Are You Disciplined?

Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.Proverbs 13:24

When you were a child hopefully your parents administered discipline that got your attention and let you know who was in charge. There have to be boundaries and the child has to know who is boss. Not by ‘beating’ but a good swat on fanny or a little pinch lets them know you mean business. Time out rooms aren’t sending a strong discipline  message and I would guess they don’t work well. 

If this doesn’t happen in childhood and the children act like brats and get their way, look out parents. Our society has made the concept of parental discipline almost a fear of being arrested or a child taken from the home. You the parents are in charge and children need to know it. Not by yelling but by firm godly discipline. 

Raising children is not for the weak. The statement “this is gonna hurt you more than me” is  true but sometimes a pat on the rear is just what is needed. Teach with discipline and this discipline goes throughout life even in spiritual discipline or getting out the door in time for work. Discipline is essential to life. Discipline is made to protect you. 

PRAYER: Lord God give parents courage to be the authority figure the children need to guide them in their life. Help parents not negotiate with children but lovingly discipline them. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hurting? Go To God.

Though a host encamp against me,
My heart will not fear;
Though war arise against me,
In spite of this I shall be confident. Psalm 27:3

I just completed 21 Days of prayer and fasting and wouldn’t you know it the day it ended which was last Saturday, spiritual warfare came on fast and furious which is to be expected when you participate in an event such as that. I won’t go into details but just know the enemy does not like it when you are trying to wholeheartedly pray and attacks will come.  

So what do you do? You press on. You don’t wallow in defeat. If it was a personal attack you let it go and not add fuel to the fire. You pray for the person or persons who tried to get you to feel sad. 

Keep praying and know Satan hates any kind of prayer. He has come against me before getting me to even stop praying in Moms in Prayer and I know it is him cause he hates prayer, period. Run your race to win and tell the devil to sit down and shut up! 

PRAYER: I am glad I can pray anytime I want to. I pray for those people in my life who need a touch of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Messed Up People Need Jesus

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Everyone has been messed up at one time or another and the only way to get set free and delivered is to ask Jesus into your heart.

What is it you are going through or dealing with right now in your life? Perhaps you are caught up in a web of sin due to the culture patting you on the back like you are some sort of hero. 

Deep down your conscience, and the Holy Spirit convicts of sin. Be still and listen for God’s still small voice. Let your heart be broken by what breaks Jesus’ heart. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord. When I stray I am immediately aware of it. Bring conviction to hearts of those walking in step with modern culture but not with God. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Have You Crossed The Line?

 

Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour. I Peter 5:8 ASV Bible gateway 

I am not referring to a race where you break the tape and win but have you crossed the line into sin and know it but don’t know what to do? Satan is crafty and cunning and will do anything he can to get you to deny Christ. 

There are so many lost souls on Earth. On You Tube I saw where a roving reporter of sorts was walking around asking shoppers in a busy city if their name was written in the Lamb’s book of life. Most were dumbfounded and many replied they were atheists. Only a few said yes they were going to Heaven. 

Why is it people joke or are embarrassed when asked that question? Maybe they don’t even know what it means. Have you asked Jesus into your heart to be Lord of your life my friend? I look around where I am now in downtown Boise at a coffee shop and wonder how many know Jesus and pray silently. Be a light and share God’s love.

PRAYER: Father help those who are unsure of their name being in Lamb’s book of life to repent and turn from wicked ways and pray for Jesus to infiltrate their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Show Grace When You Don’t Feel Like It

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8

When your old self feels like getting mean, blunt, bossy, or giving your opinion it is time for a dose of the best medicine ever, Grace. (Gods’ riches at Christ Expense). Don’t be like the rest of the world but show unmerited favor. 

A person back stabbed you be kind anyway. You were lied to, be kind. The mark of a believer is to be like Jesus, yes the cliche WWJD or what would Jesus do? What would he do?

Grace doesn’t act like a smarty pants but is kind even when human nature doesn’t want to be. Take the high road and love on the unlovable. 

PRAYER: Today is the day you have made and no matter what is thrown at me help me be calm and still and show your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Do You Hope For In 2024

 

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40:31

Well the month of resolutions and changing things is almost behind you. What resolutions did you make and how many have you kept so far? 

