Offended? Don’t Be.

 

A person’s wisdom yields patience;    it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.Proverbs 19:11 NIV Bible Gateway

It does not  take much to get a person offended. Say someone doesn’t speak to you at church, that’s it, change churches. A misunderstanding that is never cleared up and wrong information continually pollutes the situation making it easy to take offense. 

Perhaps you have been the recipient of someone’s offense. It is mostly a self centered thing where a persons eyes get off of God and onto self and feeling hurt. 

Everyone has a different journey and different issues in their lives that create tension, hurt, pain and often when over looked, offense can come easily. When you are offended do you confront or do you pray? Best answer would be to pray. 

PRAYER: Lord your love for me is beyond my ability to fathom, and you don’t want me to be offended but to forgive even if I feel I have the right to lash out. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

Don’t Push Doors Open

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7-8

You have heard the phrase when God closes a door he opens a window? It is true. When you try too hard to push doors open things can backfire. 

Whatever it is you are waiting for keep praying, keep believing, be patient. Try to be still. I had a really quick neat answer to prayer recently that I I tried to push open the door it may have failed but why I waited wondering if anything would ever happen it did!! 

God hears prayers and He answers them in His way and in His time. Trust and obey and hang on. The doors will open. 

PRAYER: Lord I am grateful for the doors you open and the ones you have closed in my life. You know what I need better than I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

So I Screwed Up Again

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.1 Corinthians 10:13

Corrective action is needed in someone’s life you know and love and playing Holy Spirit Junior always seems to backfire. Praying is the way to get it done and the way to still have an intact relationship. Everyone probably has their own stories to tell as well and no one is perfect. 

Each of us has a sin nature, but it is acting on temptation that ensnares us. All of us have those weak moments. I certainly would not want to raise girls in the culture today but God can give parents strength and tools if you rely on Him. 

The culture sucks our children into all sorts of activity and child and sex trafficking is rampant. Pray for anyone you know being tempted to do wrong things they may see nothing wrong with. Satan likes to blind people into thinking certain things are okay and you have to be a certain way to be popular. You may not know of a person personally tempted by lures of the culture to fit in but still pray. Satan is alive and well on planet Earth. Stay strong and run your race to win. Keep your eyes on the cross. 

PRAYER: Father I want to ask for you to protect young people who get lured into wrong lifestyles and actions. Draw them close to you. Help Jesus be first. Forgive me for anyway my life displeases you. Help me be able to listen to those hurting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Does Your Spiritual Life Need A Boost?

 

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:1)

So you are a Christian? Good. If you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you? Ponder that. 

Often a person can become lethargic in the winter months and even after the shelter in place order I heard of several who never returned to church and worship services. 

Time to get excited again about Jesus and all things of the Lord. Don’t be so focused on the worlds problems or the culture that you lose the desire to fellowship each week with other believers. Maybe you never really had a church home. Now may be just the time to find one. Do spring renovation and cleaning and let it be done in your heart as well. 

PRAYER: Lord I know of people who are lost, alone, hurting or have been misled by someone and therefore finding a Bible believing church is no longer a priority. Bring people across their paths Lord to share Jesus with them and help reignite spiritually lethargic people. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Link to find Bible believing non denominational church in your area: 

Www.associationofrelatedchurches.com

Squirrel

I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.Psalm 119:15 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you get distracted easily and maybe even have all the good intentions in the world to have time alone with the Lord? This is why I like DAWG days which means ‘Day Alone With God’ where you intentionally get out of your house, without your cell phone turned on, and find a nice quiet safe park. 

I have to admit I really have only had two DAWG days since moving to Idaho in August 2020. You have to make it happen and put it on your calendar. 

Don’t let distractions, squirrel, take your focus off God. Don’t let your mind start wondering during this time about prayers not just answered just keep praising him. 

PRAYER: Father I need you daily. Help me focus on one method of having a quiet time and not bounce all around unfocused and unproductive. Guide my mind as I seek truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#Biblegatewayblogger

Travel Agent: Specialty-Guilt Trips

 

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.James 3:5

I heard author and speaker Sharon Jaynes speak of being a ‘travel agent for a guilt trip’ and I thought, yep that’s me alright. So I give her credit for my title. I don’t  do it on purpose I simply just don’t think out what I am going to say before it pops out of my mouth or rolls off my texting fingers. 

