Experience Prayer

 

 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.Isaiah 43:18-19

You made it! The final day of 2024. To God be the glory. Time to think about forgetting what lies behind and reaching for what is ahead. 

Might I suggest to start the new year off with prayer not just resolutions. I recall a church back in Belleville, Illinois back in late 80’s that had a New Years Eve watch night service where they came together for a Christian movie, praise and worship songs, a message and prayer. I think it was an Assembly of God in my neighborhood and I just walked over and attended that night. 

One of the best ways to start a new year is on your knees or on your face in prayer taking stock of things you want to let go of and seeking God’s help. A moment of true repentance perhaps. You gave not done anything so bad that God can’t forgive you. People hold grudges and call you names but not give your life totally to Him today. 

PRAYER: I think of stupid things I have said or done in the past yet you always love me. I pray for anyone who needs to refresh their walk with the Lord in 2025. Keep running towards Jesus! In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Experience God’s Grace

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;2 Peter 1:2

I heard the acronym for ‘Grace’ one time as ‘God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense’ and that puts it in a nutshell. Jesus died a cruel death on the cross for you and me to pay for sins past, present, and future. Period. 

There is no other god before our God. He came to set we unworthy people free from sin and death. You experience his grace and ultimate forgiveness even when you don’t deserve it. 

You can experience that grace by accepting him and acknowledging that He died for you. Do it today. 

PRAYER: I pray for anyone whose heart is hard and prideful who has turned away from listening to the still small voice beckoning them ‘come home’. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Experience Love

 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV Bible Gateway

Let love be your aim. I am not referring to sexual or romantic love also known as Eros but love in general as described in 1 Corinthians 13. 

Love is not just feelings but is action. It is in your heart. Can you honestly look at people and say “I love that person” and really mean it? God loves everyone. Love is an action more than a feeling. 

God loves you so much even if you hate Him, don’t believe in Him or disobey his commandments, He still loves you. I pray you can understand and grasp just how high, deep, and wide that love is. It is hard for a human to comprehend but try. 

PRAYER: Today and every day help me sense anew your love for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Experience Hope

 

As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.Romans 4:17 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you want hope in your life?Hope is from God and is a feeling of expectation and for a certain thing to happen. You in your heart believe it is likely to happen.

God gave us Jesus who is the Hope of the world. Hope does not disappoint. At Christmas time during advent we are praying each of the four weeks prior to the day Jesus’ birth is celebrated for one of these attributes of God and Jesus.

Today you and I wait for His second coming and we hope on that. It is prophesied and will happen we just don’t know when. Stay alert and stay hopeful.

PRAYER: My heart is fixed and set on you Lord. I will not allow negativity to diminish that hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/CVqR6kTu8lE?si=a4YPtXrPUrR3ywHc Click link for a song of Hope:

Experience Joy

Whom having not seen, ye love. In Him, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,1 Peter 1:8 KJ21 Bible Gateway

Are you experiencing Joy my friend? If not why not? Christmas advent season you reflect on love, joy, peace and hope. 

Would you like to have that joy, joy, joy, joy down in your heart? You may be familiar with the children’s song lyrics that say that. Joy within your innermost soul regardless of your outside circumstances. Sounds good to me. Joy should not have to be dependent on other people or things. 

So why not try to maintain that Spirit of Joy Christ wants for us all year round? Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. An acronym for ‘joy’ would  be ‘Jesus first, others second, yourself last’. Now go have a joyous day!

PRAYER: Thank you for another day to sing your praises and build into the kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and listen to this slightly different version of Joy to The World. https://youtu.be/rqxMvvptf9I

 

Experience Peace

 



“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Are you able to experience and enjoy peace in your life today? Christmas is behind you but don’t allow the feeling of that day to leave. Pause and breathe. Be still. 

It is nice that at one time in 365 daysthere is a day set aside that being the day the Christ child was as born that we His creation not only celebrate but have time to reflect on the year and many times spend time with family and friends. This isn’t the case for everyone. There are fractured families and only the healing love of Jesus will mend those things. 

