or desecrate it but our spirit is what needs daily feeding.

Each day is a challenge to stay on track and make sure to spend a quiet time alone with God for if you don’t, soon spiritual ‘muscles’ weaken and your desire wanes. Satan loves disinterested brothers and sisters in Christ who little by little start to put their quiet time on back burner. Make it happen some way even if it is only Christian music playing to sooth your spirit. Now go grow in Christ. Cast off junk that weighs you down.

PRAYER: Lord I love your word the Bible for it is life giving. Forgive me when not only do I fail to pray but also to hide your word in my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Heavy Heart?

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.1 Peter 5:10 KJV

Are you feeling a heaviness in your heart over family issues, betrayals, confusion and emotional pain. When you get like this stop and don’t react but be still. 

Many issues can cause you to feel a heaviness. Being left out. Being new to a community and feeling lonely. Perhaps a disagreement with a friend. Maybe an argument with your spouse. Financial problems.  Estrangement from adult children. 
 

So much is beyond your control so the thing to do is to try to trust that God is going to take care of it. The enemy would like you so caught up in emotions that you would overreact and do something you later regret. Pray, relax, pray again and get your mind on things above. 

PRAYER: Father at times my heart aches and I try many times on my own to try to let things go and relax. Help me never stop praying, believing, and knowing you have the final say. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When Things Don’t Go As Planned

 

My plans aren’t your plans,nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
9 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways,
    and my plans than your plans.Isaiah 58:8-9 CEB Bible Gateway

The day has started and you can not yet find the time to spend with the Lord. Many things are possibly going on in your life that you can’t figure out. 

You feel sad and in despair and try to stay focused and keep your mind off the problems. Sometimes it is a tremendous challenge and you need to seek God and the peace He offers. Humanly you may have no way to ‘fix’ what is going on so you have to give it to God. 

My friend God loves you and He wants you to trust Him and be at peace. Whatever it is He is bigger remember that. 

PRAYER: Lord help me as I seek to stay still and in peace. You are in control and I know that. Help me stay focused on things above. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

What Exactly Is Grace?

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.2 Corinthians 9:8

The definition I have heard of grace is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense or unmerited favor. You do the crime you pay the fine right? Not so much with God. 

Sure you are held accountable for the wrongs you have done and sins you have committed but if you have confessed them and truly repented God offers you a clean slate so to speak. 

He forgives so why can’t we forgive? While we were sinners Christ died for us. Who does that? No one. So brother and sister know whatever wrong you have done come to God and let him give you a new heart and extend grace to you 

PRAYER: I don’t deserve all you have done for me Lord but you are a God of second chances, third chances etc and for that I thank you. Help me learn to lean in to what you have for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love Is-Part 7

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11, NIV).

Do you desire for your love to abound and grow so that others see you as one who shows unconditional love?This is a great scripture to pray over your family members simply by putting their name in place of the word ‘your’ to personalize it. Try it. 

Wouldn’t you love to be so full of love that you could look at anyone through eyes of love even some of our politicians, now that would be a test. To demonstrate love and kindness even to those who hurt, betray, and belittle you. 

Think of what Jesus endured during his short life on Earth. He was unjustly hated yet he never took revenge. As a follower try to imitate His behavior. 

PRAYER: A childhood Christian song said “Lord I want to be a Christian in my heart in my heart” and help me Lord to not look upon others judging them but to work on my own walk with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love Is-Part 6

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 Bible Gateway NIV

Love is loving others not condemning them or judging because, hey that is not your job. Don’t Judge, period. That is God’s job. 

It is easy to say ugly things about people. You don’t know their whole story. For instance on recent air travels I saw a girl all in black with a backpack reading ‘Handbook for the Recently Deceased’. It made me sad so too when I  recall the encounters I had on National Day of Prayer with Satan worshippers who confronted me in the Idaho State Capitol. I was kind and also I was praying for them. 

You have no idea what journey led a person to be who they appear to be and you can pray and just try to keep any negative comments to yourself. All of us have some brokenness in our lives. Be sensitive and realize God has plans. Be kind. 

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I judge people wrongly. I have no idea why people end up in a broken situation but help me to sincerely reach out and not be afraid and I have to remember I too have scars. In Jesus’ name.Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Love Is-Part 5

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. Love never fails.1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV Bible gateway

For the fifth and final in this series it is key to remember Love NEVER fails. Period. Love is absence of anger, agitation, grudges, and  hate. Love is eternal in the big scheme of things. 

