PRYRFUL

 



Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

This title was a license plate I recently saw. What a neat way to share about prayer!

Are you in an attitude of prayer? Here is an idea. You are going about your day whether at home or out and about. Stop and say thanks to the Lord. 

In your home look at family photos and just thank the Lord for each person in those photos and maybe ask God to meet whatever need they are struggling with or pray for Holy Spirit to be at the forefront of their thinking. Now go and prayerfully enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Thank you for another day of life to make an impact around me. Protect me from deception and help me pray for those who I don’t understand. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Strongholds Do You Need To Break

 

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 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 10:3-5

Many of the battles on the forefront of the news today are spiritual warfare so it is wise to remember to keep praying. In your own life what strongholds do you need broken or in other words what has a ‘strong hold’ on you making you feel you can’t break free. 

Today’s verse speaks of ‘taking captive’ thoughts or in other words don’t just let random thoughts  fill your mind with wrong thinking. You have to fight daily to keep your mind on ‘things above’. (See Colossians 3:1-4).

Don’t allow negative thinking to drag you down. Speak truth and believe it. If you get a chance see the movie ‘Breakthrough’ a true story of a young teen who broken thru the ice on a pond in Missouri. What a message it has. Don’t open your mouth and say anything negative. Now go and have a blessed day! 

PRAYER: Lord it is easy to be negative or think and talk negative. Help me stay positive and break any negative strongholds in my life. Help me recognize evil and not let it captivate my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Freedom Is A Gift

 

“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

Today is Memorial Day here in the United States. I heard a statistic that 57% of our population didn’t even know what it was. Very sad. First established for Union and Confederate deaths in the Civil War now it honors all those brave men and women who died in defense of our freedoms. Don’t take that lightly. 

If you can, go by a cemetery having a service to honor those who gave their lives in battle to protect our freedom. Arlington National Cemetery in DC is the best place year round if you ever get a chance take a trip there instead of Disney. Here in my area there is a National Cemetery which will honor heroes today.  

“The liberties of our country, the freedoms of our civil Constitution are worth defending at all hazards; it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors. They purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood.“ (Author unknown). The late President John F Kennedy has a famous quote “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”. Well said JFK!

Remember to keep praying and don’t fret and that God is on the throne. Be still! Be sure to say thanks to God for freedom which the late President Ronald Reagan said “is only one generation away from extinction” so remember evil triumphs when good men do nothing. (Edmund Burke). 

PRAYER: Thanks so much for those who answered the call to serve our nation to keep it free. I pray for commanders who make decisions to be guided by truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Courtesy Is Contagious

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Kindness is contagious and within kindness is a little thing called courtesy which has to be taught. If you run into people who seem rude, have no manners, are unkind and discourteous they probably are not walking in the fruits of the spirit so don’t be too hard on them just pray. 

If you are out somewhere where others are being rude such as not offering a lady a seat or cutting in line or spouting off to a waiter pray for this individual. Until a person is set free from the carnality of the world they may not truly know. The prince of darkness hates fruits of the spirit. Keep asking God to grow them in you. 

PRAYER: Lord help me not just think of myself but look around and see others who need you. Use me to pray or interact of that is where you lead me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be The Light

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.Psalm 118:24

On your journey in life you are going to run into much negativity, Debbie Downers, and darkness so why not wake up daily and say Lord use me today to be a light in this confused broken world. 

You can ‘prayer walk’ wherever you go throughout your day. Make sure you are not in restricted areas but pray as you shop, are at gas station, at your gym, out walking or running, around your home, in your neighborhood, around schools or universities, around mayor’s office. You do this silently never drawing attention to yourself. 

The enemy, Satan, is roaming around like a roaring lion,  it says in 1 Peter 5:8 so be on our guard but don’t be scared because his future is a lake of fire. The more the light of God shines and changes communities and people the more the enemy has to leave. Don’t get discouraged. 

PRAYER:Father I love you and I know yours plans are for good and not for evil. Help those trapped in the deceit and lies of enemy be able to cast off chains of darkness. Thanks for allowing me to run my race to win. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Humble-Just Be It!

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.Proverbs 27:2

I don’t know about you but when I neglect my time with the Lord, not even hiding scripture in my heart,  my mind starts getting ‘of the flesh’ or in other words angry, argumentative, jealous, hurt, left out, offended and more. Can you identify? 

