Trick Or Treat With Kindness

 

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. I John 3:18

I was getting my latte fix at a nearby coffee shop and the very nice barista had on a shirt that said what my title says. 

I am not a big fan of this secular holiday even though it is my birthday. I realize the harvest party or trunk and treat can be done but it bothers me that witches get glorified for one. There are real witches who cast spells on people still today. It is not a big joke and this is the day real life Satan worshippers live for so I hear. Even my grandchildren dress up as it is innocent to do so. 

So back to this baristas message on her shirt that when walking around any day you try to be kind. Do not let the enemy darken your soul. Don’t get preachy but instead let God’s love flow through you. 

PRAYER: Help people to stay safe on this day. Help each person have their own convictions but to still shine for Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ever Feel Overwhelmed?

“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”Psalm 61:2

Probably the answer for all is a big yes. It is as a human to not experience a variety of emotions. Often times when your plate gets too full it can just make you feel like you need to go hide somewhere. Can you identify? 

God designed us to take rest breaks and to be still and not see how many projects to do or make you run faster to get up the corporate ladder. Be careful or the rungs might break and you go toppling.

Talk to God. Tell Him how you are feeling or coping with things. Give Him your cares. Don’t try to be perfect. Only God can claim that title. 

PRAYER: Oh how I love your word it is my comfort day and night. My heart breaks for those who mock God and oh how I pray for those who need you to find you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When To Be Silent

 

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2

All of our lives with friends and family are interconnected in many ways. Texting is the new way to talk when not in person but it can get out of hand. Many do not like it. 

Silence is hard to do sometimes when you have something on your mind you want to ask someone but maybe you better not. Silence is part of some people’s boundaries. Hard to understand for some people. For those who like to talk it is difficult. A part of God’s plan to be still and wait. 

Are you yearning for communication with someone whose life you may have been shut out of or given limited access to? Talk to God, take comfort in knowing He hears your heart and feels your pain. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for bringing able to communicate world wide. I praise you for technology. I ask that you help me be still and pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pray For Your Enemies-Are You Serious?

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!Matthew 5:44

Have you had friends, neighbors, co workers or even family kick you under the bus so to speak?  It hurts and is confusing. Guess what? You are supposed to forgive them. 

It is hard to want to love someone who could care less if you even existed but look at what Jesus had to endure, much more than you or I. 

Keep praying. Be kind. Let God handle them and you go on about your day. 

PRAYER: I love my friends and family. When I have had disagreements or been ‘blocked’ or ignored it is gut wrenching but I know you have my back so thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

One Of Those Days

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."Philippians 4:6-7

A couple days ago, my cache of pre written devotions mysteriously disappeared then I couldn’t get on Trinity Broadcasting to watch one of my favorite pastors like I do each morning. Then a couple of the ladies from Moms in Prayer had to cancel out. Stay cool Becky.

In ALL things give thanks. All means all. Good news is I found the devotions in my trash. How multiple devotions ended up there is beyond me. Can anyone say Satan? 

God is for you. Keep that in the front of your mind. Even when things seemingly get messed up He is there. In the midst of a misunderstanding with a family member, He is there. When friends desert you He is there. No pity party necessary. Now go and have a terrific day. 

PRAYER: Lord I give you my cares and concerns today. All of them. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Christ Before Me, The World Behind Me

 

Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. Romans 16:17

The times we are living in now in the western world are extremely divisive. Between the pandemic and elections it has been hard on relationships with family and friends. This is right out of Satan’s playbook for creating chaos, division, and confusion. 

For instance if I dare mention a candidates name or something about the media I will be jumped on by people who think I am trying to make them think a certain way. I can’t do that only the Holy Spirit can. I was blamed once about writing about politics. The world has been political since Jesus walked the Earth and earlier. Can’t escape it. 

My goal in writing is to help the reader have hope that everything will be okay if you keep your eyes on Christ and not on this world and its’ ideas and problems. You are to be in the world but not of the world. It saddens me that people can’t hold an opposing opinion without an argument ensuing. This is not God honoring. Try to live in peace with all men. God can help you.

PRAYER: Today I say thanks for another day of life. Thanks for freedom. Help me to live in peace and not get stirred up by this world as I know you are in control. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Am Just Not Consistent

 

"I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."Proverbs 8:17

Oh those heart wrenching isolated locked down pre pandemic days did you wonder how you would fill up your days? Now that it is easing up are you out and about and enjoying the freedom?

Sometimes with this new freedom comes the mistake of not making good quality time for the Lord. Your prayer time may be cut short and maybe you feel like you are just going through the motions.

If you download the YouTube Version Bible app there are all sorts of tools to get you back on track. Make God your priority not your last resort. Turn off the morning show and tune in to the Savior. Be blessed.

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to give you truly first place in my life over the distractions of social media, television, or the newspaper. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Do I Learn From This?

Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” 2 Peter 2:22

In the military we had ‘after action’ reports and one section was called ‘lessons learned’ so hopefully errors were not duplicated. 

In life I think it is necessary to do the same. For instance if you put your hand on a hot stove you don’t do it again. If certain people become toxic,  so to speak, you stay your distance and just pray for them.

You can’t make everyone like you so don’t try to. 

Sometimes life’s greatest lessons are learned during the hardest and  most hurtful times.  Something’s you just have to give time and let go of. Don’t beat yourself up and stand strong. Above all keep praying. 

PRAYER: Father my heart hurts at times when someone turns their back on me. Many people endure things that are hard to get through. Give me and them strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Evil Is No Joke

 

Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,
but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.Proverbs 10:23 ESV Bible Gateway

 

There may be those who don't follow Jesus who laugh at the word evil.  This time of year evil is celebrated in neighborhoods across the US with images of devils, ghosts, dragons, witches, ghoulish figures and so forth. 

Evil is real. It gets its’ marching orders from Satan. Those who have been captured by evil were once staunch followers of Christ then they took their eyes off the cross and put them on the culture and the world. 

All hope is not lost. You know in the end who wins so if you have relatives and friends listening more to the culture than to Christ pray for them. Some churches have even started following Satan by calling things evil like they are good. 

 

Don’t quit praying. Don’t argue with people just pray. 

PRAYER: Today when I hear your voice I will not harden my heart. I pray for those I know who are okay with sin and evil to have their blinders taken off and run to Jesus again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Note: Click link to listen to powerful song by Chris August entitled ‘Battle’. 

https://youtu.be/AtzNecqxeSI

#BG2 

Fortify Your Root System

 

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.Colossians 2:7

How is your root system? By this I mean are you fortified in that when the ‘storms’ of life hit, and they will, that you are able to withstand and grow in the process? 

A tree or plant needs nutrients, water, good soil and fertilizer to stand strong and produce fruit and likewise you as a believer need to stay strengthened in your inner man so you don’t cave in and blow away when a trial comes your way. 

I don’t know what you are dealing with now but there is always something. Your biggest battle may be in your mind.You need to make time daily to fertilize your soul by prayer and hiding God’s word in your heart. Don’t allow the enemy to knock you over. Stand firm. 

PRAYER: Lord you are the strength of my light and I take comfort in your words and truth. I am ready when strong trials come with your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Have You Put Down Your Shield?

Above all, take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.Ephesians 6:16

One day this world and all its’ cultural influencers will be gone. Do you know how to stand strong when the rest of the world acts like you are crazy? Can you alone do what you know is right even if you were mocked or lost all your friends? 

Deep down inside of you a little voice lets you know what is right and wrong, good or evil. Even Satan can quote scripture so beware. 

Do you need to turn away and repent of something that has squished the voice of truth inside of you? The world is not your friend. Don’t try to be a friend of the world but run away when you know the truth. 

PRAYER: Lord help me guard my heart against tricks of the enemy. Use me to lead others to you not away from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Keep Planting Seeds Of Faith

 

And don’t allow yourselves to be weary in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming!” (Gal 6:9 TPT)

When you plant a physical seed in the soil you expect a plant to grow if you do what is necessary to help it along like water, fertilizer, and sunshine. Similarly as a believer wherever you go you ‘plant seeds’ and sometimes you see your ‘fruit’ but sometimes not. 

Be an example to unbelievers. Be kind to telemarketers or sales people on the phone. Don’t catch yourself caught up in meaningless quarrels or gossip as that behavior causes seeds to die. 

It may be a card to a friend or stranger. Smiling at someone. Sharing what you have with others. Treating someone to something. You get the idea.

PRAYER: Help me to be intentional in sowing seeds of faith to those around me to include family, friends, and strangers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hitting The Reset Button

Remember ye not the former things,

Neither consider the things of old.

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 43:18-19 KJV

If your phone or computer messes up you normally need to reboot or hit the reset button. Sometimes in life it is necessary to step back, take inventory, and hit reset. 

Is there an area you are struggling with that perhaps it is time to rethink things? You need to be consistently looking forward not behind. 

When you are feeling confused or harassed or like you don’t know which way to turn look around you because there is always someone suffering worse than you. 

PRAYER: Lord I choose to seek your face and need strength every day to not allow Satan to pull me in his pity pit. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Replaying Negative Comments

 

An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will escape from trouble.
A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words,
And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. Proverbs 12:13-14

You are fat. You are stupid. You are spaced out. You exasperate me. You are a bully. You will never amount to anything. You are too old to try that. You lie. You are clumsy. You are an idiot.

Negative comments are a dime a dozen and nearly every person alive has had them spewed at them by someone. Teachers, employers, friends, family, co workers, neighbors. It stings when it happens and nowadays it can come through texts and social media. If you are the recipient of these words don’t fight back but stay at peace knowing that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and no weapon formed against you will prosper.

PRAYER:Oh  for the person who is perfect, which is no one. I know dissension is a tool of the enemy and I refuse to play his game and forgive those who hurt me whether they ask for it or not. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fast Pass In Life?

 

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 NIV Bible Gateway

Many theme parks have special lines you can pay extra for called a ‘fast pass’ or in other words you bypass the hour long line for a 3 minute coaster ride to get ahead of others. Great for a person who doesn’t like to wait.

Do you often wish you could get a fast pass in life with some things you have prayed for? You have to stay focused as the mind can go all over the place.

There is a purpose in the waiting and I am sure you are tired of hearing that. Whatever breakthrough you are believing for press in and keep focused and don’t let nay sayers tell you you are foolish for your hope and faith.

PRAYER: Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden the scripture says in Matthew 11:28. I feel that way often but know you are working. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Choose Holiness

"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"1Peter 1:15-16

What does it mean to be Holy?
The first thing that comes to mind is to be set apart for God.

The culture seems to use the word ‘holy’ as a descriptive adjective like Holy Moley and so forth. The more I think about what holiness is it seems very irreverent to use Holy in any other way but to describe our creator. I especially hate to hear the word holy used with a swear word.

So folks what do you say. Can you choose to be holy in all manner of living this includes your life in front of others or in private.

PRAYER: I want to do things to emulate you Lord so help me stay on that path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Is A God Of Restoration

 

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1 KJV Bible Gateway

 

Messed up? God wants people saved. Sometimes it seems like people shoot their wounded. You hear something you pass it on and get a gossip fire going.

 

A lack of judgment doesn’t mean God can redeem and set people free. Those people who had been overwhelmed and overtaken by temptation. The Lord loves them and wants to use them in kingdom work. Stop judging and condemning. (Matthew 7).

 

You can repent, be healed and restored. Put your mouth on neutral and instead of chattering about an issue pray for the people. All of us have messed up someway.

 

PRAYER: Father help me break strongholds in my life that are keeping me from wholeheartedly worship you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

Have You Fallen?

Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.Revelation 2:5

Consider how far you have fallen. Have you fallen? Only you can answer that. Have you disengaged with your life with Jesus thus allowing darker forces to penetrate your soul?

Maybe you say “I’m a good person” but really you need more than just being ‘good’ to be in Heaven upon your death. I am not trying to invoke fear but to attempt to get you to think.

Has something become more important than Jesus thus becoming an idol in your life? Do you need to ‘crucify’ your flesh with its’ earthly passions and run back to your first love?

PRAYER: I need you Lord and I know lots of people who need you but their pride gets in the way of repentance. Help me not be haughty or high minded but to seek to do your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Offense Is So Prevalent Today

 

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV Bible Gateway 

These five verses pack a huge punch and are sort of telling what is going on in culture right now.When in fact instead of being mad at people it is Satan who is the provoker and who is to blame. 

If you have never had anyone take offense at you then consider yourself blessed. It is caused by misunderstandings, human nature, a contentious spirit, or deep hurt inside someone.

Sometimes the offended person stews over what it is and has a hard time dying to self and moving on giving forgiveness to the one who hurt them. If you are offended you are allowing a root of bitterness to grow inside of you. Stop now and root it out before it infects other parts of your life. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for your mercy and grace which you freely extend to all no matter how messed up a person is. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Enough Already. Just Forgive-OK?

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

You are confused, hurt, bewildered, a tad angry and simply don’t get it. What happened that made a friend or family member turn on you and practically disown you? 

Don’t try to win the fight because there shouldn’t be a fight in the first place. Sometimes people have an internal battle going on you know nothing about and they are taking the rage of that out on you. 

All I recommend you do is to not push them but continue to press into prayer. You can not instantly make someone like you. Maybe you are puzzled by why they are so livid in the first place. Just keep praying. Don’t let Satan win. 

PRAYER: Father God my heart aches for those people with internal pain that take their pain out in others. I pray for those who have been hurt to give their hurts to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Feel Defeated

 

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.Hebrews 10:35-36

I don’t know about you but since Covid tested us and reared its’ ugly head there has been much confusion and hurt in many lives. Add on top of that election anxiety and you have a rocket getting ready to take off. 

The enemy is the weasel who wants to keep you down in the dumps, blue, sad, hurt, and a host of other emotions. It is necessary to try to keep God first place not your feelings. Try to get a grip on the thoughts you allow to enter your brain.

So many things pull us in many ways. Misunderstandings where the enemy keeps you wanting your way not God’s way. Maybe there is something you need to totally let God have and stop ‘driving‘ yourself. Relax, pray, and trust. 

PRAYER: Father I cry out to you Holy, Holy, Holy. This world and its’ problems is not my home. Help me shine your light and stop dwelling on my problems. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Watch Your Words

 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Ephesians 4:29 NIV Bible gateway 

Have you been hurt by someone else’s words? It may be a spouse, a friend, a relative. Words can cut like a hot knife through butter.

Many places in scripture there are verses about the dangers of wrong words. If you claim to represent Christ does your speech represent Him as well? Ponder that. 

Words can cause deep wounds that sometimes take years to heal and recover from. If you have hurt someone go ask forgiveness. It will take humility as our pride and selfishness gets in the way. If you have been hurt learn to forgive. Take the high road. 

PRAYER: Father I want to ask you to show me where I need to get better when it comes your things I say or text. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hope Is All Over The Bible

 

..and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.Romans 5:5 NAS Bible Gateway

I was asked or challenged I guess you could say to show someone where it mentioned hope in the Bible. Hope is found in several verses. It is a key concept in the Bible. 

Hope is not just wishful thinking but it is according to scripture about what God has promised. It is the assurance of God’s promises. 

The following are four verses where hope is mentioned:

1. Romans 12:12 - "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer."
2. Romans 15:13 - "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
3. Psalm 130:5 - "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope."
4. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Satan of course does not want a believer to have hope but to instead have doubt and despair. My friend always hold on to hope “calling those things as not as though they were” as it says in Romans 4:17.

PRAYER: Today I am grateful for having the word of God to give me hope and sustain me daily. My heart breaks for any who have lost hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Yadda Yadda Yadda

 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV Bible Gateway

Who can you trust? How many of you have been guilty of sitting and gossiping about a common friend? I was at a coffee shop, big surprise, and three ladies were going on and on about someone.

It is tempting to have foot and mouth disease as I will call it where we run somewhere to meet up with people and then end up talking bad about them. Be the bigger person and change the subject.

Make an effort to only let good things come from your lips. Maybe your mom used to say “if you have nothing good to say don’t say anything” ouch.

PRAYER: Father help me not be guilty of passing on gossip or rumors. Help my mouth be used to bring you glory and encourage others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pray, Trust, Wait

 

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

Ok so you have prayed and supposedly given your concern to the Lord. Now you are to trust He is working and just be still and wait. Got it? 

Oh my goodness sounds so easy but how many times do you catch yourself almost hyperventilating over an issue? I know how easy it is to try to help God hurry things up but my friend that is impossible. God is working just be still and try to think about something else. 

Chill and be still. Put on praise music. Focus on some other issues that need prayer or people on your prayer list. Don’t try to manipulate answers and just wait. 

PRAYER: Father I want to be able to sit at your feet and really guard my heart from fear or worry. I know the enemy loves it when people pray then worry. Help me break that stronghold. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Why Does It Matter?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”Ephesians 6:12

There is something nowadays called FOMO which stands for ‘fear of missing out’ relating primarily to social media addiction. It can almost be an obsession to want to know what everyone is doing. In the big scheme of things it does not change anything or really matter. 

If you want to do something that does matter try praying for unity, peace, freedom, false testimony to cease, and lying tongues to be uncovered and set free. 

Our battle on earth is not against humans but is a spiritual battle God versus the devil. Don’t take your aggression out on people or strangers but on the devil who does an outstanding job making people mad at each other. Now go be set free and lift up the name of Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to continue to press on to resist the devil and he has to flee(James 4:7). Help my focus be on things above( Philippians 4:8) and help me stay on the path you have ordained for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Why Does It Matter?

 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”Ephesians 6:12

There is something nowadays called FOMO which stands for ‘fear of missing out’ relating primarily to social media addiction. It can almost be an obsession to want to know what everyone is doing. In the big scheme of things it does not change anything or really matter. 

If you want to do something that does matter try praying for unity, peace, freedom, false testimony to cease, and lying tongues to be uncovered and set free. 

Our battle on earth is not against humans but is a spiritual battle God versus the devil. Don’t take your aggression out on people or strangers but on the devil who does an outstanding job making people mad at each other. Now go be set free and lift up the name of Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord help me show love to all people even those who I do nto exaclty agree with on everything. In Jesus' name Amen. 

Joyful Heart Or Crushed Spirit?

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 ESV

Recently I wrote about Joy and I like this one church in my area that has a sign on building that says “How is your joy meter” and that is a good question. 

What exactly causes a crushed spirit? It could be many things. Perhaps dwelling on negative things you can do anything about. 

Maybe it is wrong or stinking thinking. Being ignore or shunned. Many times in our new culture it can be caused by social media. 

Try to get away from what is pulling you down, and if able go outside without your cellular device and just praise God and talk to Him. Comparison often is a joy robber. Don’t try to emulate everyone you think is happy and successful. Emulate a Christ follower and you should have joy. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and I often let situations I can not control make my heart heavy. Help me to continually break strongholds and pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Don't Starve Yourself

 

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.Psalm 37:25-27

It is necessary to feed yourself to stay alive and healthy but did you know feeding yourself spiritually is even more important? Many people say they ‘believe‘ or that they are a certain denomination but that is all fine and good but do you ‘feed’ your mind daily with the truth from God's Word? If you don’t know how download the You Version Bible App.

Do you concern yourself with physical starvation or going hungry? Perhaps it is more essential to hide God’s word in your heart.

In Amos 8:11 KJV it reads Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. Imagine that. No Gideons Bibles in hotel bedside tables. No way to buy a Bible. Perhaps a government that took Bibles away. Whatever and whenever focus on hiding God’s words in your heart to help yourself and others.

PRAYER: Father I love the word. Many people hate truth and want to change your word to fit with their needs. Help me stand strong in the face of trials that may come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Causes You To Lose Joy Of Lord?

 

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NLT Bible Gateway

I was listening to Pastor Alan Jackson recently where he spoke of things that we in the Western world take for granted. Most of us should be very joyful.

Thank God for grocery stores, for drive thru’s , for clean water, for your Bible, and thank the Lord for laundry to fold and furniture to dust. You get the point. If you enjoy modern conveniences thank the Lord you were not born in the mid 1800’s.

Joy comes from deep within your soul. The devil would love to rob you of it by getting your focus on yourself and your problems and not keep your mind in an attitude of gratitude. Think of others before yourself and wake up daily and say thanks.

PRAYER: Thanks again Lord for Joy down in my heart and soul. Help me bubble it over to those I encounter daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Hee Haw Hee Haw-God’s Donkeys

 

“Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?'”Numbers 22:28

The donkey is not a star animal. They  don’t  run in the Kentucky Derby or Preakness and are a simple working animal but a very special one in God’s Kingdom. 

Donkeys symbolize humility, service, and obedience. They are the animals of the common people. A donkey carried the pregnant Mary mother of Jesus to the stable. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. He was humble and showed that by his mode of transportation. 

Perhaps we humans need to learn from the lowly donkey. A simple yet valuable animal in God’s kingdom that He had a distinct purpose and destiny for. 

PRAYER: Father help me stay humble and not ever try to put on a fake front. Show me how to stay humble and patient. In Jesus’ name. Amen.