How many children, spouses, friends, or others have been hurt by guilt. You can say well I was guilted and I can’t help it but if you expect your relationships to grow and not disintegrate better get a grasp on learning how not to send people on guilt trips. 

Repent of your guilting and analyze why you do it and what you are trying to gain. Usually the only thing gained is hurting someone and not trying to achieve what you wanted. Ask God to guide your thoughts and speech. 

PRAYER: Today help me pray before anything. If I am tempted to say something help me make sure it is not going to guilt the hearer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Truth Wins

 

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

I have said it before over and over there is good and there is evil. Period. We are in a spiritual battle between God and the devil. Be aware and don’t just shrug it off.

As a believer it is serious to engage in warfare to save our nation and its’ future generations. “Becky don’t go getting political on me I read to be comforted not scared and angry”. My intent is to have you recognize that many of your problems and issues even with those you love dearly, originates with needing to engage the devil and tell him he WILL NOT win.

Be on your knees in prayer. Make it a priority not an after thought. Don’t slip up and start being hypnotized by the culture which is getting darker and making many people’s minds go numb. Younger people don’t see it as much but you who are wiser certainly should. The coy devil has made the word ‘love’ synonymous with accepting evil in society. All of us have sinned but taking God’s creation and trying to put it back in a science test tube won’t work.

PRAYER: Father my heart breaks for those who are being tricked and misled by evil and are succumbing to wrong thinking and wrong theology. Guard my heart and my mind so I know the truth found only in your word which never changes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Need Strength?

 

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

Ok what is it you need strength for? This entire chapter of 1st Corinthians deals with love but this particular verse states it pretty forthright. 

Love whether married love or love in general bears all things, yep you read it right. Whatever annoying habit, forgotten anniversary, rudeness and so forth. You press on to believe especially when waiting for an answer to prayer. Hope will never disappoint, you just hang in there and stay focused. Finally endurance. Similarly to running a race, of which I used to quite a bit, you don’t look behind you but keep looking ahead for the finish line. Pressing on with a no quit attitude. 

So can you have the strength you need for your daily battles whether at home, work, neighborhood, or out and about? You can if you apply these principles found in the Bible. 

PRAYER: Today I can and will do all things through Christ who strengthens me as it says in Philippians 4:13. Give me your ability to not quit and to keep smiling. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When You Don’t Understand

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding”. Proverbs 3:5

Perhaps there are those of you trying to figure out stuff right now that only God can do. The loss of a family member, an estranged adult child, a sickness that just won’t leave. Many throw up their hands and say “why Lord”?

Everyone goes through some sort of trials. God never promised us a trial free existence but sometimes things just don’t make sense. There is a lot of ugliness, division, lying, demonic activity, and hurt in this world. I call it a present day gloom and darkness. 

But rejoice because no matter how you feel on the inside you can be an over comer. Your pain may be too much to bear so talk to God. Let out your emotions. Tell Him you don’t understand. Get on your knees and cry out to Him. 

PRAYER:Father I sometimes can’t understand things. I pray, I fast, I cry out to you and try to be still yet my situation remains unchanged. Help me persevere. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click below and listen: 

https://youtu.be/OAQJKZJB-kE

Bitter Or Better

 

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”Hebrews 12:15

There are some people who may have insulted you or rubbed you the wrong way and your human nature says to not mess with them anymore. I had this issue and kept thinking “well I will show them” and “who needs friends like that” and maybe you can identify. But then the Holy Spirit showed up and I knew instantly that attitude was wrong. 

Perhaps you have been belittled, condemned, insulted, verbally assaulted and you are not only hurt but you feel angry. Human nature reactions are not God’s plan. The people who hurt you may not be walking in the spirit and therefore are not emulating Christ so you kind of have to let it go, not confront them, and just pray. 

Who do you want to be in control, the devil or the Holy Spirit? Sure the person maybe did deserve a cold shoulder or a ‘piece of your mind’ but really what good would that do? It certainly would not bring closure or peace. Continue to lift up those who have been mean to you as obviously something going on in their head and it’s not all about you. Just stay peaceful and pray. 