I am blessed with a very humble and intelligent husband. Even though he achieved a high rank after 28 years of honorable service in the Army, you will never hear him say he is too high and mighty and must have more important work. He has managed billion dollar military budgets and is a great leader. You will never hear him ‘pull rank’ or act better than anyone. And if overlooked for something he is highly qualified for he just lets it roll off his back. There must be some reason. God has a bigger plan. 

For whatever reason in life things like this happen and even within the brotherhood of Christ at church. Satan would want you to puddle up in tears and make a scene but alas God’s plan is strength through service with humility. Keep on doing joyfully whatever it is God calls you to do. When I moved here to Idaho nearly 3 years ago I assumed my leadership days of Moms in Prayer were over but alas a need for a leader arose and yours truly filled the gap. Was not something I was seeking out. What are you called to do and have not stepped up to do it? 

PRAYER: Jesus help me love the unloveable even if they have hurt me or offended me in some way. Guard my heart from Satan’s schemes. I choose to look at the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Share The Love!

 

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. -1 John 4:7-8

The slogan for Subaru is my title for today. I love it, so simple and to the point. Do you know how to share the love?

Love is an action verb. Helping, caring, praying, giving, sharing, listening. Love is of and from God. Loving one another. 

I Corinthians 13 in the New Testament is often called the ‘love chapter’. Why not take a moment and read what it says and you will understand what love is. Today show love to someone around you. 

PRAYER: Father I want to show your love to those around me. Guide me each day to be kind and helpful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

On Empty?

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NKJV)

I rarely let my car gas tank get empty with only fumes to make it to the gas station but when I got there okay, whew. Do you ever feel worn out as if running on empty in your spiritual life?

Maybe you feel God expects you to do more and you are not growing enough to please him. That is a lie and feeling from Satan himself. Perhaps you have been guilted into thinking what you are doing is not enough. I haven’t seen any rules God laid out he just wants you to spend time with Him and the word to recognize truth from lies of the culture.

It is tempting to get up and get on social media before anything else. Try getting a good devotional book similar to Jesus Calling by Sarah Young but don’t forget THE book the Bible for in it you gain wisdom to lead a life pleading to Him. Try getting The Life Application Bible in New International Version to help you on your journey.

PRAYER: I am grateful to live in a nation so far that has not banned the Bible. Help me never take your word for granted and if nothing more to read a Psalms or two each day to give me fuel for my day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Graduation...A Major Life Change

See I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 NIV Bible Gateway

Graduations often start with pre school, kindergarten, 8th grade, high school, then college and beyond. It is a major milestone in the life of the child and parent as well. An indication you are growing up. Commencement is a word you might also see and it indicates a beginning such as a new stage of life. It is a time for celebration.

Many tears are shed at graduation/commencement as the graduate is leaving behind friends and pursuing a new future as an adult. In high school especially you may feel like you will never see friends again. You gain new relationships in your next phase of life often seemingly closer that the ones you are leacving behind but there is something special and unique about that high school bonding take it from a lady who has celebrated her fifty year high school classs reunion in 2021.

Challenges lie ahead. For some they will marry their high school sweetheart. Others may join the armed forces. yet others move on in to colleges and universitites. Some jump right into trade school or begin a job close to home. Whatever you choose or chose know that God guides you along the path. Don't shut him out of your life. This is a challenging sometimes lonely time when your faith will be needed more than ever. There are Christian ministries at the universities so I urge you to check them out before checking out a fraternity beer party. Stay close to family and keep your mind focused on 'things above'.

PRAYERS: Thank you Lord for thsoe who are graduating this year. May you guide their paths and keep them strong and courageous no matter what they choose. Help those who did not finish pursue their GED and stay close to them. Many may be brokenhearted if so comfort them. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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When You Want To Be Mad

 

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.Psalm 37:8

So you think you have the right to be mad and hold a grudge? Let’s say your loving husband may have forgotten your anniversary or Mother’s Day or that you had tickets to a play and scheduled to hunt instead. You probably have a few you can add. 

It is so much better to let things go and not create a scene or unnecessary pain and conflict. What does it really matter anyway. Better to let things go instead of trying to make a point. 

