Are You Walking With The Lord?

 

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 NIV Bible Gateway

If someone were to ask you if you were walking with the Lord what would be your response? Maybe you may say you go to church or you aren’t a bad person. But that is not the answer. 

To walk with the Lord is to stay in step with Him. You try to abide in the Spirit so as to not gratify the desires of the flesh. This world throws many temptations at you through TV, movies, internet, magazines, and it is crucial to feed your spirit daily, throughout the day with scripture. 

Todays verse is an excellent one to memorize. Tell God you are His. Ask Him to use you as you go about your day. Satan will try to throw wrong thinking at you to get you to cave to doubt and fear in attempts of getting you to play God and not wait on God. Trust in God and be patient. Tell Satan to get behind you. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for setting me free from doubts and fears. When I start to overthink things and cave to worry help me say out loud, “Satan be gone” and let it go. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Worry-Just Pray

 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

You say you don’t worry and perhaps that is true but are you ever concerned over an issue? Isn’t that sort of the same thing as worry, maybe not totally but just a smidgen? 

Your worry doesn’t change one single thing so what you have to learn to do is trust that you prayed and God heard you and don’t allow Satan to pull you into a pit of fret and despair. Instead beat him at his game and show him who is boss. 

You gave it to God so purpose in your heart to throw off the anxiety and enjoy your life. Be intentional about telling Satan to leave you alone and then put on some praise music. I have included one at end for you. 

PRAYER: I thank you that I can choose peace over anxiety. Help me Lord as I seek to be intentional in giving you praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Casting Crowns - Praise You In This Storm (Official Lyric Video) youtu.be

What Do You Need Freedom From?

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.1John 3:8 ESV

Do you need freedom  from fear, anxiety, jealousy, bitterness, anger, rejection, tormented soul, hurt, broken heart, revengeful spirit, or feeling God couldn’t possibly love you or forgive you. 

Jesus died for us to be free and forgiven of our sins past, present, and future and also for you to be free to be all God wanted you to be. Your past mistakes can be redeemed. 

Make it a point to live for Christ daily, warts and all. He loves you and cherishes you. Even if your father and mother forsake you God does not. With God there is no record of wrongs just freedom. Cry out to Him today as He wants to help you. 

PRAYER: My life is precious in your sight. Even when I messed up you were there to redeem me and set me back on track. I am not a failure in your eyes and have a distinct purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Keep Your Head On Straight

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (NLT).Psalm 139:23-24

Have you had a day when you overthink things or have expectations that are not realistic? Probably we all have. You need to tell Satan to flee and leave you alone. This can wreak havoc when your overthinking involves others. 

Stinking thinking is what author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer talks about. Keep your mind on things above and not entertain trying to handle things. Stay away from negative voices who think some stuff will never change. God is on the throne and all things are possible. 

So take a deep breath. Give God your concerns. Don’t skip your time alone with God each morning. Recognize wrong thinking and don’t go there. Be at peace. When your mind starts to race recognize you are in spiritual warfare and need to tell Satan to shut up and leave you alone. Give everything and everyone to the Lord. Let Him fight your battles. 

PRAYER: I am so grateful to be able to own a Bible and use it daily. I pray for anyone I know who may not be familiar with the Bible being our roadmap of life and are not ever using it cause they don’t know how. Help me to be gentle when I have opportunity to encourage people to daily study scripture. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Let's Go Fishing!

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”Matthew 4:19

When you think of going fishing you more than likely imagine sitting in a boat or on a dock somewhere with a fishing pole trying to reel in the ‘catch of the day’. 

In scripture Jesus refers to us being fishers of men meaning to fish for souls of those who are lost floundering (no pun intended) around in a confusing hurtful world.

The lures you use would be kindness, joy, encouragement, prayer, patience, self control.No real fisherman smacks the unsuspecting fish in the head with a paddle but is patient waiting for the right time. Are you prepared to ‘fish’ for men?

PRAYER:This is another day you have blessed me with to make a difference in this world. Show me who you want me to be kind and reach out to. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Never Too Late-Keep Dreaming

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Acts 2:17

I will tell you what, I certainly do not feel like an ‘old person’ although the young lady I recently had the pleasure of sharing an exit row with born in 2002 would beg to differ. 