PRAYER: Father I love you and I love when I can show your love to others and try to live my life for you. Help me learn to let things go and let you work. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 ESV Bible Gateway 

I am pretty blessed. I love my subdivision called Lugarno Terra. Basically it was built from scratch in 2019 in a former alfalfa field in the outskirts of Kuna, Idaho a suburb of Boise. We were the 10th family to build our home and closed June 2020 and moved here August 2020. We watched as more and more houses went up, the bulk of neighbors calling themselves refugees from California. Then comes Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada and then locals, us from Tennessee, a couple from Chicago, and a couple Texans. A group of us, about 7, called ourselves ‘the Lugarno Terra street gang’ and took nightly walks on the street not the sidewalks, before there were lots of other people here. 

Anyway the verse says love your neighbors and I found out recently complaining to the HOA(Home owners association) is not a way to win over future friends. Our neighborhood is unique in that early on once a month one resident began a meet and greet coffee in the clubhouse. This was a terrific way to connect with others. The families with young children bond on the playground. And then there was a foodie group. There is a Facebook page to communicate on. 

It is so important to do kind things and forgive when you have been hurt and don’t hold grudges. The neighbor whose shed is too big, or whose dog barks non stop, or those who let pets do their thing in your yard. Learn to turn the other cheek if you expect to be a good witness for Christ on your block. Keep smiling, keep praying, and above all show kindness not judgment. 

PRAYER: Lord thank you for friends. Thank you for kind neighbors. Thank you for opportunities to share and help others. Guide me to be a shining light where you placed me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2 

Cool Fool?

 

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.1 Timothy 6:17

Do you want to be cool?Why does it matter? Do you feel like you need to keep up with the latest trends?Do you post on social media especially when you want to show your family and friends the ‘cool’ places you have been? What exactly is cool and trendy anyway, what Hollywood or New York says?

This world and all its’ fads, glamour, fame, and cultural nonsense will one day pass away. It won’t matter who you knew, what you wore, what car you drove, or whose social gatherings you attended. What will matter is if you have not strayed from the ‘Father’s design’ and caved into the world’s unhealthy confused culture. 

Learn to think for yourself, keep your Bible nearby and read it. Find a good Bible believing church and get plugged in.Keep praying and love your enemies too. 

PRAYER: Lord each and every day of my life I give you thanks for helping me keep on the right path. I pray for the lost, hopeless, and confused who have been led astray by the lies of the culture. Give me strength to stay strong. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dwell No More

 

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 12:1-2

What are you fixated on? As a follower of Christ or one who wants to be, it is necessary to clear the clutter in your mind as that is where the enemy camps out to torture you. He had a hey day with me one day recently as I sat and tried to figure things out and rehash scenarios. Trust me, don’t go there!

Once you have a light bulb moment and are set free from this, you can then  move on into spiritual warfare and cast off junk that has been holding you down and making you ineffective for the kingdom of God. 

You say you trust Him and know He is working on your prayer concern then poof, you take it back and lug it around like a heavy sack of rocks. How can you say you trust Him then when things don’t happen fast enough go back and start fretting? Be still, breathe in, breathe out and tell Satan he has no business bothering you and kick Him out. 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Each day you give me opportunities to shine your light wherever I go be it a doctor office, coffee shop, grocery store, park, school so Lord use me in a mighty at to help people escape the cultural darkness and be set free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Governs Your Mind?

 

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.Romans 8:6 NIV Bible Gateway

Ever had one of those days where you just can’t get negative junk out of your head. Things that make you want to overreact to someone. I did recently. 

Once I woke up and realized the enemy was having a hey day seeing me sitting there like “what now Lord” instead of taking authority over my emotions in the name of Jesus. 

When you are governed by the flesh you can’t think from a godly perspective. Your thoughts are muddled, you get agitated, things make no sense. But once the aha moment occurs and the spiritual light comes on again it is evident what you need to do. “Walk in the Spirit” period! 

PRAYER:Lord have you way in my life, I truly mean it and release any expectations of how things should work out. Give me your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2 Biblegatewayblogger 

Repent Of Wrong Assumptions

 

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.Isaiah 30:15

 

Have you ever had wrong assumptions of someone and you didn’t go to the person and check it out but instead started an email or text stream? It happens and the enemy loves it cause he loves division and he loves those who can be on verge of scorching something with their tongue of fire.

