Teach Your Children

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 KJV Bible Gateway 

You teach children to hunt, fish, bowl, cook, ride a bike and many other things. Teach them to follow the Lord by your personal example. Hopefully you have established a pattern daily for them to follow. 

This doesn’t just mean going to church but is way beyond that. Personal quiet time, prayer, Bible reading and study. You as a parent establish a faith protocol so to speak. 

Even if later on in life they have listened to wrong voices and got caught up in a worldly lifestyle without anything about Jesus in it do not fear and claim today’s verse. Be at peace and trust God. 

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for freeing me from fear concerning the children you have blessed me with. Thank you for the blessing of children and grandchildren. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Worldly?

 

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.Romans 12:2 NLT

 

What does it mean to be worldly? Adopting too many of the customs of this present world thinking they really matter when in actuality they don’t. My recent wake up call was my obsession with thinking everyone has a Super Bowl party when that is only media hype. You can be perfectly happy watching it alone without a house full of people.  

 

Anyway there are many ways you can get too caught up in this culture forgetting as a follower you are not to adopt the customs of the world which can get you into a very dark place if not careful.

 

This does not mean you can’t do anything but you need to remember you represent Christ not in a Holier than thou way but in a way that reflects His character.

 

PRAYER:Lord help me to slow down and rest in you. Help me purge things from my life which take me away from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Messed Up-But God

Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:16 NIV Bible Gateway

My devotions get personal sometimes so you the reader can see we all have flaws. Recently I was confronted by a friend pointing out a flaw in me that opened the flood gates of memories of other similar flaws.  I needed to hear it even though it hurt terribly. 

If this has happened to you it is painful. I won’t go into the gritty details but it made me wonder how anyone could like me but then I knew it was the enemy poking at my weak points. Maybe another hidden attempt to get me to stop writing. Have you been there where you feel beat up and defeated? 

Every little hurt makes you take inventory and ask God what next Lord? How could I have been so stupid Lord or so selfish or so impulsive not thinking of how my action would have repercussions. God’s grace is with you and I in our mess ups. It is necessary to let go and keep rising above that. Know God cares and loves you in your weaknesses. You are making progress friend so keep going and know God loves you so much. 

PRAYER: Your love Lord is so deep. When others lash out at me or betray a confidence or say hurtful things even if true you are there with your arms open for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

Closing Doors

Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.Proverbs 4:23 NIV Bible Gateway

When you hear about closing doors in the spiritual sense you may think of God closing one door yet opening another but for the purpose of this short devotion the doors will be your eyes, ears, mouth and mind. Got this idea from a message from Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

It is essential to guard your heart for from it flows everything else meaning you have to discipline your ‘portals’ that are entry ways for things that can affect you. Refuse to listen to gossip, ugly negative talk for instance. Let your mouth only say happy uplifting things and not doomsday chatter. And the eyes should not look upon things that will cause you to stumble in your spiritual walk. 

Basically  ‘shut the doors’ on these entry ways when it comes to bad stuff and don’t entertain or meddle with things in the world. Your life will have more growth in the Lord if you can daily work on doing this. 

PRAYER:I choose to focus on being joyful and not allow bad stuff to slip through the ‘doors’. Help me break any strongholds keeping me from doing this. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Relax-Stop Judging

 

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love Ephesians 4:2 

Do you have issues with passing judgment on people without even knowing what they are going through in life? It is a bad habit to develop and not a good way to stay close to family or friends. 

What right do you or I have to be condemning to another? Let the Holy Spirit be the one to do the convicting to others and not high and mighty ‘Holy spirit Junior’ and you will have a more peaceful and joyful day and life. 

When you find yourself starting to judge another person stop and instead pray for them. Try to replace negative thinking with something positive as well. For instance the bad thought you had turn around and think of a compliment instead. Let God do the convicting and correcting. It is above my pay grade and hope it is yours too. 

PRAYER:Forgive me Lord when I have become judgmental and tried to be someone’s conscience. Help me replace judging with love and prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Kind

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” Romans 12:16 ESV

Inclusivity is a word that some bristle when they hear it because it reminds them maybe of the things that are different. Guess what friends. Inclusivity doesn’t mean agreement with a lifestyle but means being kind in order to win someone out of a life of sin to a life of serving and worshipping God. It could be someone’s belief system politically goes against what you interpret the Bible to say.

Jesus was inclusive and that made people mad. He didn’t give a ‘pass’ to sinful behavior but His arms were opened wide to even those who hated him or couldn’t understand him.

