Sad And Don’t Know Why

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:17-18)

There are days it is difficult to press on and write devotions and when I wrote this one a few days ago I was having a day like that. After all, the devotion writer needs to have peace, but I am human too. 

Several things were competing for attention in my mind and the enemy was trying his hardest to defeat me with doom and gloom. I started second guessing our major life decision of three years ago to uproot our home and drive all the way across the country leaving 21 years of friends behind and a son 6 hours away. Then I was thinking of our former beautiful farm which Dave built himself. I said to myself “Stop it before I am a puddle of confusion and tears” and I am sure there are those out there who can identify.

Snap out if it, this pity party ends now! Covid didn’t help things any.  One thing I recommend if you can identify with me, is get off social media, it is not your friend. Turn off morning shows and talk shows. Get your Bible out and start reading Psalms. Look around you and find ways to share compliments and joy to others. Find a friend or neighbor to help. Make a list of praises in your life and don’t dwell on negative junk. Now go have a good day!

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for my life. I thank you for the blessing of friends and family. I thank you for living in America. Guide my steps daily to stay on the right path. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help Me Lord

 

“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own understanding and opinions. Instead, rely on the Lord and he will lead you wherever you go.” Proverbs 3:6-7

Are you going through a trial or issue in your life and you just can’t seem to wonder when it will be resolved? Especially if it involves other people and a lot of hurt, pain, blame, and misunderstanding. 

First of all let me say that God is not the one who causes confusion(1Corinthians 14:33). What if you tried on your own to ‘fix’ this thing and it was a complete bust and maybe made things worse. Sound familiar? 

Don’t turn to alcohol, drugs, and other things to ease your pain and make you forget but turn to God who loves you and hurts right along with you. Get on your knees if you can and cry out to God and share your heart then be still. Only God can fix this. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you want relationships restored and problems healed. Give me patience as you do your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Final Approach

 

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”Matthew 7:13-14

Everyone who knows me know how much I love to fly. When pilots get ready to land they may say over the PA system “we are making our final approach” and proceed to land the aircraft. 

For a believer one day you will be on final approach when God calls you to your heavenly home. You must be born again to enter the kingdom of Heaven (Read John 3:1-21). 

No one knows when their last day will be that is why it is important to live every day like this might be your last. Ask forgiveness to those you have hurt. Restore relationships especially with your family. No one is too messed up to receive forgiveness. 

PRAYER: Thank you for another day to make a difference. Help those who are wandering find their purpose and find freedom only you can give. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be A Blessing

Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred. Proverbs 15:17

I was discussing bringing food to a gathering and always feeling inadequate in that area not knowing really what to cook and getting a bit stressed over it. Stressed spelled backwards is ‘desserts’ keep that in mind. 

This verse made me chuckle because I translated it to mean calm down and be loving while you serve hotdogs. Don’t serve filet mignon and be unable to enjoy your guests. 

How do you feel my friend. Is bringing a dish to a potluck a hard thing for you? What about having dinner guests? Ask yourself why. It doesn’t matter what dishes you use or what you serve what matters is being loving and hospitable. Let’s give it a try. 

PRAYER: Father I love you and want to be an example of Christ’s love to my neighbors, friends, family, and strangers. Show me how to relax and be in your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: I have attached a timeless book I first read after I met the author in 1976 when I lived in California. Her message still holds true. 

Open Heart, Open Home: The Hospitable... book by Karen Burton Mains thriftbooks.com

Anger Just Give It To God

Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.Ephesians 4:26-27 

What makes people angry? Emotions can come and go and anger is one if not kept under control can destroy people and relationships. It can get you fired from a job and break things. 

Everyone has been angry at one time or another. Pause and think why you are angry?The way a person was raised and their life experiences can contribute to anger. 

If you have trouble letting go of anger ask God to intervene and calm your spirit. Start focusing once again on ‘things above’. Does anger produce anything good? Aim for the fruits of the spirit in your life which are found in Galatians 5:22-23. Now go be still and forgive those who you want to be angry at. 