Today try to experience peace on Earth and peace in your heart. No judging, no grudges, no fault finding, no hurt feelings but simply maintain peace. Peace is defined as tranquility. Can you experience that today? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for calmness, tranquility, the ability to enjoy this season of celebration. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh Come All You Unfaithful

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
 for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture,the flock under his care.

Psalm 95:6-7 NIV Bible Gateway

I came across a Christmas hymn with the words slightly different  and attached it to my writing today. It makes perfect sense to me for Christmas.

You sing the carols, you feel joyful and good at least for the time being. But are you really faithful, is your heart surrendered to the creator of the universe?Is He in fact KIng of kings and Lord of all and does He hold first place in your life not just today but every day?

Today and every day let Jesus know He is Lord of your life. This is the celebration of His birth but can be the celebration of a new life in Christ for you. Surrender to Him today. Merry Christmas!

PRAYER: Father I am so grateful to be able to say you are my Lord and God and I thank you for dying for our sins. I pray for those whose hearts are hardened towards you and pray for them to get set free. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click link and listen:https://youtu.be/IfxaRCnJxYI?si=2XX5ZAbLnakLid9x

To God Be The Glory

 

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Mathew 2:2

Tomorrow is the big day which should be remembered and celebrated as the day Jesus’ was born. He is the reason for the season. To God be the glory and then some. 

All the merriment aside this is a day to be regarded very highly. Many who don’t know Jesus know there is something special about Him and perhaps know they need to do the ‘right thing’ by finding a Christmas Eve service to attend in their local area. 

Wherever you are at stop and give thanks for the birth of the Christ child and don’t forget about Him tomorrow on His birthday. 

PRAYER: It is exciting to once again be celebrating the birth of our savior. Open the eyes of skeptics or those who truly don’t ’get It’ and let this be a time of praise for the miracle who was born. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ho Ho Hum

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.Luke 2:11

How is your holly jolly meter holding out? Tis the season right? 3 More days!!

The Spirit of Christmas must abide in your heart not at the mall or in writing Christmas cards. Try to look for good in all things and in every situation. 

Remember the reason for the season, so cliche I know but very true. All the gifts, tinsel, songs, egg nog, family gatherings pale in comparison to what and whose day this is. About a baby born in a feed trough aka manger to save us from our sins. Keep your focus on Him. 

PRAYER: Father God I thank you for the season where at times it seems I forget to slow down and remember what it is all about. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Click link to hear a song of worship:

https://youtu.be/ifCWN5pJGIE?si=A68CvuTtHU7b_nln

Conviction Or Judgmental?

 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."Romans 2:4

Do you find yourself condemning people who aren’t walking the straight and narrow or inwardly feeling superior because ‘you don’t do those things?’.  Beware of a prideful attitude. 

You can be convicted by the Holy Spirit of certain things being not in line with walking with the Lord and to an outsider you may appear self righteous or condemning almost as if setting yourself up to be better. 

Ask God to show you love for all people warts and all. If you misspoke go back and ask forgiveness for playing ‘Holy Spirit Junior’. This doesn’t mean you have to approve of things but don’t be standing in judgment over clothing choices, piercings, tattoos, their choice of entertainment, the lifestyle they live and so forth. Ask God to show you supernatural love and let the Holy Spirit bring conviction,  you just be kind regardless. Your job is to show love and run after Jesus. 

PRAYER: Today I seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit and ask you to forgive me for judgmental attitudes or things people might have thought were judgmental. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Seasons Of Life

 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."Ecclesiastes 3:1

There are seasons of life just like there are seasons on the calendar. Seasons are all too evident when you attend a 50 year class reunion as I did a couple years ago. 

God has a purpose for each season you go through. The key is to continue being grateful and hopeful and not bemoan your ‘fate’ and wake up every day ready to make a difference in someone’s life. 