Can you do that my friend? Are you able to stop judging long enough to love someone into the kingdom? The key is a person needs to repent and trust Christ as their savior. Jesus loves, redeems, and sets people free. Be like Him.

PRAYER: Today I need your help Lord to live for you and to love people hard to love. A simple smile can make the difference. It is not my job to transform hearts so help me to do my part so you can do yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take Yourself Off Center Stage

 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.Philippians 2:3

Today it is easy to be self centered if you want to with all the social media links to put you on center stage. Have you ever pondered the idea of putting others needs in center stage? 

Being others centered is a challenge. Is there someone you can meet a need for? Perhaps a project that could use volunteers or even a cash flow to assist them. Maybe send a card to a friend for no reason. Call a friend you have not talked to in a while. 

The enemy likes to drag you into making life all about you so if you struggle in this area ask God to help you reach beyond yourself. Pray for open doors. 

PRAYER: Lord I am grateful for social media but forgive me if I have ever gone too overboard. There are lots of good causes in our world help me find one to bring attention to. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Choose To Forgive

 

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 Bible Gateway

Sometimes it is really hard to forgive people especially when they don’t even know they hurt you.

I know from experience it is better to let things go and move on and let God have the situation. God wants you to forgive. Holding onto stuff does nothing to heal a relationship.

Be still. Try setting a timer and see if you can do nothing for 2 minutes. It does a soul good to rest and talk to God.

PRAYER: Father help me rest in you especially when I get caught up in stuff I don’t need to concern myself with. Help me shine your light to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

All To You I Surrender

 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.James 4:10

Could it be or was it wishful thinking in a popular  local coffee shop in Boise playing a hymn? Think I just imagined it. But once in a big box store I did hear ‘I Know My Redeemer Lives” and it brought a smile to my face. 

What does it mean to surrender? To give in or quit acknowledging the other side was the victor such as in a military conflict. If a person surrenders to law enforcement often they throw their hands up as of saying “take me”. 

For a follower of Christ surrender means giving yourself completely to Him and oft times in praise and worship your hands spontaneously go up with absolutely no effort or worry as to what others think. You are saying I love you Lord and use me to help others. Have you surrendered your life to Christ? 

PRAYER: Lord everything I have is yours. I give you my concerns, issues with people in my life and anything bringing lack of rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Getting Rattled..Just Praise Jesus!

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. John 14:27

 

The ‘He Gets Us’ campaign, Left Behind movie, Jesus Revolution,The Chosen, politics,   and so much more. Instead of believers getting sucked in and agitated by controversy why not stay glued together for the kingdom. God knows who His sheep really are so trust Him ok? 

Focus on Christ alone nothing else. Pray.Love. Be kind. Share with others. Smile. No doubt your blood pressure will go down and you will be a more settled person. This doesn’t give you license to not care but to truly give things to the Lord. Once you do leave them there. 

Focus instead on being a loving kind spouse, daughter, son, grandparent, friend, sister, brother, neighbor and shake off the things Satan wants to use to make you steaming mad. Chill, be still, focus on Him. 

PRAYER: Give me a heart like yours whose love knows no bounds and who doesn’t want to see anyone end up in hell. Use me to spread peace not turmoil. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Feeling Left Out?

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:6 NIV Bible Gateway 

It is necessary to capture your thoughts and discipline your mind to think only things that build you up and not drive you to the loony bin. Satan knows your weak points and usually will try to camp out where those are. 

Irrational thinking for instance sneaks in  many ways and you have to be aware of what is occurring and nip it in the bud. Don’t let your mind become a dumping ground for everything your eyes see or ears hear. Try to consume what is uplifting and positive not negative and hurtful. 

Don’t fixate or obsess over something dragging you down. Drop it and move to something positive. Hey I have an idea, what about the book of John in New Testament. Now go and relax and let’s see a smile! 

PRAYER: Oh Lord sometimes I get so mad at myself when I start imagining things that aren’t real. Guide my steps to uplifting activities or simply sitting in a park watching birds. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Beware Of Itchy Ears

 





“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 3:3-4 KJV

 

In general people don’t want to be wrong and when it comes to the truth in God’s word will even try to add or delete things to suit the things acceptable so therefore no sin involved. And after all if the government says it’s’ ok it is right? Remember how Adolph Hitler tricked thousands? It is in history books that have not been altered. 

Now relax this is not a devotion with politics but simply a warning that false doctrines are out there as well as people who set themselves up like a god. In the recent motion picture, ‘Left Behind:The Rise Of The Anti Christ’ this is the theme how after the rapture of the church many were ‘left behind’ probably tricked by some of this falsehood. 

