Who Is In Control Anyway?

 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”Isaiah 55:8

Do you ever try to orchestrate things in life to make them happen? How’s that working out for you? 

You pray, you wait. You pray and believe some more. Once again you wait. Why hasn’t that job promotion come? Where is the job offer I expected to get? Why don’t I hear from my adult children more? Why don’t people understand me? Many issues in life can be taxing on you and you may just feel like taking control but please don’t. 

Continue to trust God. Talk to him daily. He loves to hear from you. Is there a person you need to forgive? Do it. Do you feel anger or bitterness in your heart. Let it go before it eats you up on the inside. Learn to put others first and be a server not a taker. Soon you will be able to develop the patience God wants you to have while he works all things out. Just standby. 

PRAYER: I need you every day and every minute of every day Lord. When I try to control my life I turn it into a big mess. I know your plan for me is better than what I could ever work out. Help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Don’t Get It! I Don’t Understand Lord

 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

 

Why does a baby die right after birth? Why does a child rebel after being raised for Christ? Why does a adult child reject God’s teachings and follow the world?All I know is I know many fine Christian people who have suffered immense pain on this side of Heaven and can’t really explain the why. 

Suffering ultimately will result in you drawing closer to the Lord. It can be used for God’s purposes. God never promises anyone an easy life. Stuff happens. At times the struggles can be used for God’s glory. You may recall a ‘tiny little sin’ in the Garden Of Eden which caused the fall of man and messed up all that God had planned for humans. Ever since then degradation has been blatant and intentional and God’s rule book is not being followed or is being revised by those whose sin is not that bad. 

You don’t have to let this world make you sad but you can help be a servant of God By helping others who are down and out. Sometimes when you do amazingly you feel better as well. Trust that if you have prayed and believe God hears you then be still and know God will see you through. 

PRAYER: Thank you for another day of life. Help me to look to you in turning my despair into joy. Thank you for joy which I can give to others simply by a smile. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

How Is Your Delight Meter?

 

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Psalm 1:1-3 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you feel delighted right now? Delight means great pleasure, happiness, to please.

In the Chronicles of Narnia the White Witch used Turkish delight candy to entice the children and trick them. I had Turkish delight once at a vendor at Pike Place Market in Seattle. It is good but could it be used for real to entice people to fall from God? Yes it is only a movie but makes you think.

Is there something or someone you take delight in more than you delight in God? Do you have the joy of the Lord in your heart? Not joy for a church building, a denomination, a preacher or priest, a format of worship but do you find joy in the Almighty God? Have you spent time with Him today or do you just wait til Sunday? If you don’t have delight in God ask Him to remove anything that is taking priority over Him and to create in you a desire and delight in Him.

PRAYER: Lord many times I have let other things get in the way of spending time with you. It is way more than just one hour on Sunday. Create in me a desire to seek you more than I do now. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Never Has Bad Days

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.Romans 5:3-4

Do you ever wake up and your mind is in the wrong place and you sort of are in a funk? Everyone has a bad day every now and then, but you can kick that bad day out ASAP. 

Basically the enemy likes to keep you feeling down and defeated because then you will not use the power given to you by Holy Spirit to come against forces trying to get you gloomy. Many times you have to get your mind in the right place and stop overthinking things or concocting scenarios in your head that are far from Holy and far from true. 

Try sharing some joy as you go through your day. Don’t allow Satan to disable you from being effective in God’s kingdom. Get your mind focused and clear and sit down and read the book of John in New Testament for starters. If you see a verse that jumps out at you underline or highlight it. Don’t be afraid to write in your Bible it is a book to be used not admired on a shelf. Get up and get going as you run your race to WIN!

PRAYER: Jesus I am thankful for each and every day of life. Forgive me if I have ever allowed Satan to toy with my emotions and make me feel like life would be better without me. First that is self pity and next I know you want to to shine for Jesus and not live for myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Lift Others Up

 



I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Eph. 1:18–19a).

When you hear the word ‘lift’ what comes to mind? What I am referring to in my title is to lift the people up in prayer. For instance this verse would be an ideal verse to pray over your children, spouse, grandchildren. 

Do you have a place in your home you specifically go and have morning time with God? It is good to make it a priority to have a certain area and then to commit to doing it. In the movie ‘War Room’ the war room referred to this ladies prayer closet where she went to fight battles against the enemy. If you don’t do this then it may sound strange or if your particular religious denomination is pretty tame or formal then you might think I sound nutty.