Don’t begrudge what ‘could have been’ because every thing in your life has a purpose. Above all comparing will send you over the edge so don’t go there at all. You may hyper focus on things during this Christmas season because all family things seem to surface then. Just keep running your race to win, pressing in, praying and don’t lose hope. 

PRAYER: Today I thank you for the gift of life. I thank you for seasons of life you have allowed me to pass through. Help me be sensitive to those hurting and shine a light. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Holiday Distractions

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV Bible gateway

What is the reason for this holiday? There is the well known cliche ‘Jesus is the reason for the Season’. Are you fully aware of that or are you finding yourself distracted by all the trappings the ‘world’ says is necessary to have a jolly holly Christmas?

My purpose is not to guilt but to make you think. If you have small children or grandchildren do what you can to tell them the Christmas story.

Programs, movies, cookie baking, sending cards, decorating are all fine and good but are you getting worn out or feeling obligated? Try to take time to enjoy peace on Earth.

PRAYER: This is the time of year many go to church for the first or second time of the year because they know it is the right thing to do. Help use me to impart your love to those who may not know you and be with many hurting this time of year. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Man In The Cold Rain

 

If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. James 4:17

I was returning from a baby shower one afternoon when a man who was on a corner selling roses was standing pacing in the pouring icy rain.It was also beginning to get dark.  He had a rain jacket on but appeared very cold. He probably was stuck there until his ride came to get him and the flowers. 

As I drove on by I felt like I wish I had an extra coat, blanket or umbrella in my car or a tarp he could stand under. Inside I felt terrible passing him by. This sort of stuff is accentuated at Christmas time but there are people standing in the cold rain all the time or have some other need. Scripture tells us to help and to not pass by.I  really wrestled in my spirit with what to do and even stopped to check in  the back of my car for my spare umbrella which was not there. 

Have you been in similar situations where you know what is the right thing to do but don't?I have to admit I did have a blanket in back but was selfish and sentimental in my spirit because I had had it many years and hated to part with it but here is a cold man who could have used it. Forgive me Lord. Don't beat yourself up and remember to  be safe. But if the Holy Spirit is prompting you to interact then do so if in a safe situation Not just at Christmas but all the time. 

PRAYER: Lord ,there are many needs in the world around me and  I know I can't meet all of them but when I have a chance to do something even small like giving a cup of cold water in the name of Jesus help me to do it. Forgive me when I pass someone by that  I could have helped. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Need To Get Away?

 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.1 Peter 2:9

Ever just need to retreat and step away from things for an hour or so or maybe all day?(I don’t recommend this if you have children at home.)Anyway right now I am writing from a local grocery store that has an upstairs loft with tables for eating or whatever. They call it the Kuna Kave spelled with a K not a C. 

A place I like to periodically get away to is a park where I can have a Day Alone With God also known as a DAWG day. When the temperatures are hovering at 25 degrees unless you like cold it is probably not going to be your thing. In Florida no problem but Idaho bundle up.  Was thinking on one of my free days before 25 December I might do that.  This is a time you go and talk to God, read your Bible and leave phone off. 

At this time of year many are lonely and the loneliness is accentuated since it is a ‘family gathering holiday’. Lonely due to being estranged from loved ones. Lonely in prison.  Lonely being in a nursing home or hospital. Lonely serving our Armed Forces far from home. If you feel you have a right to feel lonely think about those homeless at this time of year or mentally ill who can’t cope. Right now stop and count your blessings. Release wrong thoughts and regain mental clarity. Stop comparing and be grateful. Now go be a blessing. 

PRAYER: Lord you are kind and great. Many broken hearted in our world need you to let them know you are there. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pursue Joy

 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.Romans 12:12

You don’t have to allow this season to turn you into a grinch or Scrooge but you can choose to pursue joy. I passed by a car with a decal on the window that said ‘Pursue Joy’ and it made me smile. 

At this time of year, for whatever reasons, many dread all the trappings and start to become  overwhelmed and anything but joy filled and joyful. Maybe you have expectations or you are trying for the perfect Christmas. I say why don’t we learn to sit at Jesus’ first and rest in Him. 