PRAYER: Lord emotions are good but when I get upset about something help me turn my eyes to Heaven. I know my anger does not produce the righteousness you desire. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of worship: 

https://youtu.be/dtflAXHh-jk

Thank Goodness For Friends

 



Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice.Proverbs 27:9 NIV Bible Gateway

Friends are great. A trusted friend is the best. I have had to make new friends many times in my life due to numerous moves to a new state. 

Friends are a blessing. There was a little rhyme I heard as a child that said “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” I know for a fact how true that is.  

Many verses in scripture speak of friends. An important one in 1 Corinthians  15:33 says “Bad company corrupts good morals”. Just do a word search on your Bible to see all the scriptures. What kind of friend are you? Do you know when to walk away when someone doesn’t want to be your friend? Not everyone will like you so talk to God He is your BFF. (Best friend forever).

PRAYER: Father I thank you for my friends and I thank you as well for my opportunities to make new friends and be kind to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2 #Bibkegatewayblogger

Be A Voice,,Not An Echo

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV Bible Gateway

I drove by a counselors office and saw a sign that read ‘Be A Voice, Not An Echo’ and of course latched onto it for a perfect devotion title. Be sure of yourself and not timid.

Todays’ verse refers to believers hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit giving direction after prayer. The voice of the Lord is powerful and majestic. The Lord ‘speaks’ to you through Holy scriptures in the Bible. God doesn’t whisper or trick you. 

If you are a follower of Christ trying to be a witness for Him be sure of yourself and not a timid echo. 

PRAYER: Thanks for the guidance you provide me in the Bible. Its words are power and truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Try To Be Yourself

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.Psalm 119:11

Everyone is different and marches to the beat of a different drummer but hopefully marches with Jesus beside them. Recently I was pondering my quiet time and how I skipped around from this one to that one. Why can’t I get on a steady pace and just do one instead of bouncing around? 

Then it came to me. Each of us have different personalities and ways of doing things. You can’t strong arm your method on anyone and not beat up on yourself when you are wishy washy. 

I love the Bible app and how many ways there are to have morning devotions. Find one and try to stick with it but do what is best for you. The important thing is to ‘hide’ God’s word in your heart daily as the enemy is a roaring lion roaring even louder in this present day. Pray, read some scripture and just remember you are special to God. 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and I thank you for allowing me to be alive and serve you. Thank you for quiet moments when I can just rest. Help those I know going through rough times or confusion. Draw them to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Below is a link to You Version Bible App. 

www.youversion.com

Steady Stream

 

He called a little child and set him before them, and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children[trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever [a]humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 18:2-4 AMP Bible Gateway

As I sat writing in a local coffee shop I noted even with rain outside a steady stream of customers came willing to spend hard earned money on a latte or cup of coffee. I was thinking how neat that would be to see people get as excited to go to church. 

As a greeter at my church I love to see the enthusiasm of the children running up the sidewalk ready for Kids Church. Can you get as excited about fellowshipping  with believers and hearing God’s  word as these youngsters?

Make sure you are not just ‘doing church’ to check a block like your spiritual duty. If you aren’t excited about Jesus pray and ask Him to change you and come into your heart. Then find a church where Jesus is lord and the Bible is the book of truth. 

PRAYER: Lord many people may try to trick a person into going to a church that doesn’t preach your word. Guide them and convict them to find a place they can grow in Christ and have your love and joy in their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link to find a dynamic Bible believing church in your area. 

Www.arcchurches.com

Who Is God?

 

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.Philippians 3:10

Here are some names of God. Look up the verse next to the name. With many just type verse in and it will pop up to read. Here goes!