It doesn’t matter what denomination you are you need to pray to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, not to a statue, not to Mary(sorry that may come back to bite me), not to a Saint, not to angels,  but to the creator of the Universe. In him we live, move and have our being. If you don’t know the Lord yet I mean really sincerely know him and love him and desire to spend time with Him then it may be time to search your heart to see if you have made anything else an idol over the Lord. 

PRAYER: Father today I hear your voice and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit to lead me and guide me. Help any persons whose religion has gotten in the way of knowing Jesus to cry out to Him today. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

“Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda].Matthew10:16 AMP Bible Gateway 

Many things in the culture are designed to lure people into a trap if you are not careful. Knowing the Truth and studying God’s word will help you steer clear of bumps in the road or earthly potholes. 

Following the world’s truth is a definite trap of the enemy. Not having discerning spiritual senses to recognize good and evil is another issue. For instance if you look through the lenses of the Holy Spirit it will shut the doors on many activities. Parents of young children need to be alert to ways the enemy can even work his schemes through television, movies, books and yes even in school. I don’t say this to be a ‘religious nutjob’ but to say the devil does prowl around like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour.(1 Peter 5:8). 

Stay alert, don’t feed your mind with constant news feeds and if you are able, and I think most of us can, put down the cell phones and enjoy looking at the beauty of the world around you. Make a priority to pray always no matter where you are. Open your life to the Holy Spirit to direct your path and keep you from stumbling. 

PRAYER: Today I choose joy over remorse and gloominess. I choose to focus on good and not dwell on the past or concern myself with the future. I choose to stay peaceful. Help me on this journey Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

In A Foreign Land

Do not conform to the pattern of this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Romans 12:2 NIV Bible gateway

You don’t actually have to go to a foreign country where different languages are spoken to feel like you are in a totally different environment. For me moving 2100 miles from Tennessee to Idaho put me in a different place within my own country. From Southern to Western. 

Brother and sister if you claim to be followers of Christ you are in a foreign land as well. You abide or dwell here while alive knowing your real home is in Heaven. You are not to let this world change you but you are to change the world. Satan absolutely hates this and will do anything to get you to trip and fall. 

If not careful it is easy to let the culture indoctrinate you. This is why it is essential to keep your lifeline, the Bible, by your side. Many have the Bible App right on their phone so utilize it or get a pocket Bible. In it you find truth and can gain hope for the future. Today harden not your heart and if far from God cry out to Him to help you. In Him you have life everlasting. 

PRAYER: Help me to learn Lord that I am not to love this world or become too attached to things in this world as they are temporary. I ask you to help me break any strongholds keeping me from knowing you better. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

It’s That Time Of Year Again

Abstain from every form of evil.1 Thessalonians 5:22

Even though Fall is my favorite time of year, at this time of year it seems like the world goes ga ga over Halloween and even starts touting ‘holiday’ stuff. I choose to remain peaceful and try to just take it a day at a time. 

Even many believers have bought into the innocent celebration of Halloween and go ahead and put up witches, devils, and icons of evil to decorate their homes. I guess they aren’t convicted yet of what all that represents and it sort of opens a door to the enemy in my humble opinion. I choose not to let evil have a seat at my table so to speak. To many it is no big deal and they find it cute such as a recent comment made about a neighbor’s ‘cute witch hats’ on her porch. 

If you like having one foot in the world fine. I know some wonderful Christian people who are not convicted by the Holy Spirit of this being sinister or evil so to each their own but I wanted to give you something to think about. Sure the cute little children, my grandchildren included, going door to door for candy is ok I guess, I did it, but the open door to the enemy by making Satan’s kingdom a joke and celebrating it on this day. 

PRAYER: Father I command the demons of darkness to not have an influence around my house or neighborhood or around my family. I ask you to help people enjoy fall activities like cornfield mazes and hayrides and leave the darkness alone. Give strength to those brother and sisters who even like to toy with horror movies during this time of year. Help me keep my mind pure and not get self righteous but I pray for God to come alive in the minds of those taken captive by this holiday. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Persevere In Prayer

I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3

 Is there something you have been in prayer about and perhaps saw some progress but then things seemed to go in a completely opposite direction? Satan will do his best to throw in in a monkey wrench so to speak and get you doubting God heard you and is at work. 