Much of the merriment is done for children but why not teach little ones the real meaning of joy to the world? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you that we get to say Happy Birthday and to celebrate. Help me as I seek to turn it back a notch and relax. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: Click link below and listen to worship song to prepare your heart for this season. 

Chris Tomlin - Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy) [Lyric Video] youtu.be

You Are A Victor Not A Victim!!

 

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV Bible Gateway

When the enemy comes in trying to get you all down in the dumps stand up and say out loud “Satan I am victorious in Jesus Christ”.

Satan is not your friend and the evil in this world is his and his alone. His schemes are to kill, steal, and to destroy(John 10:10).

Whatever you are going through now know you are not alone. Keep praying for breakthrough and keep looking up to Jesus to be your best friend. Don’t get to the point you kick the Lord out of your life. You need Him whether you think you do or not.

PRAYER: Today I run to you with open arms and ask that you open the eyes of those blinded by the schemes of the devil. Help heal them and set them free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Search And Save Mission

 

Jesus looks at his disciples and tells them, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."Luke 9:23

Our job as believers is to go and seek and save the lost. You don’t just live for yourself but you live to help disciple others and help win the lost to Christ. 

Your mission field may not be in a foreign land but right in your own community and with people you come in contact with daily. 

You were not born just to hang out, have a job, raise a family and so forth but to impact the world around you for the Kingdom. Now go and search out those hurting needing to come to Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord give me strength daily to look for ways around me to share your love with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Life In Christ

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10, NIV)

How do you feel right now? Do you have any issues weighing on your heart some so much that it is hard to stop dwelling on them.

First let me say that kind of thinking is not from God and Satan, who is called the thief, indeed is a robber of hopes, dreams, truth, family togetherness, and harmony. 

Have you felt shut out, lonely, confused? Sometimes so much you just don’t know which way to turn? The thief is also the author of all confusion(1Corinthians 14:33) and he is jumping up and down when he can rob you of joy and peace. Think on things above and do not allow your thoughts to dwell on things only God can change. 

PRAYER: Father I need you in my life all the time and I know you want to hear from me. I get perplexed about things and sometimes want to act on my own without waiting on you. Help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dissing Fellowship

 

“Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25, ESV).

I have heard of those who say they can be a Christian without going to a church building and yes probably true but what about the all important fellowship and growth aspect? 

I know in my life I need contact with other like minded believers. No one says you have to kick any non believers under the bus but the Christ centered fellowship you have strengthens and enables you to build the right kind of friendships. 

Maybe you have not found a life giving church but instead one full of religion. Religion is all about rules and Jesus is about grace, love, and forgiveness. Especially if you have little children get them plugged into Kids Church before friends with no background in Christ lead them down the wrong path. 

PRAYER: Today when I hear you speaking to my heart I choose not to harden it. I choose to listen to the voice of truth and not the clamoring ungodly voices of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: I have included a link for a church planting organization I  am very familiar with. If you don’t have a church to call home plug in your information for where you live to find a church near you to make a difference in your life. 

Www.arcchurches.com

Trying To Stop Worry

 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done (Philippians 4:6 NLT).

Easier said than done to stop worrying. First no one is born a worrier. Sure we are born sinful but you are not designed to fret all the time. What kind of trust does that show you have in God to bring beauty out of ashes? 

Various seasons of life bring out different things to trust God for. Has anyone ever told you when you begin to speculate or fret that you need a hobby or a job because probably those people who are full time stay home moms or employed outside the home can’t waste company time on their own issues. 

Self discipline is what is needed. Getting your mind ‘camping’ in the right place and ‘breaking camp’ where the sludge of problems starts to affect your time with the Lord is what is a key ingredient in conquering this. Now go today and read the book of John chapter 1 pray and release your cares to the Father. 

PRAYER: This and every day are days you made for me to enjoy and help impact the world around me. It could be only a small thing like a smile or hug but Lord I trust you to work out things I have been carrying burdens for and know that only you can bring change. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Feel Merry And Bright?