When the yearly calendar changes is always a good time to reset your mind so to speak. Try to take stock of what needs to change in the coming year. It is a good transition time. 

Maybe you have been one who started the year doing 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting which helps really direct your heart to what you need to be praying for and hoping for a miracle. There are only 5 days left in January but it is not too late to determine and purpose you want things different. Time to maybe get right with God and throw off weights that have kept you from running closely with the Lord. Now is the time. Do it today. 

PRAYER: Father I am thankful to live in a country of freedom sometimes so much that it is easy to be so free on Sundays we forget about worship. I pray you help me stay focused on ‘looking up’ and also pray for anyone discouraged or turning their back on God. Praying for a year of miracles. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Need Spiritual Healing?

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24

Probably every creature on planet Earth needs a touch from the Holy Spirit,  some spiritual healing mind you. For instance, the other day my mind was bogged down with concern over some areas of my life and I could not fight the feelings off. That is exactly what they were, feelings. 

Spiritual warfare is in full force each and every day in a believers life trying to get them angry, addicted, depressed instead of joyful,  doubting, being in wrong relationships,  embarrassed with God or being too serious about their walk with Him, and you add your issues to this list. Trying to be a people pleaser rather than a God pleaser is a dead end trap. 

God wants to set you free. You have to believe that! It won’t happen by just wishing but you need your mind daily hourly transformed and you do this by a steady diet of scripture, praise music, thinking good things.  2024 had many making resolutions and a good one is to have a mind set free by the Spirit. You can do it! 

PRAYER: Bless the Lord oh my soul. I will not forget your benefits and blessings to me. Forgive me for paying any attention to the lies of Satan. Set people free who are caught in his trap. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ever Feel Scattered?

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Life is unpredictable and I don’t know how someone goes through day to day things without being able to cry out to the Lord. Distractions and wrong thinking may come at you and you just have to recognize the enemy is trying to engage you in spiritual warfare.

In the winter sometimes the blahs set in too and you just have to say Lord I choose to serve you. Get your mind focused on Him. Don’t allow the enemy to occupy your thoughts. Think good things not bad.

It may be difficult to stay on a spiritual high praising God if going through a ‘Stage 4’ illness but God is the God of hope, healing, and miracles. Hang on keep believing and speak it out loud how you know God is good and greatly to be praised.

PRAYER: Father I need to give you my mind my emotions and ask you to take control of them. I choose peace today and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It Starts With 21 Days

 

But this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Matthew 17:21 Amplified Bible Bible Gateway

Today is day 17 of Church of the Highlands 21 Days of Prayer. It is for me a time to regroup, rethink, and perhaps re do a few things in my physical, spiritual and mental life meaning thought life. 

Satan will come at you with distractions, wrong thinking and various things to make you feel it is not worth it. The fasting can be from food, coffee drinks, social media, anything that seems to play a huge part in your life that you can let go of for 21 days.

You don’t have to attend Highlands or COTH as I know it to participate in 21 Days. Worldwide people are streaming live or on demand. Is there something you need God and Holy Spirit to help you with in your life? If so 21 days is for you. Just try it! 

PRAYER: Lord I am not perfect by a long shot and need help day by day learning to seek you. I pray you will help me not listen to Satan’s voice but your voice of truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Link- www.churchofthehighlands.com

 

Feeling Belittled?

 

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:21 NIV Bible Gateway

The saying goes ‘hurting people hurt people’ usually closest to them. Hurling insults or criticisms is not befitting of a child of God. 

If you are the one doing this you may not even realize it but you do need to seek therapy and get the help you need to be kind. Issues from the past can be a contributing factor to being cruel to someone. 

Also there are people out there who are not filled with the Holy Spirit who may sling words like daggers not even realizing how painful they are to the recipient. Do you know a hurting person or someone who has lost their way. The best you can do is pray for them. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I intentionally forgive anyone in my past who has been mean or hurtful to me. Some were people I never expected. I pray they get help for whatever is irritating them. Help me show kindness as I never know what someone has been through. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Complete Surrender-Are You Ready?

 



I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:20

To surrender in a Christian sense means Yielding your life – thoughts, actions, and spirit to God. Prisoners when they surrender throw their arms up in the air and when you surrender to Jesus you lift your arms in prayer and praise and say “I am yours” and mean it. 