You have to purpose in your heart to keep your heart to ‘don’t go there’ when you start to get off track and let your mind go wild. It is a spiritual discipline. Don’t go to Facebook go to His book the Bible. If you don’t know where to go start in the book of John in the New Testament. 

Trust God has a plan and knowing His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). Look around you at those who are out and about. Only God knows what is in their hurting heart. Your enemy hates it when you are at peace and not worried but can rest that yes, God has this! 

 PRAYER: God you are a very present help in time of trouble and if I don’t get up each day and start with prayer and run flip on TV news or get distracted it is hard to have a clear peaceful mind. Help me Lord to shut out distractions pulling me away from my time with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Depend On God Not Man

 

You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape. Psalm 88:8

I have had friends turn their back on me and it is hurtful. Someone prefers to not hang around you due to a personality quirk or misunderstanding but the good news is God loves you  quirks and all. You are His child and His heart aches when people, whether family or friends, mistreat you and tell lies about you. 

Pick yourself up and know that you are special to God. You can’t make people like you and sometimes it might sadly be a misunderstanding with a family member. Know this that Satan is out to destroy relationships especially families. 

Jesus was ridiculed, mistreated, picked on, mocked, beat, snubbed you name it he experienced it. He never fought back and he felt sorry for them. So knowing that I guess you are in good company. Be kind even when people hurt you or mistreat you. Keep praying for breakthrough and in the meantime stay in touch daily with God through quiet time and Bible reading. Leave people alone who don’t care about you and concentrate on the ones who value you. Now go and have a great day. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you. I need to stay focused on you no matter what is going on in my life and for whatever verbal abuse I may receive from others. I choose to be kind, to try to be still, and to let you guide my mouth and my steps. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Whoops-Get A Shovel

 

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,James 1:19 NIV Bible Gateway

In this age of technology and quick communication it can be easy to send a text or email to the wrong person. I have done it and been on receiving end. Once a co-worker intended to send a text to my supervisor lying about me and it came to me instead. Talk about uneasy confrontation.

So get your shovel and dig your hole deeper if you have done this. God can forgive and things can be forgotten but it sure is quite embarrassing. This is why wisdom, stillness, and our mouth are so vital. Being able to let God be totally in control.

Being still and not overreacting is so important. It can help alleviate a forest fire of sorts. The mouth is a dangerous thing if not controlled. Yours truly needs lots of work, anyone with me? Anyway read today’s Bible verse and take it to heart. Ask God to help you let that be your goal.

PRAYER: Thank you for another day you have given me. Help me not be so quick to open my mouth or text. Help me Lord to be at peace and share your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#Biblegatewayblogger

Get Behind Me Satan!

 

But Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Matthew 16:33

Sometimes you just have to yell at the devil. To some that may sound odd especially if you grew up in a faith tradition that never even emphasized Satan and spiritual warfare. Some churches didn’t even use the Bible or encourage others to do so.

If you didn’t know about spiritual warfare it is time now to embrace the fact that this is a spiritual battle between God and the devil we are fighting. Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers and sometimes blinds the minds of those listening to other voices such as NBC,ABC, CNN, CBS, Facebook friends. The enemy is a grand trickster who can slip in the ‘back’ disguising himself as an angel of light and create havoc. 

If you have spoken the word over a person to get set free from something in their life and seemingly they were then all of a sudden, a person you don’t even recognize inhabits the body of this person acting mean, hateful, rude, denying truth and so forth know that you still need to fight because Satan is trying to muddle the truth. So my friend get up each day joyful no matter what you may be going through, a battle with cancer, a period of grieving, a prodigal child, and let Satan have it. Say NO to his lies and tell Him who is in charge. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for the friends and family in my life who have cared for me through the years and prayed for me. I ask Lord that you help me not get up fretting over a situation but know that the story is far from over so give me faith to go th distance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Has Moved On, Can You?

 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.Galatians 5:16

Do you have trouble forgiving yourself or others? Harboring grudges leads to bitterness which is one of Satan’s tools not God’s. Arguing a point that will never be fixed until Holy Spirit intervention. 

Let’s say you did something stupid or says something hurtful or stupid and now you totally wish you could wave a wand and take it back. If you talked to God he forgave you but sometimes it takes humans longer to show the fruits of the spirit. 