 

Repentance is necessary before you can clearly move on in life. Our brain is a gift from God and quite amazing and through it we think, reason, problem solve, and speak. Speaking should be done with much thought. If you have ever been on the receiving end of a tongue lashing it is painful. And indeed may you never be guilty of hurting another.

 

You can’t possibly know what another person is thinking so reject wrong thinking. If you struggle with this area too, work on keeping your mind focused on other things. God is your best friend. He won’t ‘rat’ you out to others or condemn you. Don’t run to the phone but run to the ‘throne’.

 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for my kind and I thank you for blessing me with gift of speaking. Guide me to use my gifts in the right way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Repent-Heaven Is Closer Than You Think

 

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”Matthew 3:2

Repent means to turn away from and be sorry for. You must be born again to enter Heaven but in this being born again, is a sincere heartfelt repentance for breaking fellowship with God through sinful disobedience. 

Your conscience makes you feel regret sometimes for things like gossip, arguing, being mean, lying, hurting someone, sexual sin, not taking care of God’s temple(your body) through things like gluttony, poor choices and so forth. 

Are you sorry for your sins? Jesus died a brutal death on a cross for our sins. He loves you and He wants you to feel that love. Often things in life have caused you to follow a wrong path but now is the time to cry out. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for a sin conscience. Help me not be another’s ‘Holy Spirit Junior’ but instead pray for those following the path of this world which leads to death. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Have You Picked Up Your Cross?

 

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.Luke 9:23 ESV Bible Gateway 

You have seen the images showing Jesus dragging a heavy wooden cross that resembles the beams in a barn. Of course we have no real photos but the account is pretty clear.  

Todays verse is about carrying your own cross. What would that be?Acknowledgment that some of your ways are not God’s ways. Living more for the flesh than the Spirit. Being regretful when our words and thoughts don’t please Him. 

Brother and sister are you carrying your cross today or have you laid it down for a life of pleasure where God is nowhere to be found? Does your conscience convict you of wrong yet you keep on same path? 

PRAYER: Your voice convicts me Lord to stay grounded in you. I pray for those who blatantly stuff cotton in their ears because they would rather live without your still small voice. Bring freedom to those caught in bondage of sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

Break Away From The World

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;I will help you.Isaiah 41:13 NIV Bible Gateway 

I have several friends that don’t do social media and I say “you go girl” or “you go guy” because today I decided to not look at anything beyond what I wrote to post, I realized when you waste time looking at others lives you neglect, or at least, I neglected my prayer time. 

When I moved here to Idaho nearly 3 years ago I set up a prayer corner in my closet with all the best intentions in the world to meet with God there daily. Post it notes on wall with names I prayed for, a Bible, a notebook, a pen, a book called ‘Praying For My Son’ and a few other helpful tools. I guess I got scattered and sidetracked and just walked by it with no time to spare. 

Therein lies the problem and that is time. Don’t force prayer or quiet time or try to copy another person. Schedule quiet time and prayer time on your daily planner just like all other activities. The enemy is the king of ‘busy’ and will attempt to get you almost self righteous over your busyness. It is not a thing to brag about being so busy there is no down time. Lie on your sofa and just have a chat with God. I plan to right now. 

PRAYER:Lord I love you and I neglect talking to you daily. I thank you for how you are working in my life and the lives of my loved ones. Give me strength to hold on while you work and not mess things up by trying to play you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2 

No Fitting In

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.Romans 12:2

I had a window seat at a local cafe and the streets were abuzz with all ages of people going hither and thither. One group of young ladies caught my eye and they were clones of each other, the pressure of fitting in and not being an outcast at their school no doubt. Overalls with one strap dangling, low cut tops, combat boot type footwear.

I often think of my own granddaughters and pray they don’t have to go through this outside pressure of conforming or fitting in to be ‘with it’ or ‘cool’.

The culture tries with advertising to choke your personality and try to get you to be a certain way.

The solution to all this would be to know that the only person you matter to in the end is God. It is a strong person who can be different and set apart and run their race conforming only to their father in Heaven.

PRAYER:Help me Lord to try to be Christlike above all else but not in a haughty judging way but with confidence in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let God Work

 

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.Proverbs 16:32

In the Bible patience and waiting is a big theme. Is there something you are waiting for right now?Perhaps minor such as a parking space or maybe major like test results for school admission or a medical test result. Results from a legal battle.