If only all people could learn and put into action real love for their fellowman. Love between man and wife is to be pure and Holy. Love with friends should be honest and kind. Love with everyone should emulate Christlike behavior. 

So where are you today? Do you need a bit of work in the love category? God is there just reach out to him. And ask Him to help you forgive others whether you feel like it or not. 

PRAYER: I need you to show me how to love those it is hard to like. Use me Lord to demonstrate Christian love and forgive me when I fail with those closest to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love Is`Part 4

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.1 Corinthians 13:7

If this verse were applied in ever facet of life there would be much less hurt and pain in life. Loves bears, believes, hopes, endures. Just imagine. 

Are there areas in your life that need a dose of this verse to saturate your whole being? Even when talked to ugly or snubbed or whatever, apply it and be encouraged. 

Everyone needs hope and you can hope, pray, and believe for things and rest knowing your Heavenly Father hears you and loves you. Maybe on the endurance part you have reached the end of your rope and can’t imagine taking any more. That is exactly the response Satan wants from you in order to get you to completely give up and give in. March on and keep the faith. 

PRAYER: Forever your word is settled and I know that you want me to press on with whatever in life is happening now and to stay always hopeful. Give me strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love Is- Part 3

It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6

You are born you die. It is the in between of living that you are given an opportunity to shine for Jesus. Part 3 of the love series says love is not happy with wrong doing.

So let’s see, wrong doing. Being ugly, hateful, vindictive, hurtful, wishing evil on those who hurt you or hurt others.

Wouldn’t you rather seek to be truthful and kind no matter what kind of garbage you have to deal with?

Love does make the world go around and love means more than a mushy Hollywood movie. Love seeks the best for other people. Satan likes to get in the way and confuse what real love is. Ponder that and go have a blessed day.

PRAYER:May I always know what Christlike love is and show it to those in my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love Is-Part 2

 

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5

So are you are person full of love, the love like God intended?This review of one verse at a time to think about its meaning and if you are truly walking in love should help open your eyes to ways you may need Holy Spirit guidance. 

Do you keep a record of wrongs like do you hold on to some silly quarrel or jealousy from your high school days? Let it go. Do you seek self glory or put others before yourself? In this ‘selfie’ generation this needs much work even from those who think they are under control. Do you try to hurt other people or build them up? And do you anger easily? 

Once again a small verse packs such a punch in your spiritual walk. If only these verses were followed there would be so much less pain, division, and anger on our world. Do your part to make it happen in your little corner of the world. 

PRAYER: Father I want to love like you love. Even if spoken to in a cruel manner help me brush it off and be cool not lashing back. Guide my steps and my words. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love Is-Part 1

 

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

On your journey in life love is a key factor. 1 Corinthians 13 is often used in marriage ceremonies because it is full of the real meaning of love. 

Are you patient and are you kind? With everyone? Are you jealous when others seem to get a better deal on life? That is not loving. Read the scripture out loud and think what it means. 

Love is kind even when humanly it may have all the reason to fight back. Patience is key in loving relationships and not being quick to provoke or cause a dispute. 

There is so very much packed into this one tiny verse. Why not try to aim for fulfilling this in your life. Think before overreacting, texting, and spewing forth on social media. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you journey through life. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and I want my life to emulate a follower of Christ. It is difficult to do that when I lash out at others with my mouth with words I never thought about before I said them. Keep me still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Is Your Life Derailed?

 

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you ever feel like a train that has jumped the track and laying in a heap of metal along side the tracks? When trains derail lives are often lost and chaos ensues. 

Perhaps recent events in your life have not gone so well. A broken relationship, a death of a loved one, loss of job, illness, bad medical diagnoses, a lawsuit, whatever it is God is still there and as cliche as it may sound He really does care. You have to take time and let Him hear from you. 

Each and every day make time for God. All sorts of distractions may try to get you away from doing it but make it a priority. Going through stuff helps shape you into a more useable vessel for the Lord. He can make beauty out of ashes. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord at times my heart aches so much and life feels like it is swirling beyond my control but in reality you are in control and love me more than I can even imagine. Give me strength to hang on during the derailments of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Don't Need A Building To Worship But.....