If everyone who claims to be ‘in Christ’ could understand that we need to walk in the spirit and not fulfill desires of flesh life would be so much better but alas the prince of darkness Satan is always lurking trying to get Christians to fall back into their old ways. You are not unaware of this so stand strong. 

PRAYER: Father I need you every hour. I need you to help me to not respond to hurtful, hateful texts and learn to forgive even when I don’t ‘feel’ like it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Where Is Your Focus?

 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Philippians 4:8

Where does most your mental energy go when not actively involved working or on a project? Does it try to fix things or make things right often digging a bigger hole?

Worrying about people liking you or what they think can waste much energy and the social media generation doesn’t help much to curb that. Also unresolved conflicts or hasty words spoken that start to erode a relationship are perhaps where to focus on getting your thoughts on things above and how to heal that brokenness in a relationship. 

Are you in a dispute now with someone and not sure how it will be resolved? Are you hurting over misspoken misunderstood words? Stop, breathe, pray, repeat. Offended people are hard to win. Whatever it is God can heal and restore your relationship. Just rest and trust him and be still. 

PRAYER: Father I need your help robot keep fueling arguments that go nowhere. Satan loves division and enjoys especially when brothers in Christ dispute each other. I recognize it is spiritual warfare. Help heal any relationships caused by getting our focus off you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Did God Really Say??

Did God Really Say??

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”Genesis 3:1

Ever since the creation of man the serpent in the form of Satan has been working hard to make men and women, boys and girls fall into his crafty evil hands. Just like this verse for today he twists scripture and would love to see there be no Truth. 

You may know someone who has allowed Satan to twist the truth in their lives. There are those lethargic souls who somehow seem to find a way to justify not having much to do with God. You may even be called ‘religious’ by others who don’t know what else to call you simply because your prioritize God in your life or seemingly go overboard with crosses and scriptures everywhere. 

Yes my friend the devil is working hard to destroy truth. The latest is the gender confusion allowing people to have an operation if they no longer like their gender. God created male and female and he made not one mistake. Pray for those people you may know buying into the bait of Satan as author John Bevere calls it in his book. All the evil you see in society and ugliness is caused by evil that masquerades as laws. Stand firm and don’t be misled and conduct yourself daily as a follower of Jesus and don’t neglect your daily time with God. The more you do it will be easier to say “Did God really say?”.

PRAYER: I am grateful for a mom and dad who taught me about Jesus and pray for those who were not so fortunate. I lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ and pray for them to stand firm against any evil trying to tear them down. Guard my heart Father and help me to stay on the path of Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a powerful song of worship:https://youtu.be/tcuiuIwtpa4

Super-spreader For Jesus

 



Let God arise let His enemies be scattered. Let them also that hate Him flee before Him. Psalms 68:1

Recently a motion picture by Sean Feucht was in theaters nationwide entitled ‘Super Spreader’ referring to the terms during Covid that events with crowds caused the spread of Covid 19. Now hold your horses this is not a mask up or don’t mask up devotion but I simply loved the title so decided to incorporate into my writing. 

How about this. Can you be a super spreader for Christ? How do you do that you say?Well instead of sinking into self pity and your own problems get out and share God’s love with a simple smile, prayer for a stranger who may be on wrong path because of the ugliness of bumper stickers on their car. Stay off social media and think of ways you can bless another person.

 

Jesus love is contagious and should spread like wild fire. The footprints of God are all over our nation’s founding but forces of darkness try to get rid of anything about the Lord. Instead of denominational fighting how about fight against the devil for a change. He lies, deceives, cheats, steals and for sure we need God’s love to bring sinners to their knees before it is too late. Let your heart break for those lost souls and leave your own issues on the shelf as God is working on them. Now go be a blessing to someone. 

PRAYER: Today and every day is a gift and help me not squander it by thinking of only me and letting my mind go wild but instead it try to figure out ways to help others and spread The love of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Storms?

When the whirlwind passes Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.Proverbs 10:25

What storms are you dealing with in your life right now. The key to calming the raging storms which swirl in your life is to have daily quiet time with God. If you can get away somewhere like next to a stream or a mountain top even better. 

Those people who deal with hurricanes like just witnessed had terrifying destructive storms that destroyed what they had worked hard for. But your storm may be a threat of divorce, betrayal by a friend, an estranged family member no longer contacting you, custody battle, family problems, neighborhood disputes, financial problems, whatever it is run to God. 