God is Abba Father(Galatians 4:6),Balm of Gilead (Jeremiah 8:22),Comforter (2

Corinthians 1:3),Deliverer(Psalm 18:2), Everlasting God (Isaiah 40:23), Father of Mercy(2 Corinthians 1:3),Good Shepherd - John 10:11-15, Holy One - Proverbs 9:10,Intercessor - Hebrews. 7:25,Judge of the living and the dead - 1 Peter 4:5,King Eternal - 1 Timothy 1:17,

Light of revelation - Luke 2:32,Man of sorrows - Isaiah 53:5, Never-failing One - Hebrews. 13:5,Offering for sin - Hebrews 10:14, Potter - Isaiah 64:8, Quieting Love - Zephaniah. 3:17,Righteous - 1 Corinthians 1:30-31,Sanctification - 1 Corinthians 1:30-31,Teacher - John 14:26, Upholder of all things - Isaiah 41:13,Very present help - Psalm 46:1,The Way - John 14:6,Exalted - Psalm. 148:13,Your glory and lifter of your head - Psalm 3:3,Zealous - John 2:17.

This list is from The Father's Business ministry Seek Him,Meet HIm. You can look up each verse given for the name of God and have quite a good study source.

Have you made Jesus the center of your life or do you sort of coast through life thinking you’re okay and you are a member or baptized into a certain denomination so you are okay whether you actively seek Jesus or not? Many people just are born and that’s it no relationship with the Almighty. It says in scripture that you must be born again. John 3:7 is where that truth is. If any of this is new to you just private message me or if you don’t have a Bible. Jesus wants you to get excited about him, life, and sharing his joy.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for those bold believers who share about salvation with others. Give me boldness to do likewise. I pray for anyone who isn’t sure if they are Heaven bound some day to ask you to be Lord if their life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

How Are You Feeling?

 

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2

Feelings come and go and you really can’t rely on them as one day you are jubilant and the next feel like quitting any dream you had.

Years ago I saw a Christian tract that was about fact, Faith, and feeling and was done as an illustration of a train. The engine was labeled fact, the box car was labeled Faith, and the caboose was labeled feeling. Basically the train could run with or without the caboose. Similarly your life can go along perfectly well with just facts of life and your faith. The feelings come and go. But you will experience emotions because they are part of your life. The message here was not that feelings were not important but that life went on and your faith could grow as your feelings kind of pulled up in the rear. 

How are you doing today my friend? Have you received a scary diagnosis from the doctor? Maybe you feel lonely or scared. Perhaps you feel your ‘giants’ seem unconquerable, things like finances or a job. God is with you and he loves you. Your faith can pull you through as it is a Fact God wants you to prosper and be joyful but hard times come for everyone. It was part of the fall of man found in Genesis.  

PRAYER: I love you Lord and at times I get feeling overwhelmed let me know you are there. I need not fear. Guide my steps. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What A Good Day!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.Psalm 107:1

It isn’t difficult to utter those words when the sky is blue and things are going smoothly but when trials and heartache enter your life it can be a different story. 

First thing is to get up and be thankful no matter what. Yes in ALL things give God thanks. If you are reading this from America things are pretty good. Even a seemingly glitch is something say your microwave broke or your toilet overflowed are minor as at least you have those items. Many do not. 

Be thankful in the good and the bad. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Persevere in praying for our leaders to have wise judgment or be removed from office. Be kind by smiling. If you can help someone do it expecting nothing back. 

PRAYER: Your goodness overflows and overwhelms me and I often forgot to sing praises to you assuming all this goodness I deserve. Thanks for blessing me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for powerful song of worship. Go ahead lift your hands in the air while listening and praise God.

https://youtu.be/-f4MUUMWMV4

The Ultimate Father

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Today is Father’s Day a day of mixed emotions whether happy, sad, angry, grieving, grateful, hurt, it stirs up all sorts of things in different people. Not everyone had a perfect dad experience and today in our culture, men are made to either be buffoons or not really needed. This is all part of enemies plan to destroy the family.

Men you are needed. Your children need you. Your grandchildren need you. The world needs you. Hollywood doesn’t need you but they don’t matter anyway. Men of courage are needed to stand up and fight for their family. Godly fathers are needed to be the spiritual backbone of their family. Men with strong character and good morals that are not ashamed of God or not ashamed to pray. Fathers means adoptive daddies too. Don’t forget that!