You can choose to be angry or choose joy. Remember WWJD well what would Jesus do? He would let it go and so should you. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for your example of forgiveness. No matter who did what or how bad I feel hurt I choose not to hold a grudge and instead have joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Uniform

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27

If you have ever worked in a job that required a uniform there is much pride in putting it on daily. You identify with that company and are supposed to represent it well. Whether a car dealer or in the Armed forces. 

As a believer and follower of God each day you are to put on a uniform as well. Put on kindness, love, compassion, and generosity(See Colossians 3:12). You are to get up and ‘dress’ for Christ as daily you represent the kingdom of God to those around you. 

Have you put on the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness?(Isaiah 61:3). No matter what is swirling around you God and the Holy Spirit can get you through it if you just cry out to them. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for being able to wake up daily and never take for granted my freedom in Christ. Help me today as I shine your light through my smile into the dark places around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Respect Is Never Out Of Style

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Ephesians 5:22-24 NIV Bible gateway 

As much as society tries to make men and women equal, truly God designed the two sexes differently. Women were the weaker gentler sex which doesn’t mean inferior. We are designed differently for a reason. 

The world wants women to rule and be in charge and to outdo men. You see it in the number of women in mayoral, school heads, companies and so forth. Watch any TV show on prime time, if you can stomach them,  and a woman is at the helm. This isn’t to say a woman can’t lead but God designed the man to be the head and in the culture war of today, which is really spiritual warfare,  with Satan attacking manhood and families. 

Teach your children the way God wanted them to be taught and teach respect. I love to have a guy open the door for me or let me go first. The home is important and homemakers often get ridiculed. Don’t be ashamed be thankful you have or had the opportunity to be at home. Go into this world proudly knowing God is on the throne. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus this world has turned upside down only because Christians have been succumbing to lies of the enemy. Help me Lord to show respect for those around me and also to know who I am in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Tidbits

 



All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV Bible Gateway

Are you lost when it comes to having a morning quiet time and have no clue how to read the Bible? Many people are. Cute titles may draw you in to wanting to begin as it doesn’t sound so daunting, like Bible tidbits.

I recommend the book of John in the New Testament. So much good stuff in there. There are numerous Bible learning Apps and even an app called You Version Bible. Don’t beat yourself up for not being able to get something going. As long as your heart desires more intimacy with God it will happen. Also try Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians(GEPC) in the New Testament which I fondly refer to General Electric Power Company(GEPC) or Gentiles Eat Pork Chops(GEPC). 

There is not a set formula or method or duration you must accomplish. Sometimes it is just sitting quietly before the Lord and saying “Hi it’s me Lord. I need you today.” Don’t let the world and busyness prevent you from having this time and you will see your life will be better for it. 

PRAYER: I often am confused and not sure how to go about getting closer to you Lord. I know I need to. Help me resist the pull of the culture to believe lies and guidance my steps to serve you with my whole heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Heart Broken

 

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.Psalm 34:18 NIV Bible Gateway

What type of things can break your heart? As I write I am at an outside table watching people and traffic go by and wondering what is going on in the lives of many. Estrangement issues, grief over loss of family or friend, new to the area, and happy issues as well or simply taking a stroll.

You never know what a person is going through so how about trying to be kind and smile. If you yourself have been guilty of causing pain in someone’s life apologize. Help another person you might know who does have a broken heart.

Today rise up and be joyful. Make another person’s day. Be encouraging to another individual. Stay humble and remember you are the hands and feet of Jesus.

PRAYER: Broken hearts can come in many forms. Father help me stay positive and uplifted today. Help me remember to always Pray First. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Love One Another, For Real?

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you and bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28 NIV Bible Gateway

Are you really truly supposed to love one another? Does this mean friends who stiffed you over political beliefs or opinions? What about a friend who says mean hurtful things to you? What about when you are misunderstood by a comment you wish you had never made?

The enemy, Satan, likes to get you fixated on bad stuff and if you continually dwell on hurts from the past that is where you will stay. No matter what a person did to be ugly even if they don’t ask forgiveness you are to forgive them regardless. Sounds strange but God said it not me.

Charge ahead each day thinking good and happy thoughts. Start with prayer and read some scripture to get your day going. Don’t allow the enemy to squish you into a depressed angry mode or you may end up there, beat him at his game. Rejoice and be kind to those who hurt you. 

PRAYER:Today I say thank you for friends and family. I pray for relationships that need to be healed. I pray for misunderstandings to be cleared up. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

I Need Peace Of Mind

“Search me, God, and know my heart, know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23 

What is on your mind right now? I have to admit that random thoughts occasionally pop up like Satan trying to torture me and I bet it happens to you as well. 

Who governs your mind? Have you asked the Holy Spirit to fill your mind with life and peace? Your thought life will get better and more positive. 

Even if a negative situation doesn’t change your attitude and mind will be better if you stay focused on above. Do you truly want to have the ‘mind of Christ’ I know I do. Think on good things. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. 

PRAYER:I choose to meditate on your word and cast my wrong thinking off. I know powers of darkness are responsible for my negative attitude. I choose to believe things will get better. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Are Highly Valued

 

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?Matthew 6:26

There are many people who sort of just exist day to day wondering why they are here and what purpose they serve. Satan has done a bang up job in wrecking families which is backbone of society.

Maybe your family never told you were valued and you struggle believing you are of any worth. 

My friend you are highly valued by God. Even when caught in sin God doesn’t say get out of here you worthless human. Remember the Bible story about the woman caught in adultery? The key is “go and sin no more” period. But you are bound to slip up. Tell Satan to get behind you. Read John 1:8-11. 

So you see you are no accident no matter how you were conceived or what kind of stuff you may have endured. God makes beauty out of ashes. Invite him into your heart today. 

PRAYER: I am redeemed and forgiven for dumb stuff I did in my past yet Satan tries to torture me in my thought life. Help me Lord break the stronghold of wrong thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

To All Moms

 

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.Exodus 20:12

It is Mother’s Day . Not everyone looks forward to this day. 

Some moms are in prison. Some moms are deceased. Some moms have abandoned their children. Some moms are in custody battles for their children. Some moms are drug addicts or alcoholics. Some moms are estranged from their children. Some want to be moms but can’t conceive. I am painting this picture to let you know this isn’t a jolly jump for joy day for everyone so try to be sensitive to that. 

But for those of you not in those categories enjoy the day. Hallmark loves this day so do florists and candy stores. It is a day for moms to reflect on what it means to be a mom and what a sheer blessing it is through all the ups and downs and screwups too. For those of you dealing with pain only God can truly understand lean in and talk to Him today.

PRAYER: Lord today be with those heart broken moms who have lost children to death or suicide and comfort them as only you can. Be with all new moms to delight in their children and with older moms whose children have strayed to not blame themselves. Thanks for the miracle of giving birth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Messed Up In Politics

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV Bible Gateway

Occasionally this devotion writer has slipped up and gotten what the world would call ‘political’ and for that I apologize to any readers who took offense. It is never my intent to write about politics but about the love of God and how He can and does transform bad to good. I don’t take a side here only the Lord’s side. 

The Bible can interpret better than me what is right or wrong or good or evil. Our consciences also can wake us up to the same. Our world has changed so much since I was a child in the early 60’s. It doesn’t take too much to see it has gotten polluted morally mostly because we took our freedoms for granted and did not speak up when evil crept in the door. 

Each person has to be convicted on their own but the Bible is the rule book, the infallible word of God. I am not here to tell you what you should and should not do because hopefully the little voice inside you  does that. You are never beyond God’s reach to save you just remember that. Redemption is there for those who ask. 

PRAYER: I stand on your word Lord. I have messed up before and you have redeemed me and forgiven me. For that I am grateful. Help me not stand in judgment over others but instead pray the enemy does not hold people captive to lies and deceit. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

Renew Thinking

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 12:2-3 NKJV Bible Gateway 

So many issues may be swirling around in your brain and you can get fixated on them. The verse about casting your cares on God in 1 Peter 5:7 seems easy enough then why can’t you do it? 

Each day is a clean slate so to speak and you can begin again and really try to keep your mind on ‘things above’. For me I really want to stop Facebook but it is a good way to connect with family and friends but it is also a source of pain and grief if you allow it to be. 

Are there areas in your life you really have to trust God with because no amount of human manipulation or striving does any good?  There are for me. Forgiving, loving, moving on, not dwelling on negative junk. Try disconnecting from your cell phone a few hours. Unsubscribe to stupid stuff you don’t really need. Don’t engage in arguments and keep running for the cross. 