Life was never promised to be without problems and it is through these problems you gain strength to keep going on if you remain in Christ and don’t start caving to the lies and tricks of the enemies. Run hard to Him my friend. Let your mind think on Him not things of this world. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for walking beside me each and every day. When I try to do things under my own strength I mess up bad. Satan may try to inflict many storms but with your help in can get through and rise victorious. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Messed Up Beyond Measure

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Psalm 27:10-11 NLT Bible Gateway

Do you allow the enemy to yank your chain and make you feel stupid and worthless? Or he taunts you because you messed up big time and he tries to make you feel like there is no forgiveness. Have you been there? 

Oh sometimes you wish you could be a bird and fly far far away but alas 

that is not happening. God designed you to hang on and keep going even if you have done something so stupid you feel you can’t be forgiven. God needs you my friend. Just cause you messed up doesn’t mean you are worthless. 

Stop right now, pick up your Bible and read the Psalms. King David messed up but God used him. Don’t allow what others say or think to define you. Step out of your pit and continue serving God! 

PRAYER: Oh father I love you. When others, even family reject me or accuse me you are there. You want me to shine for you and I choose to do just that. I am shaking off my heavy load and running to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Click link for a powerful song to go along with this devotion:

https://youtu.be/VzGAYNKDyIU

Follow Jesus Or Have Followers

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.John 14:23

What is more important to you. To have many followers on social media or to be a ‘follower’ of Jesus. People disappoint as I am all too familiar with sad to say but God never disappoints. 

If you wake up and the first thing you do is run to check your social media there may be an indication what is more important in your life. Maybe you could choose to just make believe Twitter, instagram, Facebook, Tik tok and others have imploded and go have yourself a day when you aren’t comparing yourself to others or feeling down because of a post you read. 

Ask yourself if social media is becoming too much of a force in your life. Be honest. Do you experience the joy of the Lord after grazing the posts and is your life improved knowing the latest celebrity gossip? just something to think about. Now go follow Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for the Bible and often I am guilty of not picking it up the entire day. I can’t be victorious in my daily battle with Satan without it. I choose to follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Seasons Of Life

My times are in Your hand;Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. Psalm 31:5

What season of life are you in right now? The 'post covid shutdown trying to get back to normal' season? The feeling 'left out' season? The 'take me home now Jesus' season?The 'did I screw up by moving' here season? The 'did I really hear your voice' season?The 'why me' season?The 'waiting is so hard' season? The 'I don't feel like praying' season? The 'keep me still' season?

No matter what you are dealing with right now, try to be still and give it to God. Satan wants you to forge ahead and mess things up with a phone call, text and so forth. As simple as this sounds when you get involved in someone else's problems you can sort of forget your own.

You have prayed to God and you are trying desperately to wait for His answer. Just hang on my friend. I am there with you as well hanging on to my rope too. Life may not be easy, people may not do what you think they should BUT GOD is here all the time.

PRAYER: In my sadness over things in my life Lord I feel ashamed because really you have given me so much for which to praise you .You feel the hurt I experience at the hands of others who may not even realize they did anything. Help me to really press on and find someone to be kind to this day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Thanks Lord For Our Country

 

Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. 24 They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.Psalm 107:23-24

Today is Columbus Day and I recall the little poem as a child "In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue' and on it went. Although he landed in the West Indies Columbus is credited with exploring to find the new world.

History records he was a man of great faith and vision and a Christian who had no idea what he would find on His voyage but His desire was to share Christ. Today's woke world tries desperately to discredit 'white man' in our history and to claim everything the settlers and founders did was horrible and bad. I look at things like this. The enemy, Satan, of course hates America and the fact we were founded as a Chrsistian nation and this country has been the place most from foreign lands flocked to. Evil permeates and constructs lies and the more you hear something the more you assume it is true.

Don't let naysayers spoil this holiday and be still and know that the history of this country is beautiful even some of the not so nice things but it all helps to build this nation as one nation under God. Have a blessed day and be thankful for early explorers who came and discovered this new land.