 

 "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."John 15:11

Not every body enjoys this time of year. You may feel backed into a corner with non stop social functions, baking, card sending and seeing how many friends you can squeeze in. Also if you recently lost a loved one it can be tough. 

Joy is something internal and you sing joy to the world but do you feel joyful or depleted and worn out? Have expectations of Christmases past made you feel overwhelmed and burdened? 

Jesus doesn’t want his birthday to be forgotten but it seems the world does a good job of maybe giving a little taste but mostly it is lights and Santa’s. Purpose in your heart that you will be merry and bright. Ask yourself what are all the parties all about and let yourself learn to relax and sip a cup of Christmas tea and maybe treat a stranger to coffee or something. 

PRAYER: Your love for me is overwhelming Lord and now it is time for your birthday. I am grateful for what you have done for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Is Your Mind Cluttered?

 

 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 NLT Bible Gateway

If it were only possible to stop letting worry, fear, doubt, anger, out of your mind then your day would be more joyful. To get a start on this pick up your Bible. Start reading in the book of John in the New Testament.

You can make a choice to stop dwelling on the wrong things that are dragging you down. Instead of getting involved in social media purpose in your heart that you will give it a rest. Make knowing God better a priority. 

Don’t let others bad vibes drag you into a pit. Choose to stay lifted up. 

PRAYER: I ask for help to stay peaceful no matter what is going on around me. I give you any wrong thinking and ask for help to renew my mind. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ten Commandments

 

You shall have no other gods before me.Exodus 20:3 NIV Bible Gateway

The Ten Commandments were given to mankind for us to have a guide of knowing what was right and wrong in God’s eyes. So the other 9 are right there in chapter 20 take a peek. 

How many commandments do you know? Years ago they were displayed in public school classrooms and were a great moral guide for all who read them, problems on school campuses were not as bad back then either. 

The simple solution to many of life’s problems could be handled if these commandments were followed. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. You are wise when they guide and direct you. 

PRAYER: Lord the laws found in the commandments apply whether they are in New Testament or not. Thank you for these guides to help me stay on right track. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God: “I’ve Got Them, Stay Out Of It”

 

I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

Are you praying for a friend or family member and it seems things are not moving along quite fast enough? My title today I heard on a message from Pastor Steven Furtick. 

You may try to hurry things along by interjecting man-made things but stop it right now.You say you are trusting God so trust Him. Don't let your emotions control you but be still. 

Believe me it is not easy but you will set things back if you try to play Holy Spirit Junior. Just be still. 

PRAYER: Help me as I seek to follow your time table for my prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Pearl Harbor Day - Never Forget

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

The military families on the island of Oahu were enjoying a quiet Sunday morning on 7 December 1941 when a surprise attack on our Naval fleet at Pearl Harbor Naval Base occurred. Later it permeated the entire military structure on the island.

No one there was thinking of what to buy for Christmas anymore or if they would get to the mainland to see family. Chapel services on base obviously were cancelled. A day that would live in infamy.

What we have in the US is special and this is a day to remember the Greatest Generation who paid the ultimate price to keep us free. Freedom is never something to take for granted. God has blessed us.

Today many younger people who have never experienced the tragedies of war probably see this as just another day and don’t realize the magnitude of what occurred on that fateful day. Stop today and think about what freedom truly means. And there are a few World War II vets still alive so if you see one say thanks.

PRAYER: Thanks Father for your daily protection and may I never take for granted any of the freedoms I enjoy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Potter’s Wheel

But now, O Lord, You are our Father,
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all of us are the work of Your hand.
Isaiah 64:8

References are made in the Bible to God bring the potter and you are the clay. God molds you into what he wants you to become. 

You are not the potter for the people in your life you have bringing praying for. Only the Holy Spirit will bring transformation and change so stop putting those people on your wheel because it is not your job to change them.

When you realize that God is the Master Potter perhaps you can relax a bit more and trust him to take care of those you have been trying to change on your own. 