 

Is there something in your life you need to give up that is keeping you from falling in love with Jesus? Are you too enamored with modern culture that is getting you  reprogrammed away from truth that you  just feel confused?

 

What do you need to surrender to God? Wrong thinking, worry, fear, jealous spirit, lying or telling half truths, only you can decide. Is it time to get closer to God?

 

PRAYER: Father there are areas in my life I know I need to stop controlling and give them to you. Help me trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No Compromise

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

Today’s challenge for Christian parents and grandparents is to make sure the young children are aware of what is popular Culture versus The Truth of God. 

God’s word is not to be mocked but so many movies take his name in vain, swear like a drunken brawl is going on, and make fun of truth. The generations are being raised without a Biblical worldview.TV depicts Hollywood’s idea of a family,  Sundays are crammed with events, sports, unending mimosas at Sunday brunch but where is time to worship with other believers? 

There is no compromise in sin versus living for God. The culture lies to young people and unless parents are the authority figure God intended them to be what kind of life will these little ones have? If someone doesn’t remind them bad company corrupts morals(1 Corinthians 15:33) how will they know? 

PRAYER: Guard my heart Lord bring conviction upon those whose ways are sliding closer to Satan’s slippery slope. I pray for anyone I know that needs to be rescued. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Being Fearful

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

Want to know how to stop being fearful? Stop feeding your mind fear in form of doomsday forecasts, or watching constant news of all the bad happening. Tonight I slipped into a fear scenario while viewing a  You Tube video talking about the coming solar storm which would knock out the power grid and consequently mankind. 

Now do I continue to stimulate my fear senses with this notion, real or fake,  or do I choose peace and going after those things that bring peace?  A steady diet of ‘Debbie Downer’ news will soon have you in a panic unable to rest. 

My friend, God wants you to live in peace and it is the devil who tries to get you into a frenzy chewing your nails and pulling out your hair. Also you can’t start imagining bad things for your future either. Think on good things. Speak positive. Bring glory to God not Satan! 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I choose peace over fear, love over hate, joy over sorrow. Help me to be a beacon of hope for someone struggling. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Released From Satan’s Grip

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.2 Corinthians 7:14 ESV Bible Gateway

There is God and there is Satan. Well meaning people will say you don’t have to go to church to be a Christian and I echo with “that’s true because going to church won’t make you a Christian any more than going to McDonalds will turn you into a hamburger.”

The point is just existing and making excuses is great. I did it at one time. Any old church won’t do but finding a dynamic spirit filled Bible preaching church where attendees are encouraged to read the word daily and grow in Christ. 

Satan doesn’t want you in church because right now if a person can stay mesmerized in the culture believing the lies of the devil and justifying sin then Satan pretty much has you on his team whether you think so or not. It is the Holy Spirit that convicts people and draws them to the cross nothing else. Continue to pray for people that have let their love for the Lord slide. Mark 8:38 reminds us that whoever is ashamed of Jesus in this adulterous and sinful generation the Son of man will be ashamed of them when he returns in glory. Ponder that. Who or what do you love more and who or what do you live for? 

PRAYER:Father keep me alert to the Devil’s schemes and deceit because I am aware he is roaming around looking for someone to devour. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Problems? Who Me?

 

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”Psalm 34:17

Do you consider yourself a negative or positive person? Do you dwell on your problems or do believe God can deliver you from them?

Stop talking about your problem and start talking to it. Sound like a crazy person? The more you talk and speak positive and pray confidently and with positivity the easier it becomes. 

Walk by faith not by sight it says in 2 Corinthians 5:7. Try to commit some scripture to memory that deals with being positive. When a friend not walking by faith says something like “he will never change” or “this will never change” remember nothing and I mean nothing is impossible with God. Even some ‘church’ people may scoff at you my friend but believe receive doubt do without. 

PRAYER: Father help me to be a positive person and not argue with nay sayers or people who don’t understand your miracle working power. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Self Righteous? Judgmental? Who Me?

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

Do you find it easy to pick apart others and don’t realize you are making yourself sound like you are perfect? Romans 3:23 says we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. 