PRAYER: Lord God it pains my heart to hear of those dissidents who like to wreck Chrsitian history and throw labels on White believers calling us nationalists. Father this land is your land and primarily the first settlers were from Europe then later many other places. I am grateful you put the desire to have freedom in the hearts of the brave men who came to this land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mind Your Own Business

 

Who is a God like you,  who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.Micah 7:18 NIV Bible Gateway

 

Have you ever told a lie? If you say no then you are probably lying. Sometimes you get yourself into a situation where the enemy convinces you it would be better to not tell the truth. It always backfires. I  think of the old sitcoms like ‘Leave It To Beaver‘ when it comes to being sneaky.

 

Telling the truth is always the thing to do. Sometimes it may be hard but in the long run it  is essential. Most things go better when you do. You develop trust for one and lose trust when you try to lie to cover up something bad you did. 

If you sneak and did something and lie to try to hide your mistake you should immediately have conviction by the Holy Spirit brought upon you. If some people are hard to communicate with so you think fudging a bit is okay stop right there right now and build a bridge of trust by doing something hard but right.If you have blown it don’t worry talk to God and He is merciful. He wants you to come to Him. And with humans start building trust again by staying on the right path of truthfulness no matter what the cost. 

PRAYER: I have been so ashamed when I have stretched the truth or lie and immediately knew I was wrong. The enemy is a liar and a thief and he wants us to do the same. Recognize that and break any strongholds with the Holy Spirit’s help causing that. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

#Biblegatewayblogger

Separation

 

 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.. Romans 8:38-39

In the beginning was the creation of the world where God separated the light from the darkness and said it was good. If you are intentionally sinning and have never asked Jesus to be Lord of your life you could be eternally separated from him. That is a bad separation that is over and done with. Sort of scary isn’t it? 

No Heaven. No joy. Just eternal separation from the king of kings and Lord of Lords. Some religions like to teach you have second and third chances or you can pray deceased relatives into Heaven but it says in Hebrews 9:27 that we only die once then the judgment. 

If you are following false teaching, or no teaching at all what chances at all do you suppose you have to be taken to be with God upon breathing your final breath? Something to think over. I am not here to condemn but to say to separate yourself from activities you know are not drawing you closer to the Lord. Make it a point to share Jesus with others. Don’t just live for today. Separate yourself from worldliness which takes you further from truth and God. 

PRAYER: I am delighted and excited about entering Heaven someday. I want to make sure those I know and love are ready as well. Break any strongholds in the lives of anyone I know that is separating them from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Is Money Your Idol?

 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19

Seemingly throughout the ages two things create trouble and those are the desire for power and wealth. Mankind can manipulate, scheme, lie, kill, cheat to get ahead financially. 

God never intended money to be first place in your life above Him yet for many it is. Many scriptures in the Bible refer to wanting more and never being satisfied. Look at celebrities who build numerous mansions all over the world, or those cheating due to insider trading, gambling addiction, thinking you have to have the latest and greatest, but why, at what expense no pun intended. 

The wealth you have comes from God so do you give him a portion back? The Bible mentions 10% but your joyful heart may want to go beyond that. Don’t try to be noticed for your generosity but try to be a secret blesser even to the point others will wonder who anonymous is. If you are not on a budget get on one. Give God the glory and praise for all you have and don’t hold your money too tight as it is His anyway. 

PRAYER: Lord you are wonderful and you supply my needs and sometimes my wants. Help me loosen my hold on the dollar and not let it become a burden but use to bless others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Link to Christian budgeting tools:https://www.crown.org/

Weary? Burdened?

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”John 16:33

What is making you feel downcast, weary, burdened? It happens to everyone at one time or another. Sometimes it is brought on by your own actions but at other times it is due to the outside world swirling seemingly out of control.

The Western world may be under threat of tyranny and Satan blinds the eyes of many and creates division. That may cause you to be weary. At times you may overthink things in your mind and create scenarios that don’t exist. Division created during the Covid lockdown has been immense. It is necessary to lean into God and worship Him with your whole heart kind of like you would do if you were in the stadium watching your favorite team get a touchdown well isn’t Jesus worthy of the same excitement?

Instead of dwelling on the collapse of society or a financial crash look to God and shout His praises. Are you serious Becky act joyful? Yes because the devil hates joy so let him have it.

PRAYER: It is hard to sing praises if your home has just been destroyed by a hurricane, or a car runs into you after running a red light, or family members don’t respect and honor you. My heart hurts yes but I know you hold the future and it is well with my soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Giving My Quirks To God

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.1 Peter 5:8 NIV Bible Gateway 

When your mind has nothing to occupy itself with it is easy to start drifting into areas in your life Satan uses to disable you. Jealousy, wild imagination, thinking you know what others think, fear you offended someone. You get the idea. Certainly I am not the only one who deals with this. 