Start a new hobby. Take a trip. Make new friends. Help out at church. Be kind when you don’t feel like it. Show Grace to those undeserving in human eyes. Be silly. 

Don’t get all depressed or compare yourself to others. Invent something. Get on Shark Tank. Make it a goal to qualify for a TV game show. Stop saying but I am too old for that. Says who?  

PRAYER: Father thank you for the gift of wonder and also good health. Help me never say ‘I’m too old for that’ but to press on to instill hope in others and keep dreams alive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is The Current Flowing?

 

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.John 15:5

When you hear the word current what comes to mind? Perhaps the current of a river but for purposes of this writing I am referring to electric current. It is so essential to modern life. Without it everything would come to a standstill. 

Think about your spiritual life as being similar to an electric current. You must stay connected to the source of power which is Jesus, in order to have peace, joy, hope and more importantly to walk a life pleasing to him and helping to draw others to Him. 

If you shut off the ‘current’ meaning don’t read your Bible, don’t connect with others in Christian fellowship, and become lethargic in your faith walk before you know it your current will be cut off and be prey for Satan to deceive you. Stay connected to the ‘current’. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life. Help me recognize false teaching and run far from it. Guide my steps and help me to guide others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Do You Fear?

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.Psalm 23:4

If you  watch the news you may end up thinking the world is falling. But God. Your children go to a public school and you get concerned over what they will learn and friends they make. But God. 

It is best to not freak out and certainly don’t open your mouth and speak negativity like almost speaking it into existence. Ground yourself in the word. Memorize it, claim it, live it. 

Next time you want to freak out remember God has this if you have covered it in prayer. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord. Your ways are higher than our ways and your thoughts deeper than ours. I trust you in my day to day life to guide me and keep my thoughts grounded on the Word.In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

If You Are Happy And You Know It Clap Your Hands!

 

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV Bible Gateway

I love the innocence of children’s Bible songs and my younger granddaughter was playing this over FaceTime one evening and enjoying clapping along. You don’t see too many miserable unhappy children as they are innocent and aren’t tarnished by the world yet. 

Now there are children caught up in unhappiness when in custody battles, child trafficking, poverty, and the like but God wanted his little children to be full of joy. Children are born innocent and pure. 

You can recapture that joy of childhood by enjoying simple little things like looking at the beauty of God’s creation, not being burdened by things you can’t control, letting go of issues and people in your life and giving them to God. Before you know it you will want to sing “Are you happy and you know it” and feel God’s joy. 

PRAYER: Each day brings new tests or trials or situations to deal with. Protect any children in harm’s way who don’t feel joy. Root out evil in this world and let the little children come to you. Help me be a light in a dark world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Protect Your Headspace

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

 

Pastor Steven Furtick was talking about protecting your mind referring to it as your headspace. What do you allow into your ‘headspace’? What do you feed your mind on?

 

Think about that for a moment. Is your life so full of noise that you can’t hear the voice of God? Whose voices do you allow you influence you? Even watching a good Christian ministry you may watch online or on TV, you still need to let things go silent and talk to God.

 

Don’t allow Satan to get into your thoughts dwelling on too much meaningless junk on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram or even the news.  Think for yourself. Let God capture your thoughts not the ‘world’. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the ability to think and to reason but help me do it through the lens of a believer and follower of Christ. Break any strongholds in my thought life that take me away from you Lord. I want to dwell on ‘things above’. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop The What Ifs

 

Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith. 1 Timothy 1:19

 

Have you ever really blown something so big that you say to yourself what if I hadn’t done that or said that. For instance a good scenario would be moving like we did 2 1/2 years ago during Covid and second guessing ourselves. What if this, what if that. Stop it now!

If you prayed about a situation don’t second guess yourself. Think of Noah building the Ark. He heard from God and had exactly the directions and measurements to construct it but in the hazing by those who passed by thinking he was a nut job he may have said ”what if I didn’t hear God right.”

Pray about decisions then start trusting God. Let go of doubts and truly put your faith in God. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for prayer and faith and let me not doubt when I have prayed and had peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Archiving?

Love keeps no record of wrongs.(1 Corinthians 13:5). 