All of us are on a journey once you accept Christ that doesn’t mean you are flawless. On the contrary that is when Satan may come at you very strong throwing temptations in your path. It is the Holy Spirit that brings conviction…period. 

Until a person has surrendered to the Lord they may be clueless of how to stay righteous and be more into the present culture. Take heart moms and dads grandmas and grandpas keep praying God is still working. 

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I wrongly open my mouth and judge another when I point a finger three are pointing back at me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Lord’s Prayer-Unpacking It

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Matthew 6:9-13 KJV Bible Gateway

If you have been in a Protestant church any time at all  you more than likely are familiar with the Lord’s Prayer and can probably recite it in your sleep. My friends of other faiths will have to let me know if it is in your services. Do you just say it or do you think about what you are saying? 

Becky translation is as follows- Oh Father daddy, your name is great. Hurry up and bring Heaven, and help me to do what you prefer I do while I am still on Earth. Give me the food I need but not more than I need. I forgive those who hurt me and help me not stray into the path of things that lead me away from you like drunken parties, x rated movies, pornography and so forth. Keep me away from Satan’s clutches. Your kingdom is the best and the greatest and always will be. Amen. I would love to see a children’s Bible version of this famous prayer. 

When you pray it is simply just talking to God but if you have never been taught just relax and say the Lord’s Prayer for starters. More on prayer in future devotions. Have a blessed day. 

PRAYER: I am glad I can pray and don’t just want til I have problems. Guide those who may be unfamiliar with opening up to relax and just share with God what is on their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Always Serms To Be Something

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

How are you doing today? Maybe you are in the part of country I am and snowed in. Or perhaps you are at work in a sunny part of the country gazing at palm trees out your window. No matter where you are or what you are doing  there may be issues in your day that were unplanned and tend to throw your schedule off course. 

Be prepared to react in a positive manner knowing God has your back. Be cool, chill, be still. 

You can plan your day but things may disrupt it that are unexpected. Go with the flow. You never know what lesson God may be trying to teach you. 

PRAYER: Jesus I give you my day and ask that you direct my paths and keep me cool, calm, and collected. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Sound Mind?

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2Timothy 1:7(KJV). 

Are you of sound mind meaning you don’t allow your mind to go crazy conjuring up all sorts of things?

Have you ever heard of taking a fast from wrong thinking? That is what I am doing right now or trying to. When I made this my goal during 21 Days of Prayer today being day 7, the enemy knows it is my weak area so all kinds of random comparison thoughts came into my mind. It started on day 4 with a simple phone call my friend telling me she was going to London. Immediately there went my mind and feeling cheated. Wait Becky you are fasting from stuff like this so stop it and move on!

First of all besides keeping my mind focused on above (Philippians 4:8) I need to be grateful I could even afford to go on any trip much less overseas. Many could never imagine that. The whole point is my mind wasn’t acting in a sound manner when all of a sudden I became discontent. Had to repent and ask God to give me a grateful heart and sound mind. 

PRAYER: I am happy Lord and joyful and it makes Satan mad. How he hates when we go through things and still remain joyful. Help me Lord to stay positive and hopeful and get clutter and unnecessary stinking thinking out of my mind. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Silence Distractions?

 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.1 Corinthians 7:35

Just like you can have a cluttered home you also can have a cluttered mind with things coming at from everywhere and you having to decide what is necessary and what you can do without. Even things like non stop noise from devices, radios, TV’s, and so forth. 

How can you have true peace when you can’t step back from distractions and simply talk to God in prayer? This week I have been participating online in 21 Days Of Prayer and Fasting from Alabama’s Church of the Highlands. Monday 1000 churches across the US were live streaming which in Mountain Time Zone is 5 a.m.www.churchofthehighlands.com and then click 21 Days of Prayer. A great way to begin the year here on the 12th day. 

You can be so distracted that you have a hard time discerning and hearing the voice of God. Satan loves distracted people because they have little time to pursue a relationship with the Lord. Could you use a reset when it comes to being still and saying no to distractions?

PRAYER:Lord God I want to order my life so it is a life of less confusion and me thinking I have to fill up every waking moment to prove myself. Help me Lord to discern when to sit back and say no. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don't Rationalize Sin

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.