Fathers are to lead the generations to come into the kingdom of God. The dad is to be the head of the house and this means the spiritual leader too. Don’t count on the world to lead your children to Christ it will likely not occur. The time is now to make an impact. God gave his only Son Jesus so we might live and be free and quite frankly many snub their noses at him or act like it is a big huge joke. It is no joke. The time will come some day when you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and account for your life. Will you be able to say ‘Hi Abba daddy father” or will he be disappointed in you. He loves you and he does not wish for any to perish. Are you standing with Him today?

PRAYER: I thank you for my Earthly father who you placed on this earth for a reason and I thank you for all he did for me. Help those people with not so happy dad experiences be able to forgive them even if their dad is dead. Help dads now of small children be teaching their families about Christ. Wake up those who are not. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for awesome Father’s Day song:

https://youtu.be/pkM-gDcmJeM

Having Peace When You Don’t Feel Like It

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You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

There are many times in life where humanly you feel you might have the right to lose your tranquility. Not everyone can leave their home and go for a walk but you can gain control of wrong thinking. 

Think about the fruits of the spirit and ask yourself are they growing in your life. See Galatians 5:22-26, take a moment and look that passage up found in New Testament. Make up your mind you will walk in the spirit and therefore develop a peaceful pattern of thinking. 

There may be things in your life robbing you of peace and if so be still a moment and ask God to deliver you from any veil of darkness making you gloomy and fretful. Take care my friend. Jesus loves you. 

PRAYER: Father help me not get stirred up by the news around me but instead to stay at peace and fill my mind with hopeful joyful thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song of comfort::/https://youtu.be/o9a6n2iR_fc

 

When People Don't Like You

 

 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.Matthew 5:11-12

Who on social media hasn’t been unfriended? I often say how cruel it is for todays generation growing up experiencing all this friending on a little mobile device that is dragged everywhere with them. It appears as if it is a lifesaving device. 

I have been rejected by friends, by neighbors, in jobs, by co-workers, by crushes as a teen, in class elections, by some family members, and you know what, even though I may have or have not deserved these ‘cold shoulder’ moments, they were proving grounds and I learned lots. I tried to not hold onto bitterness or anger and tried to sincerely forgive those who kept me at arms’ length. Have you been there and has this happened to you as well?  You learn through rejection. Think of Jesus he was ultimately rejected! 

Rejoice in all your trials friend. Just as I was writing this I was experiencing a tiny pang of hurt when a neighbor unfriended me. This friend stuff on social media isn’t real anyway and I applaud those of you who leave it alone as your life is probably happier. 

PRAYER: Father God I thank you that you love me unconditionally even when others don’t. Help me to love others unconditionally and not judge them as I am not the judge. Help me be like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don't Fret

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.Philippians 4:6 NIV Bible Gateway

Are you able to get away or just simply sit on a porch or patio and watch birds. Probably if you aren’t in a high rise in NYC. 

My goal is to get you focused on the simple pleasures and joys of life and not to beat you down or make you feel bad. Right now I am watching two robins chirping back and forth to each other. An occasional humming bird zips into and out of the yard. I can hear a neighbors American flag flapping in the breeze on its high pole. 

Do what you can with what you have on your surroundings to have calm. Perhaps no electronics. Lie down and just take slow deep breaths. Think of things that make you happy. Let God have the rest. 

PRAYER: Today is the day you have made and I need to stand and rejoice and not get fretful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BGblogger

Note: for readers who have asked me what is NIV or what is Bible Gateway. NIV is the version of the Bible I mostly use and it means New International Version and Bible Gateway is an awesome source for all things Bible related. Www.biblegateway.com and check it out. 

Do You Really Give Everything To God?

 



For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.Psalm 107:9

 

Have you prayed prayers psyching yourself up for hanging in there and not playing Holy Spirit Junior. Can you do it? Are you doing it? It is difficult I know. 

Being still. Being quiet. Believing. You are determined to let God have it so to speak then get in a hurry and jump back in. Stuff is going on in your life and you can’t seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel. You hang on keep praying and believing you will see victory. 

You can’t doubt after praying but of course that is what always happens. Second guessing and so forth. Be calm, trust God. 