Don’t be tied to a denomination that is not sharing truth. Sharing it in a way like Jesus’ would without pointing out every little sin and flaw but also sharing about grace, repentance, and redemption. And remember kindness leads to repentance. (Romans 2:4).

PRAYER: I love you Lord. I pray for any strongholds to be broken in my life which take me away from the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

They Are All My Children

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 NIV Bible Gateway 

Often times you may want to turn up your nose at those blatantly rebelling against God but He says “they are my harvest field”. Isn’t our job as followers to be leading others to Christ?

Don’t get so high and mighty finding fault that you don’t take time to truly pray for those rebelling against God. Ask God to break your heart with what breaks his. 

   Many are broken vessels and need a hug, a prayer, a kind word, a good deed done for them. Don’t make people projects but truly dig down deep and imagine how much God loves them. 

PRAYER: Lord as I go throughout my day even though my heart may break over something help me instead to reach out to someone who really need Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

Practice The Presence Of God

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 Bible Gateway

Do you get hung up about what to do for morning quiet time and sometimes just feel in a rut. I know I do. All these good plans are ‘screaming’ at you but you just want a simple time. 

Similarly to the two Super Bowl commercials that aired ‘He gets us’ He meaning God does get us. He knows your heart. He knows your shortcomings. He knows your hurts. He just wants to hear your heart and heal your heart. 

First requirement is that you have to talk to him daily and however you do that is up to you. There is no hard and fast formula to unlock the gates of Heaven and let you in other than believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Now with that belief comes a change of heart and normally you will want to live for Him and many changes in your life will take place. Don’t get high and mighty ever thinking you are better than others. Humble yourselves before the Lord. Cry out to Him. 

PRAYER: Father your ways are higher than my ways and your thoughts my thoughts. In this divided world we need you Lord. We need truth to permeate the darkness and deceit. We need the armor of God each day to fight against the schemes of the enemy. Open my eyes to truth and guide me as I try to reach others in a confused world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Love Triangle

 





“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10 NLT). 

When you hear the words love triangle you might conjure up thinking about a person having an affair or something to that effect when in actuality I am referring to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the best love triangle ever. 

Here on this day of love and romance often forced by the greeting card and floral industry you think about love. How can you not with all the red hearts everywhere. 

 It says in John 14:26 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  This is real love God giving his own son to save us. The love depicted in most Hollywood movies, with the exception of 2022’s Redeeming Love is shallow and oft times perverted at best. True love gives and doesn’t seek its own way it says in 1 Corinthians 13. This Valentines Day show those around you what real godly spirit filled love looks like. 

PRAYER: Love is amazing. Love puts others first so help me to emulate that and find kind things to do for others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hidden Pain

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Jeremiah 29:11

 

As you go about your day think about those around you. I am blessed to travel a good deal and on planes people aren’t always going to some exotic location but may be headed to deal with family situations, funerals, emotional stuff.

Be kind to others as you don’t know what is going on in their life and what struggles they may be faced with. A simple smile can brighten someone’s day. 

Give thanks always when things are going good or even for the trials you go through. Sometimes those trials help you be prepared to help others. 

PRAYER: Keep me alert to anyone around me who may need a kind word, some financial help, a hug, or a card in the mail. Use my words to brighten another’s day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Offense or Defense? Neither!

 

The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.Romans 8:7

 

Here it is the day of the big game which even non football fanatics like myself watch mainly for commercials.

 

In the game of life as a believer you should play neither offense or defense. To get offended so easily shows you can’t trust God and let things go. To be defensive on the other hand means you want to prove yourself. Bring offensive or taking offense and getting offended does not fall in line with the love of the Lord. Similarly being defensive shows you have not totally trusted God to work on your behalf. 

So enjoy the offense and defensive plays in the Super Bowl but remember to let go of resentment, anger, and the things which make you get offended easily or defend yourself. God is there he can help. Keep the offense and defense on the field! 

PRAYER:I ask you to help me break the stronghold of taking offense or being defensive in my life because it only hurts me and others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Musings

 

I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all Your doings;
I muse on the work of Your hands.
Psalm 143:5

Life is good is a catchy advertising success. And life is good! 

Blessed not stressed. Good triumphs over evil. Smile. Be kind to others. WWJD. Don’t judge others. You can’t judge a book by its’ cover. Love one another. You will reap what you sow. Be like Jesus. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Honor others above yourself. Stay humble. Give glory to God! Ask forgiveness if you hurt someone. Call your mom if she is still alive. 

Throughout your day try to get in a habit of positive thinking and thinking  the best of others. Don’t try to prove a point or argue politics. Be gentle. You are here on this Earth for such a time as this. Don’t play Holy Spirit Junior with anyone. That is God’s job. 

PRAYER: Thanks so much Father for your many blessings. Help me to let go of things in my life that don’t bring me closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Hate Instruction

 

How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me! Proverbs 5:12-13 KJV

You as a believer, if you have been saved, are not to gloat like you know it all and have all the answers but you are to pray for the lost and those whose ears and hearts are closed to the truth. 

Today many lies are being accepted by various churches and some denominations have spilt over trying to interpret the Bible the feel good way. False teachers will arise and tickle people’s ears who are caught up in the trap of being deceived. If you know a person like this give them to God and keep praying. 

The truth sets all people free. When I go through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport I try to stop at Terminal B chapel. I pray, ponder, read verses in the Bible. The chapel sign at gate 47 has no cross but has a mosque looking building identifying it. To many the cross is an offense so I guess to the airport it must be. Inside are prayer rugs for Muslims, a stained glass window also with no cross, A Quran, and many other religions Books they teach from.And there are Bibles.  I sit listening to travelers passing by in the busy concourse praying for those traveling who are lonely, scared, hurting, broken, and who need Jesus. At one point a Muslim airline worker came in and knelt on a rug. Anyway my friend we don’t know the day or hour so try to be winning souls. It is no joke. 

PRAYER:Lord my heart aches for people who believe they are ok but are in danger of ending up in Hell. I pray for eyes to be opened to this present darkness surrounding us and many to know the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Where Is Your Treasure?

 

“…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

MATTHEW 6:21 In our modern world there are certainly many distractions due to mainly electronic devices everyone seems to be carrying around even small children. It seems as if people can’t exist without connection on social media and others opinions. Let me ask you. Is your heart more in tune with the culture and world due to media or are you tuned in to God.  Not saying thus to bring guilt but to have you really ponder this. I have yo do it as well. Why do we need to know the latest political squabbles that obit bring division? Perhaps if your heart were truly tuned in to Christ and listening to Him you would be able to disconnect awhile and enjoy peace and strength only He gives.  In the United States where a majority of my readers live we are blessed to not be in a war torn country. We are blessed to own several Bibles. We are blessed to be free. Be on guard brothers and sisters and truly seek the Lord and pray for the world around you.  PRAYERS: Lord I truly want my heart to always be yours totally. Help me recognize evil and run fast the other way. In Jesus’ name.Amen.

Crawl, Walk, Run, Listen

 



“The LORD will fight for you while you keep still.”Exodus 14:14

 

Have you heard the term ‘little baby steps’ used in reference to making progress? Todays title basically says the same thing. 

Let’s say you are dealing with wanting a super quick resolution to a relationship issue in your life. Charging ahead without prayer or thinking would bring a disastrous result but taking time to pray, be still, and not take matters into your own hands is always best. Like a stop light. Red, Yellow, then Green. 

Babies crawl and it takes time to get up and learn to walk. Walking is often wobbly at best and after a year or so off you go. Next thing is running. With all this being said you need to listen to God and be still. I am not sure what in your life you are waiting for but my friend being still means not texting to try to fix things or speed them along as you know what will happen. Good things come when you wait. 

PRAYER: Lord you know what I need and help me to be still while you work behind the scenes. Thank you ahead of time for answer to prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Get Up, Keep Going

  “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV Bible Gateway

 

Back in my childhood films for children, called family films,  taught values as did TV sitcoms.  No having to plug ears or cover eyes. No woke agendas to try to transform the minds of innocent children.

 

I was reminded of one of these films when watching Mike Rowe on his new show called The Story Behind The Story on TBN and the movie was Bambi featuring the voice of Donnie Dunnagan as Boy Bambi. When Bambi was in trouble his dad said “get up get going”. The book ‘The Little Engine That Could’ also taught ‘I think I can, I think I can’ and thus many children, and adults are reminded, yes they can! 

Whether it is completing a 5K,10k, or ultra marathon, or working on a project without quitting, or persevering in prayer for a loved one when you don’t see evidence of change, just keep at it. Only the devil wants you to quit. Charge on! 

PRAYER: Strengthen me each day to charge on and forge ahead knowing you are with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2 #Biblegatewayblogger

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

“But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.”Luke 21:34-36 MSG Bible Gateway

Normally I am not into football unless it is Jan 1st or playoffs and Super Bowl. My hometown team, the Bengals, was in AFC championship on 29 January and I was thinking how the players can’t let their guard down thinking the game is over because in a split second the score can change. 

That is like your spiritual walk . Don’t assume because you go to a certain church or have belong to a denomination that sort of guarantees you are good to go. It doesn’t work that way. 

You are only on the Earth for a very short time and during that time God wants to use you to grow his kingdom and make a difference. Don’t get lazy with morning time alone with God or think just attending church is enough. It is way more than that. Guard your heart for out of it flow issues of your life. (Proverbs 4:23).Each day draw close to God and seek more of Him not just on Sunday. And search the scriptures and memorize key verses. Let your life reflect His glory! 

PRAYER: Help me not take my faith for granted and also to not get lazy in growing string reading scripture to get to know you better. Help me continue to press forward. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Jealous Monster-Has He Visited You?

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

Have you ever felt left out, hurt, envious, or like you were playing second fiddle? Normally it occurs when your mind is on the flesh not the spirit. When the mind screams out “you deserve this” and then your mind goes off on its’ rampage counting up scenarios that can wreak havoc and wreck relationships if not held at bay. 

Maybe you think you have this licked then you discovered you were left out of something or get hurt by an apparent snub that may not be a snub at all. Get your mind settled on things above and don’t let your thoughts go crazy.  

To live a life of peace this area of a settled mind has to be foremost in a fruit of the spirit. Don’t allow the enemy to rob you of peace by getting you stirred up and hurt like a little child. Get settled in your mind and spirit that jealousy will not control you. Let it go. 

PRAYER: Forever your word is settled in heaven and I want to let your peace permeate my very being. Help me recognize when I am starting to stray into enemy territory and tell Satan he can not steal my contentment and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stay In Your Own Shoes

 

Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.Luke 6:37

It is unfair to pass judgment on someone unless you have ‘walked in their shoes’ and know the whole story. God gave you your own ‘shoes’ so stay in them and concern yourself with your own life. 

Often times you may want to speculate on why someone is living the life they are or why they did something contrary to God’s word but guess what , all of us have sinned it says in Roman’s 3:23. 

Instead when you feel judgmental give it to God and thank Him by God’s Grace you live and move and have your being. Be kind to those confused and hurting and pray for them. 

PRAYER: Thanks Father for being the only judge I really need. Forgive me when I have stuck my nose where it didn’t belong. Guard my heart so I do not do things where others want to condemn me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Loner?

 

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

One afternoon I just felt like going to my local coffee shop to write, read and chill. My neighbor was sitting in a vehicle outside and she couldn’t believe I was going alone. Some people don’t do good alone then at times alone is good. 

It is good to have time to think, collect thoughts. As a believer it is not good to be alone all the time. You need fellowship time with others and time one on one to get to know a friend. 

During your alone time pursue peace in your inner man. Think of those in your life needing prayer which is most everyone and silently pray. You could journal. Just in your time alone be thankful also for friends and family. Take this time to think of all the blessings in your life. 

PRAYER: Throughout history mankind at times has been alone. You Lord are our helper and it is you who gave pioneers the ideas to build this great land. I am thankful for times of peace and also times to build into another’s life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2 Bible gateway blogger 

Quick Fix

   

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.James 1:2-3

How many times have you seen pop up ads or commercials for seemingly instant weight loss, banishing of age spots with a secret tip, erase lines and wrinkles with this secret formula, make millions without effort, and you maybe fall for it, I have to admit a couple times I have been enticed.

Things just don’t happen instantly especially spiritual growth and change. Persevere in prayer and practice godly disciplines to strengthen the inner man and for those persons needing a Holy Spirit facelift and inner person change, just hang on and don’t doubt and continue to press in for that person who needs healing and help.

I mention the movie ‘Redeeming Love’, which was released January 2022, lots because its’ message resonates with me in thinking about growing in Christ and being forgiven for things you may not feel you could ever be forgiven for. This movie, set in 1850’s Gold Rush in California, follows the life of Angel, sold into prostitution at age 8 and how she was redeemed and discovered what real love was as well as discovering God loved her and forgave her. What quick fix do you want to turn over to God?

PRAYER: Father I thank you for teaching me patience and understanding experiencing trials and some heartache I grow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rejoice? You Kidding Me?

 

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Romans 5:3 

Do you get all giddy when you have problems or issues in your life because you know in the end they are a good thing? Probably not. 

Problems and setbacks help to strengthen you if you don’t let them overwhelm you. If you can ask God for strength to hold on and endure and keep praying you will be stronger for it. 

Believe receive and doubt do without. Just know that God has your back. Don’t crumble into a pile of worry and fear. Seek first His kingdom and even say thanks for the trials of life for in them you grow. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for trials for in them I learn to stand strong and keep believing and trusting. I choose to not fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.