PRAYER: Father I need you to help me get through the things in life where I try to push my way in and create a scenario of perfectness. You and only you Lord are the source of my joy. I continue to pray for family and friends and trust you to do the work. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Welcome Back!

 

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.Luke 10:38

When you hear the greeting “welcome back’ it indicates happiness, joy, delight. You hear it much since the Covid lockdown is over. I love it when I travel by plane and at the airport family or friends are waiting with a sign to greet the person arriving. Brings a smile of delight to my face. 

Did you know when your life on earth is over and you are called home by God the words “well done good and faithful servant” are what you want to hear. That would be a welcome to your heavenly dwelling place. While here on this earth make others feel welcomed. 

Everyone likes to feel wanted and loved. Try to be the person who can reach out and meet a need of someone hurting emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Not everyone is comfortable inviting others to dinner but try it sometime and see how it goes. Speaking of welcoming have you welcomed Jesus Christ into your life? 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made Lord and I thank you for it and every day you have given me on this Earth. I want to be a welcoming committee for someone who is hurting or tired or confused. Use me Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Hands And Feet Of Jesus

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

At church recently I saw a young pre teen in great anguish over an apparent conflict with his mom. He seemed inconsolable and his mom went on into church and he sat in foyer with head bowed. Then I saw something amazing. Two friends came out and talked to him and cheered him up. I told one of them he was the hands and feet of Jesus. 

That is what we are called to do and that is reach out to those hurting or meet a need to help someone hurting. Perhaps you have issues in your own life and when you help others your problems seems to dim in comparison. 

Who can you help today? A smile, a kind word, a thoughtful card, a hug, a meal in time of need. If you are in your own rut step out for a while and go help another. 

PRAYER: Today I choose joy. I choose to follow you Lord even when I hurt inside. I choose to learn from my mistakes. I choose to trust you with the timing of answered prayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Signs Along The Way

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22

License tags with scripture verses or a word like ‘Joy’. The word ‘Almighty’ on a tee shirt. A cloud shaped like an angel. Many things can draw your attention to the Lord. 

Sometimes you just need a ‘sign’ because waiting for things can make you nutty. Whatever is going on in your life continue to press in and pray. Perhaps it is a broken relationship, an illness, an angry friend, a disturbed neighbor, whatever talk to God. Some of the things you go through may be horrible but God uses them to shape you into a stronger follower. Keep running straight to the cross. 

Be loving and kind to your enemies or those who mistreat you. This even could be a family member. The most important thing is to continue praying. That is what the enemy wants you to do is try to figure things out and stop praying. Don’t do it. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for hearing my prayers and helping me hold on to hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have No Anxiety About Anything? Seriously?

 

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

 How on earth can I not have anxiety because there are so many things to worry about? Learning to not be anxious is a skill. It involves controlling your thoughts and focusing on something else. 

Whatever you are concerned about today, regardless of the issue, let God into it. It may be something you may be saying there is no way it can be fixed. Nothing is impossible with God. 

So learning to capture your thoughts to the obedience of Christ is getting your mind under control not to wander down some rabbit trail of no return. Stop the comparing, the what if’s, the if only’s, and continue to give the situation over to God. Period. Stand still and wait. Trust God He can see you through. 

PRAYER: What a beautiful day it is Lord. I start by casting my cares on you and knowing you have all things under your control. All the worry in the world will never change a situation but trust and patience will. Help me break the stronghold of wrong thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Sunshine Factor

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.Matthew 5:45

Do you see the sunshine coming or do you feel under a dark cloud? Maybe events in your life have pushed you into a corner of depression. Don’t stay there because that only makes Satan happy. 

After a storm when dark clouds lift and the sun peeks through it is so refreshing. An occasional rainbow pops out making it even more glorious. Are you waiting for the sun to pop back out in your life? 

In your own life stop and breathe and give thanks. What for you might ask? For life in general. For family, friends, breathing every day. For forgiveness. For mercy. For hope. For beautiful sunrises and sunsets. For joy only Christ can give. 

PRAYER: Father I am where I am for a reason and I thank you. Help me stay focused so the enemy can’t get in and poke at my weak areas. Strengthen me to fight whatever battle comes my way. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Why Is The Cross An Offense?