PRAYER: Oh Father many things happen I do not understand. I realize I am not perfect and I need your guidance daily to not mess up. Help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Need God

 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.John 14:6

What makes people think they don’t need God in their lives? 

Sometimes life can get so fun and busy that you may feel why bother with Sunday. The thing is there are so many ‘come as you are’ churches with wonderful programs for children while parents are in worship. 

The Bible can be intimidating and many people may think it is a coffee table decoration but know nothing about the life and power inside its’ pages. Start prayer walking communities, neighborhoods, government buildings and so forth asking God to bring revival and truth. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for so many dynamic churches preaching the word of God. I pray for those people who are wandering around with no anchor and caring little for their spiritual growth or their families. Convict and restore relationships. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Give Everything To You Lord

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight.Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Bible Gateway

There is an app called ‘Pause’ which I love where a short prayer speaks of giving everything and everyone to God but how many days go by and I don’t really do that. What about you? Do you have trouble really trusting the Lord after you prayed.

Why is it so hard to try to figure things out and keep being anxious when you say you are not? Human nature I guess but you are dealing with an Almighty God whose desire is for you to let it go and let Him work.

My friend this is an area that takes great discipline to just let stuff go and trust God. I have trouble and am working on it. How about you. Trust with all you heart, just do it.

PRAYER: Lord you have heard my prayers and I know your plan is way better than mine so help me Lord to trust you and relax. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

He Is Able!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.Ephesians 3:20-21

Do you believe in miracles? I do. God is a good God and takes care of His children.

I am not sure what you are going through in your life but don’t quit praying and don’t stop believing. Keep believing for and praying for favor.

Don’t allow Satan to lie to you and make you a pessimist. Think and speak positive and know that God wants to bless you. Believe receive, doubt do without.

PRAYER:Lord I thank you for hearing my prayers. Forgive me for the times I have doubted you. Guard my heart from discouragement from the devil. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Gold Stars

 

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:30-31 NIV Bible Gateway

 

As a child in school or Sunday school you may have been rewarded by gold stars on a chart. Felt pretty good to rack a few up. Now as adults ,a member of my small group at church states, people rack up how many views they get on social media or how many likes. Sort of like a gold star for affirming your value. 

Your value isn’t in if a teacher or boss gives a good report or if oodles of people ‘liked’ a post on social media but your value and worth come from God. True there are many fractured families and abandoned children that grow up needing affirmation. But to be of value it has to be Holy from the Lord. 

You know you are worth so much to the Lord. Your mom and dad may forsake you but God has not done that. People may have hurt you or been cruel with words and name calling but your name to God is ‘My Creation perfect in every way’. Knowing this please step out in joy today getting comfort and affirmation from the truth in God’s word not people. 

PRAYER: Many times in life I feel worthless but I know those feelings are counterfeit and come straight from the pit of hell. God places much value in me and can and does use me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Focus On The Bad

 



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

There is so much to worry and fret about in today’s headlines and the challenge is to let stuff go and don’t become a cheerleader for doom and gloom. Remember you have hope. 

Recently I caught myself focusing in on the stuff captivating our news in June headlines  and tried to not get caught up in fear. Simply I said “Father help us.”

You can go through life either gloomy or choose to snap out of it and see the promises in God’s word. Whatever it is that may be dampening your mood today cry out for God and just speak out loud and tell Him. 

PRAYER: I choose this day to stay lifted up beyond things out of my control. My job is to pray and be still. Thank you Lord for guiding me daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Trying To Be Nice

 

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.Ephesians 4:32

You never know what a person is going through so it is good to give others the  benefit of the doubt and be kind. 

It is necessary to let go of unnecessary ‘baggage’ wearing you down spiritually. Yes there are really bad crazy unthinkable things happening in the world but don’t let the news or tweets consume your life. Get away somewhere and talk to God and breathe. 

When the condition of the world and culture makes you feel less than nice go to God. Take a few moments to just say thanks to God. 

PRAYER: Father help me as I seek to not let outward circumstances make me gloomy or unkind. I choose joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

By Design

 

For thou hast possessed my reins:thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knows right well. Psalm 139:13-14

Every thing and every person has a unique design. God our creator designed us like Him, male and female he created them, no mistakes. 