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”Hebrews 10:24-25 

….will you really worship? A person can say they love Jesus and don’t need to be in a building on Sunday to prove it but oh how these individuals need fellowship. Don’t do life alone friend. 

Perhaps you have been burned by a bad ‘religious’ experience. Maybe the church you were in was only because that was the one you were used to so you are afraid to venture beyond a certain denomination. 

It is essential that Christ, His word, His truths not be put on the back burner of life. Deep down you know you need to find a church to fellowship in. Everyone needs a place they can belong and have friends. Beyond church are the small group Bible studies to nurture you. Find yourself a life giving loving spirit filled church home today. 

PRAYER: Your word is a lamp to my feet and the experience of being with other like minded people keeps me grounded and going in the direction of the cross. Alert me to any obstacles Satan throws at me to keep me from wanting fellowship. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: click link below to find a life giving church in your area. 

Www.associationofrelatedchurches.com

STDFST

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.1 Corinthians 15:58

What does it mean to be steadfast? The letters that make up my devotion title today were seen on a car tag here in Idaho. I just love figuring out messages the owners are trying to convey. It was a Marine Corps owner so it may have even had to do with standing strong for this nation. 

Steadfast means to be unyielding, unwavering, determined. Ephesians 4:14 speaks of not being like children tossed about who can’t make up their minds but to be steadfast as well. 

Being steadfast is a very important character trait to develop and it is done by not getting entangled in worldly affairs that can draw you away from the Lord. It is also keeping your mind focused on things above(Philippians 4:8). How are you in the steadfast department? 

PRAYER: I need you to be my stronghold every minute of everyday to help me not get tripped up and sucked into the deception the enemy throws at me. I choose steadfastness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Are You Prideful?

 

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

“No not me” you might say but what exactly is pride as it is classified as a bad thing in God’s Word. It could be excessive concern over others thinking you don’t qualify or aren’t good enough. Or excessive self esteem to the point of acting haughty.

Think of being too prideful to stoop down and help someone from another economic status than yourself. Pride can in fact lead to a fall.

You are never to toot your own horn or get in someone’s face but instead to seek ways to lift others up and bring glory to God.

PRAYER: Father God I need you each day to help keep me from acting like I too big for my britches. Help me to remember to reach out to others without wanting anything in return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Look Beyond The Tatts

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 NIV Bible gateway

 

It is so easy to make judgments because of misinformation or appearances. The baby boomer generation mostly saw tattoos on sailors, soldiers, gang members  whereas nowadays they seem to be everywhere. 

If you get so focused on judging people who have tattoos you may lose any opportunity for friendship or showing the love of Jesus. Some pastors even have tattoos and I have seen believers with tats showing crosses and Bible verses. I am not here to throw a Bible verse out about not marking up ‘the temple of God’ your body, but simply to say love and not judge. 

I will end with this comical story. 40 years ago we took our first cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines and on board I kept seeing people with little round stickers on their necks so I thought it was a cult so we avoided them and when a few hours went by and we discovered the patches were for sea sickness. Did we get a good laugh. The point is to love one another. You never know how your interaction might make a difference for the kingdom. 

PRAYER:Lord I am not perfect. People might not like my hair, my clothes, and other outward things but inside my heart is sold out to you Jesus. Help me show unconditional love for those I encounter daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

No More Curve Balls Satan

 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.1 Peter 5:8 NLT

 Do you know the enemy knows your weak areas and will throw curve balls of sorts to try to trip you up and get you off track and messed up? Knowing this you should strengthen yourself with scripture and keep your spiritual armor on. 

Church is not just a place to go on Sunday and punch a ticket but it is, or should be, a training ground for fighting the enemy and instilling hope in those who are feeling in despair especially after these past two years. 

It is essential that you read your Bible and if you feel overwhelmed with even knowing how because you have not been spiritually trained, then just begin with the book of John in the New Testament. Each and every day you pray and get some scripture in your mind you will start on the journey to defeating the enemy and his tricks and schemes. Stay strong and avoid curve balls. 

PRAYER: I am grateful father God for the Holy Spirit which guides me into all truth. I pray for anyone today who feels helpless, confused, alone, lost, lonely, or scared. Bring peace and a friend to come along side them to help them get into a spiritual mindset to live for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.