Are you holding a grudge against someone and want to give them a piece of your mind so to speak? Basically maybe archiving and saving emails or text messages to use against them.

God does not archive our sins but he chooses to love. When you archive things like texts you are not showing love and you in fact are weaponizing yourself against them. When you said you forgave and want to move on harboring bad junk indeed is an indication you have not. 

All you can do is give a person like that to God. Let him have it. That’s it. Pray and let it go. 

PRAYER: Lord it is easy to be angry over something and Satan loves anger because it causes grudges to fester till you are overwhelmed with hate. God is not a God who wants you to get back at people but to love and move on. Guard my heart Lord so I don’t slip and fall into a canyon of hatred. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Reading, Writing, And Arithmetic

 

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

School days, school days was a cute song I learned as a child. Before the massive Department of Education was created in 1964, school was the basics without government intervention and attempting to push agendas. Wait Becky you are not supposed to get political,  and relax,  I am not going to. 

My point in this devotion is to remind everyone there is good and evil. Evil is run and orchestrated by Satan himself who doesn’t care about you or me or our children or our grandchildren. His purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy and enjoys doing it when you are lethargic and  asleep at the wheel so to speak. He tries to plant seeds of doubt just like he did in the Garden of Eden when He said “Did God really say” and yes He really did. 

Ever since the fall of mankind when sin entered into the world mankind has often been at war with their fellow man over whose opinion is correct instead of fighting against the real enemy Satan.’ Try not to hate or get fearful but to pray. Be aware of what is being taught in schools because you might be surprised. Be aware of field trips children go on as well. Each day wake up and give thanks and pray you will be made aware of what is going on in the world that sometimes is never opposed. Stand firm, gird your loins with truth and run your race to win. 

PRAYER: Father I ask that you wake people up to dangers in our society that could steal our precious children’s minds away from us. Pray for parents to stay alert. Give me guidance as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Positivity In A Negative World

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Would you consider yourself positive or negative? Do you see things as half full or half empty? 

With all the tension and stress our world has undergone since late 2019 when the Wuhan coronavirus first surfaced, positivity is greatly needed and sometimes in short supply. Now right there I made a statement that sounded negative. Geez. 

Point being is to try to be a bright light in a dark hopeless world. I guarantee you that you will standout if you are easy and willing to talk to and have a smile on your face and are ready to help your fellow man or woman in need. Just listening sometimes is all that is required. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am thankful and celebrate being able to bring hope to someone feeling down and out. Guard my heart so the enemy Satan doesn’t try to blow out my flame. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Think About The Lord’s Prayer

This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come, your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from the evil one.For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Amen. ’ Matthew 6:9-13 NIV Bible Gateway

Many churches repeat the Lord’s Prayer in their services weekly and others only occasionally and perhaps some denominations don’t do it at all. Maybe it is a prayer you never have really given much thought to but just repeated it by memory. Let’s break it down. 

“Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be thy name” is a way to start off with how great and majestic the name of God truly is. “Thy kingdom come thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven” shows you trust His direction in your life. “Give us this day our daily bread” means you know He will provide your needs. “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” meaning let things go and learn to forgive and move on. “Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil”simply means what is says and that is to protect you from all evil and help you recognize it and also when temptations to do wrong come for you to flee. “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” is acknowledging that you realize His greatness and the fact that He creates everything. 

Pretty long paragraph but an essential prayer you could say every single morning to start your day. Think about what it means and read it in different versions on Bible gateway. I used the King James Version here. Now go have a great day! 

PRAYER: I bask in your goodness Lord. Thank you for your love for me and your patience and kindness to me. I desire to live out the Lord’s Prayer so break any strongholds that prevent it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Can You Spare Fifteen Minutes??

 

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

I thought about my title and was hoping it was not going to guilt anyone into submission but simply a learning point to try to start your day on positive note giving God time and thus helping your own mindset for the day. 

Fifteen minutes divided up could be praising God for who he is for 5 minutes. Then asking God to forgive you for wrong attitudes, harboring resentment, or whatever it is that has separated you from God. Finally the last 5 minutes could be simply talking to Him in prayer whatever is on your mind. Pretty simple. 