PRAYER:Lord give me the ability to be still while you work. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Patience-Just Do It

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV Bible Gateway 

Patience is a fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5 in the New Testament. I have heard don’t pray for patience or God will send a test your way to help develop patience. 

Patience is especially important for waiting on the answer to prayer. It isn’t easy but it is necessary. 

Keep looking straight ahead and know that nothing good normally happens instantly. 

PRAYER: Father I need help being able to be still and stand firm as I develop stronger patience muscles. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Find Out

 

O for the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out. Romans 11:33

This was the latest Vanity tag I saw here in Idaho and once again a devotion idea. 
I have a vanity tag with a Bible verse on it so I always like to try to figure out why the owner chose what he or she did. 

This tag could be that the driver wanted someone to ask “find out what” and maybe if a believer they could share about Jesus changing their life. 

No one really knows the mind of the Lord but you can get to know Him better by regularly committing to daily Bible reading. Why not commit to finding out more about Jesus and how to make Him part of your life. 

PRAYER: Help me to always remain curious about things in the Bible. I want to know more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Christmas Is Coming

 

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, 

and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, 

full of grace and truth.    John 1:14 NKJV

Christmas is an extremely special time when we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Many other ‘trappings’ of the season occur but the real focus is not on Santa, Christmas office parties, eating too much, but on a miracle baby born to a virgin in a stable. 

Christmas can be difficult for those who recently lost a loved one but rejoice because all those who believe will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. Christmas is about a baby who became King. 

Don’t get yourself in a tizzy over shopping, the perfect gift, running all over trying to spread joy and make everyone happy but try to stop and ponder what this season truly means. 

PRAYER: I am so thankful for Christmas and for the joy of this season. Help me not focus on gifts but on your gift to us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

24 Days And Counting

 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."(Isaiah 9:6)

Is Christmas your favorite holiday? Is your focus more on Red and Green, tinsel, lights, and gifts or on the baby Jesus in a manger? 

Many people live to shop and love to shop. I am not one of those although I love giving presents all through the year as that is my love language. There are many ways to not focus on yourself this time of year and several ministries that have opportunities to share with others throughout the world. 

Try to not get so caught up in sales, cyber Monday, movies and such that you don’t take time to relax and enjoy this season for what it is. Peace on Earth good will toward men and a savior being born in a lowly manger( feed trough) in a barn. Don’t feel obligated to do every Christmas event but take time to be still. 

PRAYER: There have been times I don’t look forward to this holiday mainly due to secular worldly trappings. Touch people’s hearts Lord to see beyond the trappings and be set  free by a babe in a manger.In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Hurting People Hurt People

 

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.Romans 12:19 NIV Bible Gateway

Have you ever had a former friend say they no longer want or need you as a friend? I have and ouch. Anyway give thanks for friends you do have and be careful to not be blindsided by erratic behavior that backfires and blames you as the instigator.

Spiritual warfare is at the heart of all discontent, anger, bitterness, fighting, confusion, and so forth. The late comedian Flip Wilson used to laughingly say “The Devil made me do it” and in fact that big joke was partially correct.

Your enemy is not flesh and blood not saying you don’t have some part by not thinking before you speak or text but the enemy really causing division ultimately is Satan trying to bring discord and division. Ephesians 6:12 says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Whatever you are dealing with give thanks for the blessing of friends and family and pray for your enemies don’t hate them.

PRAYER: Today Lord I want my light to shine and I want to glorify you in all I say and do. Help me not lash out when someone hurts me but be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You’re Not Really suffering Or Maybe You Are

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18

Christians and believers today in the Western world  don’t face the same form of suffering and torture of their predecessors in other lands or even believers in other lands today. 

Never take for granted what you have here in the free world. Choices. You can say things, do things, go places without much consequence. Problems seem to come from within social groups or even family.

So when you are have emotional pain or grief yes you are suffering and it feels there is no end. Mostly time will help. If you have been hurt within the church that is another story all by itself. Lean into God and talk to Him. Try to be still. God cares and loves you. 