Take up knitting or study rocket science that will use up brain cells on a worthwhile manner. As laughable as it seems to maybe a few out there who don’t have this issue, it is a way that the enemy uses a personality weakness to make you stumble. Did I hear you say “Give everything to God?” That means everything! 

Consciously stop thinking dumb stuff and fill your mind with love, joy, peace, being kind, sharing with others, and just staying still and not going back into the same area you get nabbed at over and over. Bible teacher Joyce Meyer calls it stinking thinking. I know together you and I can kick this personality trait out of our lives. What do you say? 

PRAYER: I rejoice in having a sound mind but sometimes it is less than sound when I allow wrong thinking to enter. Help me Lord stay strong and fight this battle trying to destroy me and ultimately chase friends, strangers,  and family away. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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I’m Good

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

A modern reply these days when asked if you want such and such is to respond “I’m good” which my late mom with her good sense of humor would reply “I didn’t ask if you were good I asked if you wanted more popcorn” or something like that.

On ‘See You At The Pole’ day this fall a lady when asked by a young student passing by what was going on and she told him and then asked “Do you want to join us” he responded “No I’m good” which made me laugh a little but was also sad. 

This young teen apparently saw no need to publicly pray or something to that effect. Kind of made me sad but yet many today don’t really know how to pray or may be uncomfortable praying in public. Do you talk to your Heavenly Father? It isn’t scary. He is your friend. Let Him hear from you today. Make time for him. 

PRAYER: Lord there are many who really don’t pray or don’t know how to or pray to someone other being other than the Almighty God. Help me to help others learn to pray and not judge them. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Resort Living

 

And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ Luke 12:19

Parks, playgrounds, and pools is what the sign outside many home developments reads to entice potential home buyers and investors into the luxury of seemingly a no hassle lifestyle. Similar to seeing resorts way out of your price range where everyone is tanned, laughing , and resting on a lounge chair next to the beach.

Mankind was not just meant to eat, drink, and be merry, but to serve others. The generations born since 2000 really may feel entitled to things but that is never what was to be. Problems for many are what my younger son calls ‘First World Problems’ and not any real life threatening life changing catastrophe.

Each day wake up looking to the Heavens and really thank God for life. Ask God to direct you where you can serve others. Your works become smaller and less worrisome when you can do something to build up another life.

PRAYER: The easy road seems to be what Western society depicts for its’ people. That is not reality. Bad stuff can and does happen and it is when my feet are in the fire of life that I see my greatest need for you. I choose to press on realizing there is more to life than sailboats,golf, cool drinks with umbrellas in them, and money. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Why Am I Here?

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 ESV Bible Gateway

God has reasons for all people that are born. Even when life has been not so good for many it can be redeemed and you can be set free. 

Drug abuse, physical or sexual abuse, criminal past or now, sexual promiscuity, abortion, just keep adding to the list. You did not cause the things done to you and even if you consented or willfully did other things God is a God of a second chance. He is not out to get you but to love you and draw you to Him. 

Satan loves junk like I listed above and he deceives many into believing lies and living for him other than God. If you have a family member seemingly not paying attention to God tell Satan to get off their back and keep pressing on for the kingdom of God.

PRAYER: Father your love is limitless. Help those people who don’t feel loved or who are confused about life to find you. Set people free from the deception of Satan and draw them back to the fold. Give me strength daily to know I have freedom in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Phased Out

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.Titus 2:3-5 NIV Bible Gateway

Similar to modernization of all types of inventions things get phased out as new developments occur. Does your life ever feel like you are being phased out?

Perhaps you are treated poorly or hurt by family or friends. If you are older maybe you feel disrespected by younger persons who don’t value the wisdom of your years. 

Today I urge you to learn from those older than you. Some may not have that many people still living older than them. Why do so many dread aging? If you are young, respect and honor your ‘elders’ and pay tribute to those who paved the way for the life you enjoy today. Founding fathers, pioneers, entrepreneurs, inventors, veterans who fought and died for freedom, and so forth. No matter what your age each day do something to make a difference. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for life, friends, family, and life experiences. I am even thankful for struggles as they help me grow. Help me march on and shine the love of Christ where I go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.