Sin is sin yet many sins have darker and deeper consequences such as sex outside of marriage, two people of same sex marrying, murder, abortion, and so forth. The Bible says “let her who is without sin cast the first stone”. John 8:7

Even writing about messing with the genders gets people into hot water and you risk being called homophobic or disowned maybe by a family member who Satan has captivated to believe this lie. God made man male and female with no escape clause.

You and I have to continue to stand up for what is right and pray that we ourselves won’t be led astray and tempted into the world Satan has established to normalize sin. The more you see a rainbow flag or the new Together flag, the less it bothers you tempting you to think well maybe it isn’t so bad.

Many have been lied to by Satan and they no longer want to go to church unless church edits the parts of the Bible about creation and marriage and marries same sex couples. My friend the truth sets people free. If you are close to an individual caught up in this lifestyle be kind to them and love them as kindness leads to repentance. (Romans 2:4).Brother and sister God can heal you, redeem you and set you free.

PRAYER: Lord I pray for those I know messing with creation and God’s plan and trying to justify it. Set these people free and help them run to the cross and reject the devil’s lies. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bite Your Tongue

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23 NLT Bible Gateway

Sometimes you just have to bite your tongue and resist making comments, phone calls and so forth knowing what you are about to say will probably not be understood and bring division. 

There are so many times I wish I would have not said certain things because I was impatient and not allowing God to work or the person heard me wrong and was offended and cut me off as a friend. 

James chapter 3 in the New Testament has much to say about the tongue. Read it and meditate on it. I must be still, wait, pray, and ask if what I am going to say will benefit anyone or just make me feel better. 

PRAYER: Lord thanks so much for the ability and gift of speaking. It truly is a miracle that little tongue but I need help controlling it. Give me strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2 #Biblegatewayblogger

Pray But Don’t Push

 

Do not be over righteous, neither be over-wise-- why destroy yourself?Ecclesiastes 7:16

Currently I have about 5 friends I am praying for who have some form of cancer. Just cause you have cancer doesn’t mean it’s a death sentence. Walk in faith because nothing is impossible with God. 

One of the people didn’t like me sharing scripture so I respected her wishes as I did not want to push her away from accepting Christ in the future. She says I am not where you are at but want to be your friend. 

Maybe you have people like that in your life. They might even be family. Continue to reach out and pray whether they ask for it or not. Keep the door open for God to work in their lives by not shoving Jesus’ down their throats. Love is patient and it is kind. Move forward and trust God. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each and every day to know how to respond to various people and when to be silent. Help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Really Surrender Your Priblemd To God?

 

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 KJV

How many times have you tried to fix your problems yourself without waiting on God? I have many times. Results are not good. 

Waiting and surrendering are difficult. You sing the song “I surrender all” then the next day take everything back to your workshop to try to fix things yourself. Not only this shows you don’t trust God to handle it but messes things up. 

My friend I don’t know what is going on in your life that you need to trust God for but hang on. Stay in the word. Don’t entertain ‘stinking thinking’ as Bible teacher Joyce Meyer calls it. Talk to God in prayer. Hang on help is coming! 

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and I know good things are in store. Help me as I seek to not fix things or entertain negativity. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Trickery In The Beginning

”Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Yesterday I wrote about the Adam Syndrome and today we will go further with this deception brought on by Satan. At the start of mankind on Earth there was the devil, the serpent, questioning God and consequently getting Eve to question Him. 

John 10:10 says “the thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy.” He the devil is a liar, deceiver, excuse giver, manipulator, and everything evil and bad he is behind the scenes captivating his minions to believe lies. 

If you have friends or family members caught in his trap continue praying for their eyes and ears to be opened to the truth found in the Bible. Don’t try to reason with them just pray. The devil hates that. 

PRAYER: Lord God your word is true and it has been since the beginning yet when people want to think their sin is justified they will stay away from the truth. I pray for blinders to come off my family members and friends not believing the truth or not wanting to get serious about a relationship with you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Adam Syndrome

 

”The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Ever since the beginning of mankind when God created man and woman people messed up and consequently there is rampant sin today one of the biggest is gender changing. Man was created and woman was created that’s it. Pretty simple. 

Then there is the blaming others for something you don’t want to be responsible for which also is known as deception and lies. Bingo,  Satan’s big deal to intervene and make Eve believe she wouldn’t die for eating the fruit so she consumed it and gave some to Adam and bingo again. God appears, “what have you done Adam” and his response which I like to call the Adam Syndrome was to shift the blame to Eve. “That woman you gave me….” Still happens today.

Anyway each person needs to be honest in conversations, be aware of when Satan is trying to pull one over on you too. Walk in love and tell the devil to shut up, hands off, you aren’t going to listen to him. 

PRAYER: As I go into a new year it is a perfect time to decide I am not going to allow the enemy to trick me. Help me Lord see good and evil and help me not stumble into a pit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Any Resolutions Broken Already?

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.James 1:22-24 NIV Bible Gateway

The start of a new year is always a good time to resolve to do something new or do it better. Suggestions are weight loss, be positive, be kinder, take a trip, read through the Bible, do something scary like Zip lining. Whatever it is it is hard to stick with it without an accountability partner. 

New beginnings are great. Ending bad habits,  resolving to exercise and many such things help you improve. A good starting point always seems to be on January 1st. 

If it is reading through the Bible, the You Version Bible app has ways to do that and simplify it within their app. I recommend everyone download the You Version App. If you are at a church that doesn’t encourage reading the Bible change churches because it is your guide to life and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Check out the App Store picture of what it looks like. Now go and enjoy the rest of your year. 

PRAYER: Lord I need your guidance to stay on track with changes I want to make in my life. Help bring to mind those areas that I need you to be right there with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Unmet Expectations And Comparisons

Don’t compare yourself with others. Just look at your own work to see if you have done anything to be proud of. You must each accept the responsibilities that are yours.Galatians 6:4-5NIV Bible Gateway 

One of the problems with Facebook and other social media it puts the best foot forward and makes you feel you are inadequate if you are not measuring up to some hypothetical standard on vacations, birthdays, anniversaries.Compare yourself only to God. 

Why is it necessary to flaunt our personal feelings on social media?  I feel bad for children growing up in this generation with the form of communication that many times does not even speak face to face and feels bad when their life doesn’t look exciting.

Social media can be good to share about Jesus but why do we think everyone needs to know everything. I am talking to myself here too. Why not keep track in 2024 of how much time is wasted on social media and even try leaving your phone at home occasionally. How on earth did we ever survive doing that before, but we did. How much time will you devote to getting closer to God in 2024, not by Sunday church but on your own. Ponder that. If you need suggestions I can give you some. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you so much for your patience with me and my shortcomings. Help me to treat others around me well even if they are not nice to me. Give me strength to back off social media too. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

Church-Your Boot Camp

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant ,is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 

 

In the military you go through rigorous training most commonly known as boot camp. Here you face all sorts of scenarios to prepare you for the possibility of combat. Training is essential to survive. 

In your spiritual life your church experience should be your boot camp and not a fluffy feel good punch my Sunday attendance card sort of thing. In this ‘training center’ you should be preparing for spiritual warfare and learn the Bible in order to quote powerful scriptures to protect you from Satan’s attacks. 

Going to church is fine but you need to be going where you are armed for battle against Satan. Singing, visiting , drinking coffee all fine but make sure you are planted where you grow in Christ and where the Bible is being taught and the opportunity to accept Christ and repent is given. 

PRAYER: Give me strength each day Lord to trample on evil and recognize it. I pray for those I know and love to desire being saved. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

New Year-New Attitude

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”Matthew 7:3 NIV Bible Gateway

Have you ever speculated about or judged another? I have and I am ashamed I did. You and I are not the Holy Spirit and don’t know the whole story behind a person’s life so what right do we have to pick them apart. 

If this is an area you have struggled with I suggest first ask God to forgive you and set you free from a judgmental condemning spirit. Focusing on things above helps. (Philippians 4:8).

An attitude check up is in order. Similarly as you get your car prepared for a long road trip prepare your heart by spending time in the Word. Might I suggest downloading the You Version Bible App which is filled with of tremendously good things to help you grow in Christ. 

PRAYER: Fill me Lord to overflowing with your love and kindness to others. Help me when tempted to form a wrong opinion to pray instead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.