There is no right or wrong way of having time with the Lord  but the important thing is to make it happen and make it something you want to do. You brush your teeth, put on deodorant, comb your hair so give God 15. Have a blessed day.


PRAYER: Help me Lord as I desire to spend more time with you. Forgive me for ever judging or condemning anyone and help me use my time wisely. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff

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

Thus began my devotion as I had not quite completed it and it vanished into the thin air of cyber space or the infamous cloud. So I go at it again. Odd because I was writing about little irritations then in the middle almost to the end of the devotion, poof. 

So what kind of things make you want to scream besides my scenario I just shared? Flat tire, run out of milk, no signal on your devices? 

The thing to do is not pop a cork but to stay grateful and thankful for the many blessings you enjoy. Make a list such as you have a car, you have a refrigerator, or you own cellular devices. You get the idea. Stay uplifted and try to still smile. Don’t sweat the small stuff. 

PRAYER: I am forever grateful to be able to walk, breathe, feel the air on my face and have family and friends that love me. Use me Lord to help another person who may be having a bad day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rescue Operation

What man of you, having a hundred sheep,if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’”Luke 15:4–6

Our Heavenly Father wants all his creation to be saved but He does not force Himself on you as you have a choice to accept or reject Him. 

One thing is for sure if you stray He is your Shepherd and He wants you back in the fold with the other ‘sheep’. Similarly a father will keep waiting and searching for His prodigal son. 

We all like sheep have gone astray it says in Isaiah 53:6. Each of us kind of likes our independence and maybe sometimes you don’t feel like following the ‘Masters plan’ and you get off course and lose your way. Alas your Father wants you back. Run back today! 

PRAYER: Lord I love you and I love that you get sad when one of your ‘sheep’ strays. Forgive me when I have acted like I could do life without you. Guard my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Appearance Of Evil

”Prove all things: hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Do you know the difference in good and bad, bad meaning evil? What exactly is evil? Evil is defined as profound immorality. 

If a person is led astray by Satan and taken captive he or she may not even recognize evil because they are too immersed in it. This is where prayer warriors come in to help rescue this lost deluded soul. 

In order to know what is good and evil you have to study and read the Word of God, the Bible. Don’t expect to be spoon fed for one hour on Sunday you need way more and it is only spiritual warfare that will get rid of evil. 

PRAYER: Lord you are good and your mercies endure forever. I pray for anyone who has fallen into Satan’s ‘quicksand’ and having a hard time escaping. I know in Jesus’ name I never stop praying for those cause in evil to be able to break those chains and return to truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Sun Is Shining…Yay!

 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ 2 Samuel 23:3-4 NIV Bible Gateway 

I don’t know about you but would venture to say most people are in a better mood when sun is shining or during a glorious sunrise or sunset. Thank you God for the gift of sun. 

Not only does the sun shine on us but it helps us stay warm, helps crops grow, makes you feel warmer during a polar bear plunge(Ha), it is one terrific creation from our Creator. 

I love todays verse comparing the leadership of a righteous ruler like a sun shiny day. Sun is necessary for life as is the rain but God knows exactly what we need. Go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for your creation of man and woman, new babies, birds, reptiles, oceans, rivers, snow, green grass, flowering cactus, trees, food to enjoy from the ground, babbling brooks, beautiful majestic mountains. You indeed are awesome. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and listen to a happy song to cheer you up. It isn’t a Christian song but could be. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/NkwJ-g0iJ6w

#BG2

Don’t Overthink

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4;6-7

Do you ever start dwelling on some conversation or situation in your life to the point you are almost obsessing over it? Todays verse says to guard your heart and your mind. 

It is necessary to intentionally decide to not dwell on things that are perplexing you. Make a point to nip wrong thinking in the bud and you might have to do it over and over until you are victorious in not becoming anxious. 

Do you desire to have true peace to get to a point you don’t let anything bring you down? Stop overthinking and talk to God He can help you. 

PRAYER: Father I choose to focus on above is easier said than done but I know if overthinking is a stronghold you will help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Comparison Monster Via The Infamous Christmas Letter

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.1 Corinthians 13:4-7NIV Bible Gateway

After going through all my Christmas cards and hearing from friends and family far and wide I saved the letters for last and sat down with tea to read through them as I had several. I used to write a letter but stopped  years ago. 

I am not sure if anyone else has problems with this but hearing about everyone’s cruises, trips to Europe, buying an RV and/or cabin or beach house, and so forth I started to get kind of discontent or maybe even a tad jealous.  I am happy for my friends but why can’t I do that too. Now if you have done that too I realized that I had much to be thankful for that others don’t have too. It is a matter of perspective. 

When I used to write letters I tried to not brag but I am sure it slipped out. Of course you are proud of accomplishments but realize all the glory goes to the Lord. Facebook can kind of be like that where our best foot is always put forward. I chuckle to remember a couple letters where one was talking of the calamity in their life and another about having a heart attack when a half sister she didn’t know existed came to her door. Now these letters were real and took guts to write. Why not before you throw away your cards make a point to pray for everyone that sent one to you. That is a way to reset your negative attitude. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for the blessing of letters and cards from family and friends at Christmas. I pray for any people who are sick, had death in family, or having issues that you may help them have peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bye Christmas Memories

 

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”Psalm 77:11-14

A few days ago I started putting the Christmas decorations away starting with our inflatable manger scene outside, joy yard signage, and things inside. The tree was the part I enjoy because of all the ornaments that are memories of 45 years married. 

Christmas evokes strong feelings in some because of a death or divorce that was experienced recently. So mixed feelings are involved in carting the ornaments back to their storage place for 11 months. 

I especially love my ornaments of Santa with his cap off kneeling next to baby Jesus in the manger. Now that is what Christmas is all about! Not the lights, parties, external house lights,  sending cards, frivolity, egg nog, more gifts than we need, and so forth. Christmas is about giving,living, and a babe in a manger. 

PRAYER: I am glad for Christmas and never want to be a Scrooge although at times the enemy comes in and causes wrong thinking and stress. I resist the temptation to not celebrate. Help joy remain in my heart throughout the year. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fasting: A Spiritual Discipline

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.2 Chronicles 7:14 

This time of year you may have heard of churches or individuals  who decide to fast. Now fasting is not something to go tooting your horn about but is a time between you and God and concerns the condition of your heart. 

Today my former church in Huntsville, AL begins ‘21 Days of Prayer’ and you can join in live online when it is occurring at 6 am CST or watch it later in the day. I will put information at end of this devotion. There is no hard and fast way to do this and there are different things to fast not just food. It could very well be social media, TV viewing, sugar, a daily latte habit, and so forth. 

Fasting is a way to deny self and instead focus on God. You may be fasting for a certain reason such as spiritual renewal or revival in the nation. It could be a fast for a prodigal child. Fasting could be personally just for yourself to have a better relationship with the Lord. Pray and seek the Lord’s will. Fasting is also called humbling yourself before the Lord. What do you choose to do?

PRAYER: Lord God you are almighty and your kingdom endures forever. I ask for any strongholds in my life to be torn down during my fast. Give me wisdom on what to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#21daysofprayer

#churchofthehighlands

Www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days

Redeeming Love-What Is It?

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.John 15:12 NIV Bible Gateway

It is not holding someone’s past or current mistakes against them. It is unconditional love. This does not say it won’t be difficult. It is sacrificial love. 

When you love someone you don’t pick them apart you love them with God’s love and the love of the fruits of the Spirit. A person may be from a background of rejection or immense emotional trauma. 

Read 1 Corinthians 13 which is also known as the love chapter. Love puts others first. Love believes. Love hopes. Love forgives. Love is selfless. Love understands. Love is patient.  A person can be redeemed from the worst pit so never condemn or throw stones. All of us have fallen short of God’s glory so know God can use anyone from any background. 

PRAYER: Father your love is unending and is patient and kind. You are full of forgiveness and provide hope for a new life when a person needs redemption. Help me not judge but pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: In 2022 a marvelous faith based movie came out called Redeeming Love. Not necessarily for those under 14 due to Strong Thematic material. It is on Prime. 

Www.redeeminglovemovie.com

Do You Identify With Christ?

 



Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.Romans 15:7 NIV Bible Gateway

Recently I heard someone say they did not like a certain person and told them so. Ouch. If you identify with Christ aren’t you supposed to try to love and like even the unloveable? 

What does it mean to live for Christ and therefore love unconditionally? Think that over. “But you don’t know how mean and ugly they treat me” is an excuse. Many get hung up on Facebook and how many ‘likes’ they have and monitor who blocks or unfriended them. First Facebook is NOT real but seems to soothe many people kind of like reading ‘People Magazine Friends Edition’. 

Since the calendar rolled over to a new year why not ask God to either help you get rid of Facebook, take a break from it or limit use to less than 15 minutes. Give it a try and see if it doesn’t help your love meter go back up. 

PRAYER:Father help me to remember to love one another may not mean I agree with a person or how they live but am still supposed to love and let you do the rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Live Ready!

No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Matthew 24:36

No one knows the day nor the hour of Christ’s return but in scripture it says “be ready”. Think about it if you knew you would stop doing certain things, maybe start getting more serious about knowing scripture, or clean up your thoughts and comments you have uttered to people that are less than edifying. 

It mentions in scripture that His coming will be suddenly when we least expect it. It is nothing to be frightened of for if you are a believer and accepted Christ you immediately will be in a better place. An instant, think about that! 

No man can imagine what it will be like. Not even the most talented of Hollywood creative artists can dream up where Heaven is and what eternity is like. Don’t waste brain cells thinking about it but instead live a life worthy of a believer and you won’t face the fear of not knowing. 

PRAYER: No man can separate us from the love of Christ but I know I need to accept you and believe to receive eternal life. I pray for anyone who mocks God now to have people cross their path to tell them about Jesus. Prepare hearts to receive you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Wise?

 

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly.

Psalm 1:1

What does it mean to not walk on the counsel of the ungodly? Perhaps choosing your friends wisely and not be enticed into activity or lifestyle that you know is displeasing to the Lord.

The Ungodly give unwise counsel because they do not know the truth and their path is darkness and deception. Those walking in darkness need to have someone pray for them to receive the love of Jesus.

You are not to hate anyone but you also are not to purposely hang with people who demonstrate by their actions they are not followers or lovers of Jesus. Are there acquaintances in your life you need to let go of and pray for? Ponder that and have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Lord you are good and your ways are righteousness and truth.I want to be known as wise so guard my heart to not be drawn to what is evil and watch over the hearts of any one knowingly taking the wrong path and deliver them from darkness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Praying Bold Prayers

 

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22

When you pray a prayer which is bold you pray without a shadow of a doubt that what you are praying for will happen. Have you ever tried that?

Believe in the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit working and trust God for the outcome. Even if you don’t see an answer right away you press on and continue in faith to believe and thus receive.

Unswerving faith is the key element in this assurance. You pray boldly such as in Romans 4:17 ‘calling things as not as though they were’ and you believe God is acting and in the appointed time your answer will come. Never doubt. Stand firm.

PRAYER: Lord I cry out to help me in my unbelief and help me not listen to force of enemy trying to make me feel my prayer is silly. I declare boldness and ask for strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who Or What Are You Anchored To?

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV Bible Gateway

As you are into the second day of 2023 my question to you is what are you anchored to? What keeps you stabilized? Similar to a ship anchored in harbor what keeps you from drifting into the unknown? 

Might I suggest you allow Jesus to be the one you anchor to. This ‘world’ seems to be drifting further from truth found in the Bible. It is not impossible to turn things around but it takes prayer. 

What you choose to be anchored to will either make you or break you. Decide to anchor to a Christian worldview or drift into a world offering lies and deception. Your choice. 

PRAYER: It is my choice whether to accept or reject Jesus and I choose to stay grounded and resist pulls of the secular world. Strengthen me Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

2023-What Is Your Plan?

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”Isaiah 43:19

Fresh starts ahead, sound like a good idea? New chances, new dreams, making wrongs right. It seems like turning the page on the old calendar is always an opportune time to start anew. 

What do you hope to achieve this year? Give your plans to the Lord and talk to Him in prayer. He will guide you and light your path. 

If you are not sure you are going to Heaven if you were to die perhaps it is time for a new life in Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him.(John 14:6). 

PRAYER: I ask that I think before I speak or act and please guide my steps to only things that will lead to eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.