 

For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who perish; but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God.1 Corinthians 1:18 

In recent years there have been many stories of the cross being offensive and being forced to be taken down. A simple cross with such great meaning that even some people were it really having no real knowledge of the ‘cost’ associated with that cross. 

What is it about this symbol that is the source of such controversy? Why do people ban the Bible? Why is ‘religion’ kept from the public school? Why don’t some people want to hear truth? 

The enemy is alive and well in this battle of right and wrong and good and evil. He will try to misrepresent Jesus, the word of God, and even try to remove things that draw people closer to the savior. Be on guard as the battle has heated up. Stand your ground. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for the cross and what it means. I pray for those who get misled and deceived and make up another story other than the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Voices From The Past

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.1 Corinthians 14:33 NKJV Bible Gateway

Do you ever have a flashback to childhood or an earlier time in your life to a painful time? When that happens you have to squelch it before you do something stupid? 

Sometimes Facebook is a contributor to pain and that is why I have a love/hate relationship with it and other social media. Our make believe perfect lives are there for all to see and for many to wish they were with you. 

It is time to grow up pick yourself and your hurt feelings up by the bootstraps. I have to do this and maybe you do as well. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you. I am sorry for times I have said or done something to hurt or confuse others. Teach me to shine for you and not myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

God Is There

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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James 1:2-4 NIV Bible Gateway 

Do you have joy in your heart? Do you feel like God couldn’t possibly be in your situation or care? 

As you go about your life each day think beyond yourself for a few moments. Look around you. The grocery clerk, the barista, pharmacy workers, gym attendant, and so forth. What do you suppose is going on in their lives? Is there hurt, doubt, rejection, or do they know that God has them? 

Everyone is on a journey and on this earth on purpose no accidents. God’s love is real and He cares for you my friend. You only need reach out and call on Him. Do not despair. 

PRAYER: I know you love me Lord and I need you 24/7. When friends turn their back on me you are there. When I say something without thinking how it affects others you are there. I know I am forgiven of my sins and you go with me on my journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No Excuses

We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work.John 9:4

I was having coffee at my favorite local hang out when 3 road bikers with their bicycle gear on to include the special shoes came in. I have all the excuses in the world for why I can’t go out on my bike or go for a run but how about just go!

Same way with spiritual fitness. You may have all the apps, the books, the Bible study guide and so forth and yet might become stuck and dumbfounded when it comes to getting jump started and sticking with it. I admit it has been a problem for me. 

Be yourself first of all because everyone’s calling is not the same. Trust God to lead you. Be still. Open the Bible and just rest and read Psalms. Talk to God and ask Him to guide you and believe and rejoice. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I will trust you to guide me and show me who you want me to impact and also how to be still and simply pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

This Is My Father’s World

For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.1 Corinthians 14:33 NKJV Bible Gateway 

What in the world is going on in our world? Just in case you have been sticking your fingers in your ears it is hard not to hear about all the craziness going on the biggest being all this gender stuff. Oh Lord Jesus help us. 

This confusion stems right from the pit of hell and you need not fear because God is still on the throne and in control. Be still. 

When I was a child I sang a song in Sunday school which I have attached. This indeed is my Father’s world and He has the final say not a mere man or woman occupying a political office or a throne. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Hang on my friend and don’t lose hope. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for each day. Things seem crazy and out of control but then I know you are there and you have the final say. Protect the minds of children especially and I pray believers continue to pray and share God’s word. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of peace: https://youtu.be/62NYuMkvB6E

Is Your Armor On?

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil”. Ephesians 6:11

Every day when you get up the devil is waiting to trip you up, that is if you are a believing prayer warrior. You pray for children, the country, schools, and so forth. 

The devil doesn’t really care about those who aren’t dedicated to living for the Lord but for those who are he throws his fiery darts at you. Let me back track, he does care and goes after all people cause he makes you think up reasons why you don’t need to be going to church on Sunday or Saturday. 

My heart aches for people who I have encountered who in reality  have no hunger for the word of God or for finding a dynamic church home to make friends and fellowship. You may have close family that fits into that category. Keep fighting those attacks and pray heartily for those who think it is all a big joke. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I come to you as your humble servant asking you to use me each day to help change someone’s life. Forgive me for ever saying something rude or hurtful. Guide my steps. In Jesus’ name. Amen.