PRAYER: Father many hurt and it is hard to tell. Use me to reach out to someone who feels shattered inside. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

That Still Small Voice

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18 NIV Bible Gateway

If you have ever experienced conviction from the Holy Spirit that has been a life changer for you it is referred to as That Still Small Voice. God trying to get your attention through the clamor of this world which Satan controls.

There is right and there is wrong. There is good and there is evil. The world will try to mold you into a different version of what God wants you to be but it is who you listen to that counts.

Do you know deep down you are headed in the wrong direction and it seems the bait this world offers often pulls you right in? You have to be strong in the Lord. Don’t ignore Holy Spirit nudging you. Cry out to God He will help you.

PRAYER: Father often the lures of this world get pretty strong. The bright lights, the promises of fame, the lies of Satan disguising himself as an angel of light. Help me be able to discern your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Come Ye Thankful People Come

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."Colossians 3:15

I am not expecting many will read my Thanksgiving devotions due to the busyness of this holiday but here goes. This title is a verse from an old hymn often sung for the Thanksgiving season.

Are you thankful? Stop for a moment and name your blessings. Too many people take things for granted. Don’t be one of them but really think of the ways God has blessed you this past year.

The original Thanksgiving was when the settlers known as Pilgrims gave thanks for their harvest and getting them to the New Land. This was 1621. Things were tough before all the modern conveniences of today. If you wanted heat you chopped wood. If you wanted clothes you made them. If you wanted food on table you hunted. You get the idea. So today don’t take what you have for granted whether material or physical. You are blessed.

PRAYER: Today I say thanks for friends, family, lessons learned, and all sorts of gifts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link for the song I mentioned in title.

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Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (Hymn Charts with Lyrics, Contemporary)

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But Wait, I'm Not God

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5

Read this verse out loud. Ponder what it means. Are you having issues with anyone in your life right now that have separated you and kept you from connecting? 

It hurts when there is a disconnect from a friend, neighbor, co worker, or family member. It takes two to tango is an old phrase simply meaning the problem is with both involved. True one may have been more hurtful but something has to give. Especially with family. 

Are you ready to reconcile but the other person has an ‘iron fence’ up so to speak? Sometimes a misunderstanding that got way out of hand is what caused it but guess what and who is behind it? Demonic forces of darkness trying to bring division and loss in your life. Be patient. Pray for an open door. Pray for a heart of understanding and love. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord have the mind of Christ and whatever I do bring glory to you. For those in the past who have been unkind I release to you now and pray for Holy Spirit conviction. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help My Attitude

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV Bible Gateway 

Do you find it is easier  to be negative and critical than to show joy, understanding, and love? Sometimes you might get into a rut because you have let the ‘things of this world’ get to you. 

Stand up, take control of your emotions. Start writing down things to be grateful for and stop whining. Critical spirits don’t win friends over. 

Joy is a fruit of the spirit but being angry and critical is not. Choose your words carefully. Speak to people as if Jesus was with you because He is. 

PRAYER: Take my hand Lord and guide me to a place of love, joy, peace, grace, and truth. Help me practice daily dwelling there. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hear Me Now-Just Stop It!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Ephesians 4:31-32

It is not in human nature to forgive but as a believer if you know you have done wrong or hurt someone verbally you need to humble yourself and go to the person and ask forgiveness. You don’t do it conditionally but unconditionally like Jesus would. 

Who are you refusing to forgive? Did you know your fight is not against flesh and blood the Bible says in Ephesians 6:10 but it is against rulers and principalities yes the devil. There really is a devil! 

Has your prideful spirit kept you from telling someone you hurt that you are sorry, no I didn’t give conditions for that but simply say “Forgive me I was wrong I did not mean to hurt you”? If this devotion is speaking to your heart humble yourself and make things right. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus often pride gets in the way of doing the right thing. Help anyone who is struggling to be able to lean on you and not their own understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen.