How Is Your Attitude?

 

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.Ephesians 4:23

When you walk with the Lord daily you hope to make no mistakes but hey that is a nice thought, being perfect. But alas at times apologies need to be made and humble pie needs to be eaten.

One church can develop a sour attitude to another and get lofty or they can pray for all churches. Perhaps your way of doing things may seem right but you encounter others who do otherwise and maybe just maybe you have to say you were not right after all.

It is hard to always be cheery especially in some circumstances but as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ at times it is best to just be at peace and say nothing. How is your attitude?

PRAYER: Help me Father to be kind and pleasant to those in my day to day path and to keep joy in my heart and take any ugliness and throw it in the pit of Hell. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Careful Little Eyes What You See

 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.Psalm 101:3

 

I was on a three hour flight recently and decided I might watch a movie. There really wasn’t much I was interested in but started to watch ‘Oppenheimer’ and boy am I glad I had my device in my lap and not up on the stand because a full nudity graphic sex scene came on. I quickly covered my screen then turned it off.

 

Why can’t there be a category on planes of faith based movies? I mean I have seen a few on the plane so they are not totally void of them. There was Earth day, Arab interest, black history, and soon will be gay and lesbian fare in June. 

The verse for today always comes to mind when watching TV, movies, or even listening to something on the radio. This world is not our home and not everyone in the world believes in purity of heart and mind. Try to keep your mind and eyes on what is good, pure, and perfect as it says in Philippians 4:8. 

PRAYER: Today I want to bring glory to you in what I say, do, and view. Help me set boundaries and stay there. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God’s Image

 

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them”. Genesis 1:27

In the beginning God created the earth and everything in it. Everything. And mankind was to be His most intelligent creation but listened to the serpent in the Garden of Eden and you know how that worked out. 

In todays’ culture God has been ignored and some of his creation are not happy being the gender assigned to them at birth so want to go be operated on to fix God’s mistake. Your assigned gender was not a mistake but is Satan trying to manipulate and trick people to believe lies. 

God’s creation is truly magnificent every bit of it. Today pray for those who may be misguided and pray for the truth to come to the forefront. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I am thankful for my life and for the gifts you have given me. Help anyone confused about the truth come across the path of a child of God and learn the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Behold!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.Revelation 3:20 ESV

Do you know God loves you no matter what you have done or how you have ignored him through the years? Religion kills love so don’t be religious but be a follower of God yearning for His presence. 

Have you answered the knocking of God at your hearts’ door pursuing you to spend time with Him? Somehow you may be thinking you will live forever but one day you will breathe your last breath. It will happen and can come suddenly when you least expect it. 

Are you ready to gaze into the face of Jesus? 

PRAYER: Father I look forward to my heavenly kingdom. Help me share the truth with those who don’t know you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wish, Hope, Pray, Believe, Trust, Thank God

 

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.Jeremiah 17:7

Do you ever find yourself wishing for something in your life  instead of being thankful for what you already have?

God bestows blessings on you and you may not even realize it.  Every day the ability to breathe, to get out of bed, to live in a comfortable home, to have friends that care for you and so forth. 

It is easy to look at others and think their life is so wonderful and ideal when in fact you don’t know. Stop wishing and instead believe in transforming power of God in your life to set you free from a dissatisfied spirit. 

PRAYER: Lord your blessings are new every morning. Forgive me when I have not said thanks for just another day of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Not Defeated

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 KJV Bible Gateway

Another brilliant devotion title found on a car tag in Oklahoma recently. NTDFTD translated to today’s title. Do you ever feel defeated, hopeless, wiped out? If you are honest the answer is probably yes. 

Good news is you don’t have to feel that way because Jesus Christ died for you and He wants you to live a victorious life. Not a life of just eeking by but one truly where you know you are on this Earth for a distinct purpose. 

Today wake up refreshed. You may be going through things but the key word there is ‘through’ meaning there is another side. Stand strong. Stay hopeful. Press in. Trust God. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you and your mercies never fail they are new every morning. Guard my heart from lies of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

#BG2

Are You Hungry?

 



Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

When you are hungry you mostly think of physical food and in the Western world most people have a sufficient amount to the point of overeating. But another more important hunger is spiritual hunger. 

Do you consider yourself spiritually hungry or spiritually starving? Many church goers may just punch a Sunday ticket and that is all the spiritual growth they care to receive. My friend I hope that is not the case with you. 

It is good to attend worship but there is way more to growing in Christ. To grow you need food and your food for spiritual growth is the Bible. Use it daily. 

PRAYER: Help me each day to feed more than my physical body. In Jesus’ name. Amen. .

Double Yellow, Beware

Envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.Galatians 5:21

As I was driving a a curvy road one morning I noted a guy on my bumper who seemed a tad impatient and as soon as he could zipped around me even though it was clearly a no passing zone marked prominently with double yellow lines on the highway. 

Do you ever find yourself passing in the no passing zones of life because you simply don’t want to believe God has heard you and want to speed things up a bit? God gives us guidelines for our own good. 

Even if you have broken the rules there is still hope for redemption of you will call out to Him in prayer. Just do it today. 

PRAYER: Father there are times when I have not been totally righteous and have sinned against you. I thank you for guiding me and setting me free. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Not Author Of Confusion

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

1 Corinthians  14:33

Do you ever get yourself into a tizzy and make decisions harder than they need to be? You get so confused in all your trying to decide and consequently others can get involved too and are upset with your wishy washy attitude. 

Recently I thought I had made up my mind about going somewhere then other factors popped up into the mix and I started trying to figure out what to do. After all the craziness and involving others I went back to my original plan before I had messed things up said my apologies and prayed for peace. 

Satan was probably loving it. Think things through. Pros and cons and then from there ask yourself how your changes affect others and if it is a good idea. Be sure to pray. That was my first mistake was jumping the gun without prayer. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for your love and understanding and patience when I go off on tangents without a real plan. Help me stay peaceful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Just Be Nice

Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.1 Peter 3:16

Are there any people in your life that push your buttons so to speak? Maybe someone who has hurt you with words in the past. Could be friend or even family. 

This verse to me speaks tons referring to letting others see you smile, see you not getting bent out of shape, and handling problems in a Christlike manner. 

It takes lots less energy to be happy and kind than to be vindictive and spiteful. Learn to be kind, joyful, and if someone asks you what the secret is tell them. For instance today a man at coffee shop came up while 3 of us were doing a Moms in Prayer sheet and said “don’t cheat” and my response was pointing to my Bible and saying “It has all the answers”. Now go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: I thankyou for giving me your joy Lord to spread to others. Open doors to show your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ah Spring!

You send forth your Spirit, they are created; you renew the face of the ground.Psalm 104:30

Spring has sprung at least in many places in the United States. Always a time of new beginnings, beautiful flowers, gardens, festivals, wearing sandals, warmer weather. 

Spring is a time when you can really see God’s design for new life as flowers bud, grass gets green, baby birds tweet from the nest, and so forth. 

On sunny spring days sometimes it is easier to have ‘right thinking’ not cluttered by the culture around you. Focus on good things and keep your mind refreshed and renewed. Make it a point to daily read and study scripture. Don’t forget this is God’s beautiful creation and thank Him for it daily. 

PRAYER: It is so nice to wake up fresher and renewed each day. I pray for anyone not feeling refreshed to receive a powerful touch from the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Buckle Up Believers

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Do you realize we are at war between God and the devil, good and evil? There are scoffers that don’t believe in hell or a devil and think the rapture of the church is a thing of fairy tales. 

Many churches do not prepare their people to fight in a spiritual war. Each and every day the prince of darkness lies, deceives, confuses, manipulates and tricks many, some who once followed Christ into believing the lies of the culture. 

Brother and sister stay alert as the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy,  it says in 1 Peter 5:8. Are you praying for a loved one who may have been deceived and has gotten on the wrong path? Keep praying. God hears you. 

PRAYER: I choose to fill my mind with scripture and truth and to continue to press in and lift up loved ones led astray by the craftiness of Satan. I will stand strong. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pause, Look Up, Reflect

 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.Psalm 119:105

Do you rush through life so much that you never take time to give yourself time to reflect on the goodness of God? I have been guilty of it. 

Endless wasted fruitless hours of TV viewing don’t really get you closer to the kingdom of heaven. There have been a few zombie TV sessions at my home and I am so happy when the ‘idiot box’ as some refer to it, is flicked off and another more important activity engaged in. 

Maybe it is time to dive head first into getting to know God better through His word. Pick it up and start reading the Psalms. You will find after you feed your spirit your flesh won’t desire so much coddling. Dig deeper. Memorize scripture. Don’t let your Bible gather dust. Reflect on just what the passages mean as you go along. Now go look up! 

PRAYER: Your truth Lord is so important. The world has a great need for a savior as people, some I know, wander like a lost sheep needing a shepherd. Bring the lost to know you Lord and those who wander home. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

She Walked With The Lord

 

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.Psalm 116:15 NIV Bible Gateway

A dear long time friend of mine went to be with Jesus in Heaven on 29 March 24 and her husband said as he said his goodbyes she “walked with the Lord” which I loved that word picture. 

Death is not a thing to dread for a Christian who knows 100% when they take their last breath the next thing will be seeing the glory of Heaven. Grief is real and sadness over our human loss can be profound. Death can be a real mystery. 

Isn’t death what the Christ follower is preparing for all along? It should be. Even my friend while still alive had asked for powerful prayers of healing and in my mind I am thinking here on this Earth, but God did heal her in her Heavenly dwelling place. Are you prepared to leave Earth? 

PRAYER:I know your love for me is higher and deeper than I could ever imagine. I look forward to when I am called home. In the meantime keep me grounded on helping others come closer to experience you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Been Wrong Thinking Lately?

 

Be careful what you think,because your thoughts run your life.Don’t use your mouth to tell lies;don’t ever say things that are not true.Keep your eyes focused on what is right,and look straight ahead to what is good.Proverbs 4:23-25 NCV Bible Gateway

Putting scenarios in your head that don’t even exist nor will exist is not a good idea. Trying to be a mind reader isn’t a good idea either.

Staying focused on what is ‘above’ and not dragging up things to fret about that you have no control over, is the habit to develop.

So you can choose peace or choose to have scattered mind. The choice is yours.

PRAYER: Each day is a new opportunity to stay focused on things that uplift not drag down and depress. Help me stay in the Word so I do this on a regular basis when the enemy starts throwing firey darts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2 #Biblegatewayblogger

Work Diligently

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. Colossians 3:23-24

What is your job or what do you see as your calling? If a homemaker you have the most unappreciated and hardest job in the world. A business executive. A maintenance worker. A ditch digger. A chair lift operator. Whatever it is work at it hard and don’t slack off.

When you work act like God is right there beside you cause he is and you are a representative of him if you claim to be a believer. You wouldn’t want to shame your boss now would you?

Everything you do should be as a representative of the kingdom of Heaven. You are not there yet but someday if a follower of Christ you will be.Enjoy your temporary duty station but work hard and press on each day for a higher calling.

PRAYER: Lord I choose to not slack off no matter if working in my home or in public. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Need To Reconnect With God?

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105

How is your life? Have things been topsy turvy or have you felt sort of blah? Maybe issues in your life have created a sadness and a void. 

Good news is that God has not gone anywhere. When you mock his name, insult his followers, or pursue other interests than ones from the Lord He still loves you. 

If you feel an emptiness perhaps it is time to cry out to God and ask Him to come fill you with The Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER: Lord most high I praise you and thank you for who you are. Even when I don’t know how to pray you are there. Guide me to the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Is the Master Of The Universe

 

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1

One of the greatest displays of God’s handiwork in creation was the total eclipse on 8 April 2024 yet in all the ooing and ahing by news reporters did anyone hear anyone say anything about the glory of God? This isn’t science it is the Almighty God the creator of the Universe! 

There are those misguided souls who worship the universe but forget about the creator. How can people witness this incredible event yet not want to shout out ‘glory to God’! I heard one reporter say the forces in the universe. 

God’s creation is amazing but yet somehow the enemy wants people to worship the Earth like on Earth day or call it Mother Earth but call it what it is  and that is God’s creation, every bit of it! For the day of April 8 for a moment the evil in the world was on the back burner while broadcasts were made of the Eclipse. The next one is 20 years from now. Look up because when the Lord returns He will come in clouds of glory. You can’t deny His existence. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.Mark 13:26. 

PRAYER: Father I pray for those people who deny your existence or try to explain away the wonders you created. Touch their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Finding Joy When You Don't Want To

 

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.Psalm 126:5 NIV Bible Gateway

Okay so a few days ago my dear longtime Arizona friend Elaine lost her short battle to gall bladder and liver cancer after many were praying deep heartfelt prayers for a miracle. She didn’t want whamsy pamsy prayers as she put it but prayers of warriors. My heart breaks for her husband and sons she has a beautiful family and legacy. 

But does God want us to crawl into the fetal position and bemoan her passing mad He did not give that miracle healing? The answer is a resounding no absolutely not. She is healed in Heaven of course her loving spouse of nearly 50 years and her sons wanted her whole and living an active pain free life again. So did I. 

You have to move on from hurt, pain, and grief. It comes in stages but anger at God is not a stage. The Bible says “in all things give thanks” so does this mean for the untimely passing of a beloved friend? Yes I think it does. God knows the big picture and earth is only a temporary home for us and while here you are to serve and honor Him. It is never too late to get right with the Lord. 

PRAYER: When we all get to Heaven what a joy it will be. I know that Lord. I also know Satan tries hard to get grieving people down in the dumps. Lift the spirits of anyone grieving and give them happy remembrances. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Discouraged?

 

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11 NIV

Bible Gateway

Many things can discourage you or give you a case of the blues. It is part of life. 

Losing a family member or friend to death is one that comes to mind for me right now. It is a period of adjusting and grieving and focusing on the new normal whether thrilled with it or not. Discouragement also of losing a job or not being able to find a job can affect you. 

The main thing is to stay focused on the goodness of God. God is good even in our sad times. God is there and He just wants you to trust Him in the days ahead and not try to figure out the whys of life. 

PRAYER: Father emotions are part of life but I need your help to not let them control me and to focus on joy in hard times as well as not so hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hopes

 

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

What do you hope for? It could be something large or small. A call from adult child. Healing for a life threatening disease. Maybe even the ability to be still while God works.

When hoping stay focused and positive. God’s ways are bigger than our ways and His plans above ours. For instance believing in faith for a medical miracle that never occurs doesn’t mean you prayed wrong. You may wrestle with this notion as I have after fervently praying and a person dies anyway. 

Regardless keep praying as you strengthen your spiritual muscles as you do. I know miracles do still exist and if one didn’t happen for your loved one don’t despair. Just trust him. 

PRAYER: I choose to stay hopeful no matter what. Give me the right response to those who have lost hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

End Of Your Rope?

I  consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” - Romans 8:18

Have you just about given up on life? Maybe everything is going haywire and you don’t understand where God is. 

My friend don’t let go of God’s lifeline which is prayer. Things won’t always be bleak. Satan is the one coming to steal, kill, and destroy(See John 10:10) but beat him at his game and cry out “in the name of Jesus Satan you take your stinking hands off of so and so” and see what happens. 

God loves you. He wants to set you free from whatever it is you are dealing with. Suicide is not the answer. Drinking is not the answer. Divorce is not the answer. Joining a cult is not the answer. The answer is Jesus. He will make a way when there seems to be no way. 

PRAYER: Father I know there are hurting people who need you. Maybe their home life wasn’t the greatest but you can restore and redeem and set free. Direct anyone who needs you to drop to their knees and cry out. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Puncture Wounds

 

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6 KJV Bible Gateway

For the purpose of this devotion puncture wounds refers to wounds to your inner man, your spirit and heart from people who throw word ‘darts’ at you maybe not on purpose but they still hurt. Have you experienced that?

Punctures can occur from thorns, knives and so forth but a ‘forked’ uncaring tongue is the ultimate worse painful puncture although not drawing blood it hurts your soul. 

Have you been the victim of a puncture from a thoughtless person maybe not walking in the Spirit. You don’t want to strike back but be calm and forgive. Some punctures may take therapy to truly get healed. Don’t be responsible for hurting another with careless words. 

PRAYER: Words when spoken in a mean spirit can ruin a life. Help me Lord to watch out for wounded people who may need special care. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh Wait Lord You Can’t Call Me Home Today I Want To Go To New Store Grand Opening

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Matthew 24:37 NIV Bible Gateway

What a ridiculous statement if you were to make it knowing you really wanted to enjoy an earthly pleasure and put off a heavenly welcoming party. You don’t know from one day to the next if it will be your last day. People in dire situations might have more of a general idea but really only God knows. 

I thought of this because today 6 April in my area a brand new sports superstore has its’ grand opening and people may plan to be there at O dark thirty when it opens for prizes but what if you are called to Heaven today? Wow nice that would be the ultimate grand opening! 

You may make your earthly plans but God ultimately calls the shots. Don’t be so in love with this world you dread leaving. This world is not your home and be thankful for that because when you die if Jesus is Lord of your life  you leave behind all the pain and suffering. Rejoice! 

PRAYER: I love the life I have on earth but I know this world is not my home. Help those people in my circle of acquaintances realize there is way more than parties, trips to Vegas, going on vacation and so forth. I rejoice because you have a place prepared for believers in Heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ultimate Healing

 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV).

This verse rings true so much. Right now one of my dearest friends lost her battle to cancer even though we prayed hard and knew God could heal her. Why didn’t He? 

Basically my friend is way better off than we are as she is walking and leaping and praising God. Why is it we yearn to stay here just one more day, week, or year when ultimately Heaven is our reward and a mansion awaits us when our last breath is breathed? 

So many things take us by surprise and some are harder to understand than others but ultimately God’s plan will prevail. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for each and every day of life and each opportunity to share your hope and love with others. Help me not fear the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dedicated in loving memory to Elaine Manning 1955-2024. 

Stay Out Of The Ditch

 

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.Psalm 40:2 KJV Bible Gateway

I have a sign on my refrigerator that looks like a traffic light with red for stop, yellow caution and green to proceed with caution. It is a helpful reminder in conversations or texting to use wisdom and prayer before moving on. It helps keep me out of the emotional ditch so to speak.

Whatever is going on in your life only Satan wants you in a ditch. God wants you to thrive and grow and develop spiritual muscle through your trials.

Don’t allow the enemy to trick you and push you into a ditch. You are better than that. Whatever you are believing God for keep at it my friend. Keep your thoughts on God not troubles.

PRAYER: I want to be strong and grow through trials and setbacks. Help me run my race daily not looking back but reaching forward toward victory. In Jests’ name. Amen.

The Comparison Monster

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.Galatians 1:10

The world you live in full of social media creates a vacuum for comparison. Maybe not intended as bragging but all the posts of cruises, accomplishments and so forth can tend to make a person feel inadequate. 

Brother and sister you are far from inadequate. You were created by God for a distinct purpose on this earth. You are to be a beacon of hope in a world getting darker and darker. 

Get rid of junk in your life that creates discontent and run a race towards Jesus being thankful and grateful for everything in your life. Give it a try. 

PRAYER:Help me today to stop and say thanks for the gift of life, friends, family, and to not fall into the trap of feeling I need more. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Reap What You Sow

 

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.Galatians 6:7

Reaping and sowing is a farming concept but also a spiritual one. You plant a certain kind of seed and it produces a certain crop. 

Sow peace, reap contentment. Sow joy, reap joy. Sow hate, reap anger. You get the point. 

The man or woman who sows to the flesh will reap a harvest of misery. Fleshly things go against the spirit of God. Satan is working hard to confuse people making them feel debauchery and perversion are okay whereas God loves all people but he wants them to run from those things that war against their souls. Where are you today my friend. Talk to God. He loves you no matter what you have done. 

PRAYER: Today is a good day to sow a harvest of peace and contentment. When the enemy tries to get me up in arms I refuse to get fretful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Go Fly A Kite

 

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.Romans 1:20

I heard somewhere about a tradition of flying a kite on the day after Easter Sunday. A symbol of Resurrection and New Life Christian ascending to Heaven. 

I like it and am hoping to give it a try weather permitting. Showing children God is now in the heavenlies. But also He is within reach of your every hurt, pain, grief, rejection, sickness and when you can’t figure things out give it to God and let it go! 

Today open your heart to the Lord. Don’t try to fix things yourself. You may be going through some pretty deep things and you hurt very badly. I know I have been there and so has God. Talk to Him and trust He is taking care of whatever it is. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for helping me to stop trying to be all things to all people and trying to fix things beyond my ability. Keep me in the shadow of your wings. I need your covering. In Jesus’ name. Amen.