It could be you are waiting for a prodigal child to come home. That is an area you totally have to trust God with. Maybe there is a broken relationship due to a misunderstanding and trying to fix it yourself has been disastrous.

Surround yourself with positive people. Trust God. Continue to pray. Pray for people you encounter daily who may be seated close to you at a coffee shop or restaurant as perhaps they too have overwhelming issues in their lives.

PRAYER: Your love Lord never changes. As life swirls around me and the voices of the culture overwhelm my senses you are the one stable force. I lift up anyone I know who is dealing with a burden or needs reconnected to a friend or family member. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Many Types Of Grief

 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.Psalms 147:3

Grief doesn’t just mean grieving a loved one who died but can be much deeper. Grieving the loss of a relationship, friends as you move, grief over the loss of your furry friend, and it can also encompass much more. Our hearts yearn for fellowship and companionship and when that does not occur a grieving of sorts occurs.

If you are in the midst of grief just talk to God. He knows your pain and your heartache. You could even be grieving the loss of communication with family if boundaries have been drawn. Whatever it is be still and allow God to bring you peace. 

Live each day anew and afresh and make a list of things you are thankful for. Doing that often times will help you not overreact to pain you are carrying internally. 

PRAYER: First I am grateful for my Bible and need to remember part of the time I get down is due to enemy poking at my weak points. I choose joy no matter what. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy Resurrection Day!

“For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.”

‭‭Romans 6:10

Okay here it is Easter Sunday and a day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after a brutal horrible death on a cross between two thieves. This is a day celebrated worldwide yet for many it is only a day they might feel obligated to dress up, go to church then hunt eggs and eat copious amounts of food.

Why not stop for a moment and think what this day is all about. Ponder, reflect, pray. You are acknowledging first there is a savior and He died and came back to life on the third day and lives today and someday unknown to us will return to Earth again.

Similar to when Jesus was alive, a mockery is made of believers and much darkness is enveloping our culture and fear of loss of freedom and takeover by communism in the United States, BUT GOD. One day all this earthly chaos will end, all the things people think are trendy or important will cease to exist and the only thing that matters is did you live for Christ and work to help others escape the darkness of this world?

PRAYER:Father my heart aches for those who just are living for this present world and caught up in all of it without taking time to seriously seek a relationship with you. Help guide them to the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Almost Here

  “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18, NIV).

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. It is a day acknowledged by most everyone even if they only do ‘the religious thing’ once a year. The most phenomenal day in history when Christ rose from the dead just as he said. 

Jesus doesn’t want us to be religious but he wants a relationship with you. I am often called ‘religious’ simply because I feel some people don’t know what to call someone who loves the Lord,  loves writing devotions, has crosses on a wall in my house, and prays. Some are angry at God because of a loved one passing but all I can say is don’t give place to the devil. Lean in to God and talk to Him. 

So this Easter rejoice that God came back to life and he lives today. Don’t let anger, bitterness, hurt, or a bad experience keep you from wanting more of Him in your life. 

PRAYER: Thank you for forgiving my sins past, present, and future. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of praise. 

More Love More Power - Lyric Video HD youtu.be

Footholds

 

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27

Don’t give devil foothold is another translation of ‘giving place’ to the devil. Anyone who is a rock climber can attest to the fact you need a good foothold before proceeding upward on the rock. If you don’t, disaster can occur.

In life you want to avoid things that cause Satan to get a foothold in your life such as anger, resentment, pride, selfishness, hatred, and so forth. Do things that keep you close to God and avoid pitfalls that create confusion, contempt, and evil.

Overlook, move on. This is not about being fair or getting your way or being right but it is about staying at peace and controlling negative emotions and stinking thinking. Stay calm, cool, and collected. Forgive and be peaceful. And yes smile.

PRAYER: Today I thank you for your love for me no matter how bad I mess up and how many people reject me you never do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stay Out Of The Ditch

 

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

In order to have complete victory over the wiles of Satan you have to stop jumping back into the ditch so to speak. 

As much as I tell others to keep looking up sometimes yours truly has to take some of my own medicine. Most battles are waged in the mind and the sooner you get a grip on this fact your days will go much better.

You can wake up and orchestrate scenarios in your mind or you can say this is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.(Psalm 118:24) Simply stated that means no jumping back into ditches where Satan is awaiting you but stand firm and take authority over the devil. 

PRAYER: Lord you are so good to me. You have paved the road ahead of me and say this is where I want you to walk. Help me not stray from the path. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stupid Mouth

 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21

Think before you speak, text, post or otherwise. Every thought in your head doesn’t have to pop out. Have you walked in the shoes I am talking about? 

You put something out there say on a Facebook page and change your mind. Too late. Someone saw it and someone formed an opinion. Or you get the courage to speak to someone about a tense or touchy area but have you prayed about it and thought it through? Perhaps you are very opinionated and need to tone it down a bit? 

The tongue is full of deadly poison. Chapter 3 in the book of James gives you a whole bunch of warnings about the tongue. The Navy has a phrase ‘Loose lips sink ships’ and indeed meaning watch what you say and who you say it to. Now go have a good day and try to be still. 

PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I say inappropriate or hurtful things and more importantly make me aware of it. Give me the courage to say I am sorry. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Does Satan Get In Your Headspace?

 

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

It is difficult to communicate with many people and at times trying to figure things out ahead of time can back fire or speaking when you need to be still. So hard to wait and not mess things up with your mouth.

Also thinking things irrationally that aren’t real, can mess you up. Being impulsive is a killer too. You don’t know what others are thinking, no way you could, so relax and ask the Holy Spirit to infiltrate your thinking.

Be still, be patient, be kind. Often times another person is on a tough journey you know nothing about so give them a break.

PRAYER: I am ever so grateful for the mind and the brain so intricate and complex and an absolutely miraculous thing. Help me not clutter my brain with bad thinking, nonsense, lies, debates, squabbles and so forth. I choose peace. In Jesus’ name.Amen.

Hurting Hearts Are Everywhere

 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.Romans 12:12

Between 2019-2022 it was rough for many people. Divisions, separations, loneliness, suicides, job losses, friendships ending, fractured families, fear of germs, need I go on. Have I hit the nail on the head yet?

Perhaps you are still hurting from an ache that won’t go away. I am certain therapists have stayed busy. Thankfully normal conditions or the new normal are upon us. You make a new way so to speak.

All this is spiritual warfare. If you have not been used to knowing there is God and there is the devil well it is true. Fight against him daily. It is evident Satan wants to destroy the family. My friend stand firm whatever you are going through. Be still. Keep praying.

PRAYER: Your love and care for me is beyond my understanding. Give me strength to hang on. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

My Heart Aches-Does Yours?

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

The most recent school shooting in Nashville,Tennessee is tragic. The enemy is not the shooter but the enemy has dominated the shooters thoughts and heart. 

My heart really hurt when I heard 3 nine year olds, that is only 4 years older than my own granddaughter, were victims. Ever since prayer was taken out of our public schools in 1963 there has been a slow yet steady downfall in morals, in discerning right and wrong and in believing the truth. The law basically said “God we don’t need you in our schools anymore” and a downfall in morality and gun violence followed. 

Also families have been divided and the one way to heal this divide is to seriously get into the Bible and prayer but many who know that don’t! Why? What is going on in your life friend? Are you estranged from people you love?  Have words crushed you? Keep on keeping on. Don’t say “ Oh I wish Jesus would call me home” as he is not done with you here. Stay strong. Have people pray over you. Forgive those who hurt you. 

PRAYER: Lord you are my stronghold in times of trouble. My heart cries out to you in a dry weary land. Lord I love you and I am ashamed when I let angry words get the best of me. Help me give my issues totally to you and be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No Joke

 

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.2 Timothy 3:1

Not sure exactly how April 1 got to be called April Fool’s Day but I have been victim of some well crafted pranks. But here we are the day of non stop jokes.

I will tell something that is not a joke. Jesus is alive and well and coming back soon. Will you be ready? Are you ready?

Many mock this but just look around at what is going on in the world. Don’t be scared but be prayerful.

Today if you hear His voice or a nudge from the Holy Spirit don’t harden your heart and back away. Continue to speak the truth in love and never stop praying.

PRAYER: Father it is no joke you are the Almighty God creator or Heaven and earth yet many are still trying to play God. Open the eyes of the blind. There is no one like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.