Mankind is able to be a creative designer because of the unique talents and abilities given by the Creator. Acknowledging all you have is from Him.

There are no accidents with God. Just as the Serpent tested Eve by saying” Did God really say?” Yes He really did and still does. 

PRAYER: Thanks for letting me be born. I pray for those people who may wish they were never born or that they want to be dead. Renew hope and let everyone, me included, find God’s perfect design. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Freedom-Not Just A Word

In freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore and do not be entangled again in a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

When you hear the word freedom what comes to mind? Christ set us free to begin with when he died on the cross for our sins. 

Freedom to those of us in America means having rights and privileges paid for by the blood of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who sacrificed their life so America could be a bastion of freedom. 

Freedom of religion, expression, speech, are just a few. Freedom to choose your livelihood. Freedom to drive about with no checkpoints or searches. Freedom to buy and sell. Freedom to own a firearm. Freedom is a true blessing and never to be taken for granted. Remember what today is all about in American history. If you don’t know look it up. Have a day free in Christ. 

PRAYER: Father each day I say thank you for guiding my steps. Help me guard my heart. Thank you for freedom and I pray for anyone who heart is hardened to come to know you as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Downcast?

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.Psalm 43:5

Do you ever feel downcast when you have no real reason to be? I know I have and pondering this I would say Satan loves to keep us squished down feeling lonely and hopeless. If you dwell on negativity you will stay in a pit. 

Maybe you just had a tremendous day and things went well but yet you find yourself starting to be downcast. You must talk to Satan and tell him he is a liar and he will not steal your joy. Be firm take authority over him. 

Keep looking up and not at problems. Dwelling or fixating on issues you have no control over is never good. Learn to let things go.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for my life. I thank you for the gift of my family and my friends. I choose joy over fretting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Content With What You Have-Are You?

And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”Luke 12:15

Are you happy with your life or does social media make you desire things you don’t need or can’t afford. Life doesn’t consist on things you own and ‘stuff’ won’t make you content. 

A bigger house, fancier car or truck, newer modern furniture, the latest fashions, fancy job title, bigger office, more prestige all may be carnal worldly goals but God wants us to seek Him first. 

Read Luke 12:18-20 about continuing to build larger and more feeling that will satisfy you. Are you content or do you need God’s help to humble you and make you happy with what you have? 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I have been guilty of wanting more or better and usually it is when I see it on social media which I know is not real anyway. Help me seek you and nothing more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for worship music:    https://youtu.be/VAZd3EWu8tg

Anger-Just Tame It

 

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. therefore , putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21

Anger is an emotion all of us experience at one time or another. If not gotten under control it has the potential to damage or destroy relationships. 

Anger may come when there is a misunderstanding. Instead of arguing try to take a breath, sit down, and talk. The enemy loves anger because it digs away at the fruits of the spirit believers should be walking in. 

Even if the person you are having conflict with doesn’t sound like they want to have peace just let it go and be at peace in your heart. Let the joy of the Lord permeate every fiber of your being. 

PRAYER: Father I don’t like  it when I am in a dispute with someone and hate it even worse when the person continues. No matter what , I need your help to maintain joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When Self Pity Comes Knocking

.. and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”Matthew 3:2 NIV Bible Gateway

I think most people probably have attended a pity party and there usually have no guest list. I guess what I am trying to say is the enemy can torture us with our thoughts when that feeling comes. 

Feel left out of something? Maybe there is an explanation. Feel like someone is mad at you.? How do you know you aren’t a mind reader. You fear your co workers wish you would go elsewhere? Once again you have no clue what people are thinking. 

The test is to make your mind stop going there so to speak. Once that feeling comes over you stop. Not sure if it is just a female thing or if guys go to pity parties too. Self pity is our sinful self not getting its’ way and throwing an emotional tantrum. Lay aside the weight of self pity and run your race to win. 

PRAYER: Father I need your help to stop figuring every thing is my fault but to know you are with me and it’s not all about me. Help me escape the trap of self-pity and put others before myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen.