Hallelujah Christ Arose!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.1 Peter 1:3

This is probably the second most important time in history the  first being Christ born to a virgin then his resurrection after being dead three days. 

An old hymn lyrics say ‘Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph over his foes, he arose a victor from the dark domain and he lives forever with His saints to reign.’ There is no fear in death. There is sadness which is understandable but for a believer nothing to be scared of. Death is part of life, you are born you die. 

Satan doesn’t want people to go to Heaven, he wants them to have false security that they are ok if raised in a churches home or go once a week. My friend Jesus wishes none to perish but ALL to have eternal life. Are you ready? 

PRAYER: I pray for anyone who is agnostic, atheist, has been  lied to by Satan or tricked by man. I pray anyone I know who truly isn’t right with the Lord makes that a priority. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Holy Saturday-The Waiting Begins

 

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.Luke 23:55

There is much said about Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter but what went on all day Saturday at the Crucifixion site? No eyewitnesses alive to tell us so documents and Holy Scripture recall this day. 

For the Jewish the Sabbath was Saturday so they were to rest. The women were going to go to the tomb Sunday to anoint his body with spices and oil but He had risen just as He said. 

Perhaps today is a time to reflect. Watch Passion of the Christ again. Make Easter Sunday special. Don’t stress with cooking and so forth but try to take time to ponder what this weekend is about. 

PRAYER: Lord I ask you help me stay humble and grounded and grateful for all you have done for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Can Only Imagine

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; John 11:25 NIV Bible Gateway

I love the song by Mercy Me entitled ‘I Can Only Imagine’ and the movie of same title starring Dennis Quaid. Today marks the agonizing day of Jesus being forced to carry his cross to the hill where he would be crucified. What is ‘good’ about that?

Jesus was to become the final and complete sacrifice for the sins of the world and those who mocked him at the cross would be amazed with His resurrection 3 days later the day known as Easter.

Even though mistreated, whipped, beaten, spat upon, mocked, and insulted the scripture says “He opened not his mouth.”

As a matter of fact He said at the cross “forgive them for they know not what they do”. Could you do this?

PRAYER: Father God you have done so much for us and I am certain your heart breaks when your children mock you even today. Open the eyes of spiritually blinded people to find a place for you in their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Do You Need To Reconnect With God?

 

And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.Mark 14:22-24

Easter week day 4 was when Jesus had the last supper and celebrated communion and washing of feet with His disciples. This would be the last day of any kind of joy. He knew what awaited him. 

You and I often don’t know what awaits us but you do know that Jesus’ died a horrible death beyond imagination all for us. He paid once and for all for all of our sins past, present, and future. 

It breaks His heart I am sure when those who once knew Him and followed Him get caught up in believing the lies of the modern culture instead of the truth in God’s word. If you have a family member straddling the fence keep praying and believe the Holy Spirit is at work. Don’t cave in to worry. Pray for eyes to be open, ears unstopped and His voice clearly heard. 

PRAYER: Help people realize Easter is not about baby chicks, egg hunts, bunnies, and pretty clothes. Lord forgive me when I fail to appreciate the magnitude of this most Holy day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Alone

 

So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV Bible Gateway

“Not tapping out tapping back in” was what one contestant said on Defy TV series entitled ‘Alone’. My husband and I are hooked on it. Ten people are placed in various wilderness situations and must live off the land and the one remaining wins big money.

Loneliness is not fun. If you can drive and have money for gas you can go somewhere where there are people. You can choose to go visit someone less fortunate than you.

On this show it may not be the fear of a wild boar, puma, or bear killing them or not being able to find edible leaves and plants or catch fish or find a mouse to eat, but the sheer loneliness of their situation. That is why one contestant said he was not tapping out but tapping back into the world. How about you? Do you have friends and family who love you? Be grateful. Jesus spent time alone and rejected but he opened not His mouth. Would you be able to do that?

PRAYER:Help me Lord not live to please myself. Show me someone who needs kindness and help me to be an instrument if that kindness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BGblogger;#BG2

If You Love Me, Keep My Commands

 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.John 15:10

With Resurrection Day fast approaching I was just pondering how you show Jesus you love Him. By loving Him and loving other people. 

For a list of the Ten Commandments go to Exodus Chapter 20:2-17. Read them. Let them enter your soul. 

Walk with the Lord daily, talk to Him in prayer and pray for those who don’t care to live for Jesus and create their own version of the bible. Jesus loves you even if you don’t give Him the time of day. 

PRAYER: I choose this day and every day to love you by loving others. Loving others doesn’t mean I agree with sin but that I love without judgment and will allow Holy Spirit to do the convicting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail-NOT!

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Matthew 28:5-6

One week til Resurrection Sunday the day Jesus Christ after suffering a horrible flogging and crucifixion was risen from the dead just as He said. This is not bunny day, daffodil day, spiral ham day but a day to rejoice that our savior came back to life and is alive today!

Even non believers know there is something significant about this most Holy day. The traditions like wearing new clothes and an ‘Easter bonnet’ are all fine and good but I am not sure how a bloody death on a cross is commerorated with all the frills. 

Tell children about Jesus. There are ways to make it appropriate depending on age level. I have a display on my mantle of an open tomb with an angel and a cross. Pray that those you know far away from God will fall on their knees in repentance on this day reflecting all Jesus did to forgive our sins. 

PRAYER: Father I love you and thank you for this Easter week and all it means. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Are Your Eyes Fixed On?

 

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 12:2

Are you judging  others? Perhaps the world’s  problem's have you stressed. Or maybe you are concerned what the future of your children or grandchildren will be since the culture is permitting so much contrary to God’s word. 

I admit it is hard to not get concerned but then why worry, what will it do? Nothing. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Don’t look at others pointing the finger at them but pray instead. 

Imagine yourself in a race and you see the finish line and you run harder and faster to try your best cross it before others. When you start looking at others you may trip. Keep focused on things above. Let Jesus’ fight your battles. 

PRAYER: Father I want to trust and believe and never doubt. I believe you hear my prayers and care deeply. Keep me still and trusting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No Connection

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.“ John 3:16

Don’t you just hate it when you are someplace or maybe just at home and you can get zero connection on the Internet. I often think we older citizens who grew up doing fine without it can be able to help life go on when this melt down happens.

Anyway connectivity is crucial to life. Not necessarily internet connectivity but staying connected as family, friends, church family, and neighborhoods. Stay connected with the latest updates from your Heavenly Father who you never lose connection with if you desire His presence daily 24-7 in your life.

There are those who turn their backs on God or once walked with Him but they got influenced by the lies of this culture and decided Jesus and God were not their ‘thing’ anymore. It is sad to me when small children don’t even get exposed to knowing anything about the glory of God and His wonderful creation. Friend Jesus will make room to connect with you all you have to do is ask.

PRAYER: I am glad I know Jesus loves me and gave his life so I could be free. I pray for anyone I know who needs to recommit their life to Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don't Let Hardships Or Setbacks Steal Your Praise

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.Isaiah 43:2

It may be hard for some of you to understand that many problems in your life are there to shape you more into a Christlike image. I know people who have turned their back on God blaming Him for everything that goes wrong.

Don’t dwell on bad stuff but ponder instead on the gracious and most merciful God who watches over you neither slumbering nor sleeping. Don’t fixate on the why’s but ask God how He can use what you are going through or been through for His glory.

I don’t know what you may be going through but I do know that you should keep praising Him in and through the storms swirling around you. Rejections, losses, death, bankruptcy, estrangement, and so forth are not bigger than our God.

PRAYER: Lord lead me to the cross in all I say and do. Forgive me for not saying thank you in all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/MgpaULjZOl8?si=gSLN8i6aPG5yzG1v

Mad About March- Say What?

 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23

The word ‘mad’ for purposes of this devotion means crazy not mentally crazy just wild about something. In the USA in March it refers to NCAA Men’s Basketball called March Madness.

If only people could go wild about Jesus and do it all the time. Probably if you are in the midst of a trial it is hard to be excited about anything and you probably fight against depression. It may be even hard to pray and just talk to Jesus.

You never know what a person may be feeling or dealing with so be kind. I have friends suffering from cancer, rejection, family trials, estrangement from loved ones, addictions, death of loved one, loss of employment and sometimes it pales in comparison to whatever inky dinky thing you or I may be enduring. Really friend just force yourself to reach out to God and stop Satan in his tracks. His plan is to destroy you and your family. Don’t let it happen.

PRAYER:Father help me to get up and say thanks every day thinking of the immenseness of your kindness and blessings. Guard my heart from depression or fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love Keeps No Record Of Wrongs

 

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.1 Corinthians 15:5

Have you saved old letters, texts, voicemails, or emails where someone was peeved at you a bit and maybe you put it in an ‘archive’ just to refer to if you need to. Say what? 

Why do you need to collect items where a person said mean things to you or hurt you? What good does that accomplish in the big scheme of things?

You probably have been hurt maybe deeply through divorce, being fired, being left out of a birthday party you expected to be invited to or maybe something simple like a text that hurt your feelings or made you wonder where you stood with this person. My friend you have to forgive, forget and LET GO! Make you mind up you will stop allowing negative thoughts to occupy your brain that is where it begins. Now go and be nice and delete that text!! 

PRAYER: I am thankful Lord for your love for me. I am thankful for all you have blessed me with. Give me strength to let go and move on. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Spiritual Birthdays

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:3-6 NIV Bible Gateway

Birthdays are special but when it is the birthday of when you asked Jesus into your heart even better. When I did this it didn’t mean smooth sailing and no problems but I recognized this date back in 1975 as the day the ‘lights came on” so to speak and I wasn’t just a churched person but a Christ follower. 

I am not sure how many of my readers have a day they know things were different. You moved on beyond the parents religion which was not bad but you have to make your walk just that. Your walk! 

Maybe some of you don’t know for certain that you have been saved. It is

God’s desire that no man perish. That is what happens when you kick God and faith under the bus. God can forgive, redeem, restore, and set you free no matter what. You just have to ask him. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for life with you. I pray for those people uncertain if they are going to Heaven. I ask you use me to help someone struggling. Set captives to this world and its’ sinful culture free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Devote Yourselves To Prayer

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

What is going on in your life. All joys and no problems or is there an issue eating at you. Maybe you need to talk to someone or see a counselor but alas prayer is the key. 

Nothing wrong with counseling but sometimes you need to get on your knees and cry out to God before you open your mouth and say something you regret.

Whatever it is you are dealing with talk to God. He understands and does not judge or condemn or block you or slam a door in your face or take you to court. He is your best friend. Let Him hear your heart.

PRAYER: I need you Lord. I need peace, stillness, understanding, and forgiveness. I ask you guide my steps daily to not wander to where I should not be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saint Patrick-Who Was He?

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.Proverbs 11:30

Before Covid hit full blast I was at a theater in Alabama with several friends getting ready to see ‘I Am Patrick’ on 17 March 2020. That night was when the theater closed. 

Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is celebrated for bringing Christianity to the country. He is thought to have grown up in Britain, during Roman times, but was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. Once he was free again, he trained as a priest, and went back to Ireland to convert thousands of people to Christianity.(Copied from Bing). 

What are you doing to win souls and spread the Christian faith? Many are so lost and hate anything to do with The Bible but as a believer you gently lead others to the truth. Satan is on a rampage today even turning this day into a major drinking alcohol day. Where is your heart? Try to not get angry but pray for those people who would like to spit in your face. 

PRAYER: Today is a day we celebrate St. Patrick whether we are Catholic or not. I thank you for what that I too can help change the world one prayer or one person at a time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Are Your Eyes Fixed On

 

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. Phillipians 4 8

Sometimes it is easy to fixate on bad things when you know scripture tells us over and over to think on good things.

When you are waiting for an answer to prayer it gets harder and harder not to want to just jump in and try to fix things which is a huge no no. I am not certain what may be going on in your life but God does care. He is really working even when it seems He is not. His ways are better than your ways or my ways.

The ultimate goal is to live with Him in Heaven. Your heart may be aching over those close to you who have tossed in the towel and seem to do life without God but fear not. You have talked to God. He has it!! 

PRAYER: I need you Lord. Help me tune out wrong voices that cause fear. I trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Some Things You Have To Let Go

You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.Hebrews 10:36

What is going on in your life right now? Many situations can be swirling in that little head of yours sometimes affecting your quality of life or even sleep. 

You say you give things to God but somehow want to grab them back and be in charge. Remember the verse Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes” well that is a verse to keep in mind when you get anxious to be ‘Holy Spirit Junior’.  

No one is perfect. No one’s life is perfect even though outwardly it could appear that way. Don’t fret because of the evil in the world some of which maybe has entangled  a family member into leaving their first love. Keep praying and don’t listen to the lies of Satan. The truth will set you free. 

PRAYER: Every day is a new day you have so generously given to me to make a difference in the world around me. I give you the situations I have been praying for and know you are working. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Gracious And Humble

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.Romans 12:16

Everyone in the United States born after say 1950 has it pretty good for the most part. Running water, electricity, washing machine or laundromat near by, grocery stores everywhere, refrigeration and air conditioning. You get my point.

Our forefather pioneers were a rugged bunch yes they knew nothing different. Necessity is the mother of invention so inventors like Thomas Edison, Wright Brothers, Henry Ford, Tesla, John Deere, and others went to work many hard hours to give us what we have today and we often don’t appreciate.

Don’t ever get too high and mighty and look down on others who maybe don’t have it as good as you. Many people can’t afford five star restaurants, playing golf, owning a new car debt free, and so forth. Many don’t have the opportunity for a college education. Many grew up in fractured homes or foster care. Just remember every day to say thank you to God. And if you have a way to help others less fortunate pay it forward.

PRAYER: Lord when I sit down to a meal each day I say thanks. When I get to go special places I say thanks. Help me be on the lookout for ways to help those hurting and in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Just Puff It Out!

 

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. Proverbs 37:8

I guess I could have entitled this don’t sweat the small stuff. I was setting up the visitor table at my church and one of the gift bags had become squished but a dear friend of mine says “oh you can just puff it out” so I said “great devotion title”.

Problems in life come and go you need to not get your feathers too ruffled and just puff them out and move on. Indeed count to ten and proceed with your life.

Is there an area in your life or person that you know you can’t do anything about alone and simply must give it to God and not get flustered? No sense getting your blood pressure up over things that don’t really matter especially when God is with you. 

PRAYER: Lord help me be still over things that really don’t matter. I desire a calm, cool, and collected spirit. I want to be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Where Is Your Focus?

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV)

I read a great devotion recently that was speaking about the writer, a man, waking up in a foul mood and just seemed to get stuck there and the only thing that snapped him out of it was a FaceTime call from his son who put his baby granddaughter on the phone.

Turn off the TV, stop reading upsetting things, and simply pray. Yes you heard me pray. Pray for your focus to stay on good things and squish negative derogatory thinking out of your mind.

Keep your mind at peace not dwelling on hurts of the past or ugliness you may have endured in your life. Turn scars into stars as the saying goes. Wake up ready to praise Jesus for a beautiful sunrise or even the magnificence of a thunderstorm. It is the devil that causes foul moods and thinking wrong things many of which are not true. Be kind to others. Show gratitude. Pray for your enemies. Love one another.

PRAYER: I am grateful for the life you gave me and for the time in history I was born. I am thankful for family and friends and opportunities to share your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Password To God’s Presence Is Thank-you

 

Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praise. Psalm 22:3

I was watching Saturday ‘Pray First’ live from Church of the Highland's in Birmingham,Alabama this past Saturday, when one of the campus pastors Matt Minor giving the message and leading prayers made a comment that the password to God’s presence was simply saying “Thank-You Lord”! How incredibly awesome is that! Ponder on that for a few minutes.

In all things give thanks. Start your day even if not in the right mood by lifting up Jesus name telling him thanks for another day of life, for providing for your needs, for your family, for a nice neighborhood, and keep going I am sure if you look around there is much to say thanks for.

Just like you need a password nowadays for practically everything take time and simply say thanks to have complete access and attention of the Almighty. Instead of whining about what you want or don’t have give him thanks. If you are sick thank him for healing that is coming. If you have a prodigal thank God that the prodigal will be back.(Romans 4:17). You get the idea. Don’t be sad be glad and know God is at work.

PRAYER: I need you Lord every minute of every day. There was a time I didn’t think I did but I woke up. I pray for those in my life that need a wake up call to fall in love with you for the first time or again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

All About Me

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

I am reminded sometimes that my life is not just about me but it involves other people and it may be easy or convenient, especially with family members,  to seem like you are being self centered or wanting your own way not taking another’s schedule into consideration. You can assume things that are not true and get your feelings hurt. 

In any situation there are many things to consider. For instance it could be your  grandchildren have other plans on a Saturday such as a friends’ birthday party so be still and realize it’s not about you. 

Be kind, be considerate, be understanding, and take your needs and wants off the throne. Try to understand where the other people are coming from. Don’t make everything about you and in the meantime pray for whatever it is and pray for any spirit of narcissism to go away. 

PRAYER: Father I don’t want to be seen as self centered or not caring about others. Help me to be still and not put guilt trips on anyone. Forgive me when I tried to be center of attention. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Confess Your Sins

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit…I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin”— Psalm 32:1-2, 5

The concept of confessing your sins may be foreign to some but basically the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin and from there we are not to continue sinning but to confess to God and ask his help to stop. 

Sin may be little or big but in the eyes of God it is all the same. Yes that is right murder is same to God as telling lies, gossip, or being unkind to your family or friends. Granted some sin has bigger consequences but God can redeem the years the locust has eaten (See Joel 2:25).

Whatever is on your heart today and you got a nudge from the Holy Spirit about it stop now, get on your knees if you can and pray and ask God to turn you around from wanting to continue in that sin. If you have to go forgive someone do it. But by all means God is waiting to hear your voice in prayer. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for redemption from sins. Help me stop pointing fingers at others supposed worse sin and instead deal with my own. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Scams

 

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.Proverbs 10:9

Anyone else tired of scams and lies from social media, news media, advertisements, fact checkers? It makes one weary plus is a waste of precious time clicking on scam pop ups. Let’s decide together to stop ok. 

Shame on those who are leading the public astray to reel them in with too good to be true deals. Do you know who never leads you down a dark alley and that is Jesus. If you are not familiar with the book of John in the New Testament, sit down and read it. I recommend the New International Version. 

Download the You Version Bible App on your phone. It is more than just a Bible. Also download PRAY FIRST. The more you get closer to God the more peace you will have. The more peace you have the better you will be able to handle what day to day living throws at you. Now go on a journey to get closer to Jesus not just Easter and Christmas but daily. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the Bible. No scams in there although many want to change it so they can justify certain sin. Help me not be blinded by any distractions and stay close to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Friends Good?

“Bad company corrupts good character” 1 Corinthians 15:33

I know as a parent, one of the most important things to pray for your children are that they have good friends. A friend can make you or break you. Sometimes that is difficult for children as they grow up to understand. Satan will blind them to the truth. 

Even as an adult the circle of friends you acquire is vitally important. Friends that have same values is important such as same thoughts on politics and faith. 

Family is important when raising children. Deciding what activities to do and instilling good values and morals. Temptation to do evil is always right around the corner so do continually be in prayer. Discipline is a tool used to establish proper boundaries of right and wrong. Be in a constant state of prayer. 

PRAYER: Father I am thankful my parents trained me as to right and wrong so I would stay on the right path. I pray for those children who have not stayed on the path of righteous. Draw them back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

DRKHRT

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”John 8:12

This was a vanity tag seen recently here in Idaho and I think it stands for Dark Heart. Who do you think of having a dark heart? Those influenced by evil instead of good.

It amazed me someone wanted to advertise that their heart was dark but made me want to pray for them. There may be people in your life suffering from an unkind, evil, dark heart. Don’t let the things they say to you or accusations hurt you just pray for them.

Darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Let your light shine meaning the light of Jesus inside of you. (see Matthew 5:16). Ask God to keep your eyes focused on Him and not the darkness around you. Lightness will overcome the dark.

PRAYER: I ask you Lord to not let darkness and evil overcome those I love. Open peoples eyes to the truth and help them know darkness originates with Satan. Prayer for those walking in darkness to see light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Just Be Kind To All

“I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink….

and the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”  Matthew 25:35 & 40 

I love these two verses. Showing kindness to others equates showing kindness to God. 

Think about this verse. You help someone, you are kind to rich and poor alike. You give to people whether they can repay you or not never expecting a repayment. 

Kindness can also draw the sinner to repentance as it says in Romans 2:4. Instead of rejecting people who reject the truth and live like they want to try being kind and see what happens. 

PRAYER: Father help me not shun people who I don’t see eye to eye with or get self righteous. Help use me to bring someone to know Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link below and take 15 minutes to listen to the powerful testimony of Beckett Cook

https://youtu.be/ZKLq2UrrfvE

Church Should Influence Culture Not The Other Way Around

 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Ephesians 6:12

Lots of people are speculating we are getting closer to Jesus’ return but in the meantime eat, drink, and be merry. Some mainline churches have caved to the culture many supporting abortion yet screaming no electric chair for criminals. Then don’t get me started on the marriage or gender thing.

The Prince of darkness is prowling around deceiving and blinding many. He tricks people to not read scripture or just leave it up to what the bishop, priest, or preacher has to say not caring for any more.

Brother and sister you better stop being asleep and start to engage in this culture. Prayer walk around city halls, schools, yes and even woke churches. Pray for Satan to be exposed and crushed.

PRAYER: Lord I need you. Help me run hard after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Love Is The Key

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.1 John 4:16

Love has become the buzzword these days to approve of sin. “Love is love” is the slogan referring to marriage for all. 

 God does want us to love and treat all people with kindness and respect. In this love you are not to sin. 

If you speak up and say something is wrong you are called a hater. Satan is the prince of the power of the air and he has confused and lied to many. He is a manipulator. Do love one another but that isn’t a license to sin. 

PRAYER: Father you are love. You love all people warts and all and likewise I am to do the same. Break the stronghold of love in our culture and help the confused find the truth and be born again. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

There Is A Way Out of Brokeness-His Name Is Jesus!

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 147:3

No one is beyond God’s reach to redeem, heal, and restore. The enemy will lie to you, make you feel worthless but you are valuable like a precious gemstone to God. 

Always stay positive and erase negative talk from your vocabulary. You are a child of the most High God. You are not an accident. When negative destructive thoughts enter your mind cry out to God because Satan is trying to drag you down. 

Right now tell God how much you love Him. Ask Him to guide you and make time in your day for time alone for Bible reading and prayer. Jesus is not just for Sunday and put away the rest of the week. You need Him so call for Him. 

PRAYER: Father I know you forgive sins and forget them. I know you can heal anyone and anything. I choose faith over fear. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do I Really Need That?

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.1 Timothy 6:7-8

Materialism affects people in many ways. You see a neighbor get an outdoor jacuzzi you want one. Electric bikes are the latest thing and not knowing if you will like them you buy them. When will it end? Do you have to be like the rest of the world?

Ever watch the show American Pickers or Storage wars? These shows depict many people who can’t stop buying stuff or have no place for it so store it. Our relatives don’t want saddled with things we collected.

Be content and realize all that stuff will rust, fade, break, or cause great debt. No U Hauls follow hearse to cemetery. Seek things above not more things to have to dust or care for. Your most important possession should be cherished and used and that is your Bible. Love it, follow what it says.

PRAYER: Father thank you for providing for me and help me remember to get in habit of helping others and not just piling up things I think I need cause an advertisement tells me I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.