You’re Not Really suffering Or Maybe You Are

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

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

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

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

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

That Still Small Voice

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

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

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

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

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

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Come Ye Thankful People Come

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

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

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

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

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

Click link for the song I mentioned in title.

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

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But Wait, I'm Not God

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

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

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

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

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

Help My Attitude

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

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

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

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

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

Hear Me Now-Just Stop It!

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

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

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

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

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

Be Vigilant

 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith.” 

1Peter 5:8

What does it mean to be vigilant? Well I would suggest it means to be constantly on guard because Satan lives for tripping up believers. As this verse says he is like a roaring lion looking to devour someone. 

Have you opened the door to Satan in your life by your thoughts, words, or actions? Have you put God on the back burner? 

There is a real Satan. There is good and evil. Temptation is real. If you have strayed from the path of righteousness and fallen prey to the enemy you can come back and God wants you to. Where are you at today? Is it time to cry out to God for a rescue? 

PRAYER: Lord temptation to do wrong is all around me. Help me look straight ahead to the cross. I pray for those who know they need to turn around their lives but are caught in web of Satan to be loosed. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Friend Of This World?

 

You adulterous people,don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.James 4:14 NIV Bible Gateway 

Would you consider yourself a ‘friend’ of the world meaning this world has captivated you to the point it appears you are more in love with the world than with God?

Romans 12:2 tells us to not conform to the pattern of this world. Do you find yourself conforming more than transforming yourself to be more Christlike? 

Sometimes you may want to enjoy things if the world and then they overtake the things of the Spirit. You have to say no to ungodliness or things that you know will take you far from God. Satan tries to lie and get you to compromise. If you have done this it is not too late to do a U Turn back your savior. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for your unconditional love. Help me be discerning that I can recognize the tricks and lies of Satan. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Entangled?

 

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. 1 Peter 4:1

Do you feel like you are tangled up and need set free? Like an animal trapped in barbed wire are there things in your life holding you back from enjoying being with people who love you and love the Lord?

Sometimes a person may be entangled with wrong friends, wrong activities, wrong thinking to name a few. The devil is a snare who indeed tries to trap you when you let down your spiritual armor. 

To get untangled first you need to be aware that you are tangled up. Next you cry out to God for His help.  Ask God to direct your steps and to dismantle any strongholds that have gotten you on the wrong path. Most importantly get into the Word and keep your focus on things above. (Philippians 4:8). 

PRAYER: I long for your fellowship with you Lord. Forgive me when I have turned my back on you and been enamored with things of the world that tangled me up. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Choose To Be A Light

 

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8 NIV Bible Gateway

Even when you don’t feel cheerful or joyful due to whatever circumstances you can still choose to be a light in the world around you. You are where you are for a reason for such a time as this. Keep that in mind. 

You may be feeling bad but there are probably lots of people who are going through lots of stuff you have no clue about and being a light in a dark world will cheer them up. 

I remember a song as a child called ‘A Sunbeam’. It went something like ‘a sun beam a sunbeam, Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. A sunbeam a sunbeam. I’ll be a sunbeam for Him.’ Do you think you can shine Jesus’ light in the midst of however you feel? Try it today and see if you don’t experience joy. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for using me to brighten another’s day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love Is Not Self Centered

 

For God SO loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.John 3:16 NIV Bible Gateway

Don’t let your love for others be self centered thinking only of yourself. Gods love is ultimate as when He gave His Only son Jesus to die for you. That is not self centered. His focus was you.

His sacrifice was the one total love. Do you have that kind of love? God’s love is TRUE and complete.

Have you said yes to Jesus and accept his unconditional love for you and his forgiveness?

Have you received His gift of salvation by asking Him to be Lord of your life? You can gain the whole world but without Jesus what does it matter? (See Mark 8:36). Surrender yourself today.

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life and I pray for those who don’t know if they have been saved. I pray for millions to repent and turn to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saul Became Paul

 

“I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished,and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.Acts 26:9-11 NIV Bible Gateway

Most believers are familiar with the miraculous conversion of Saul to Paul on the Damascus Road proving God can, did, and does still use unlikely people for his purposes in the kingdom.

There is hope for everyone to turn away from wickedness and embrace the kingdom of God and no one is beyond hope. Who are we to decide who gets saved?

Beware of judging and condemning those you deem as lost and beyond hope. Every person has value in God’s eyes and He wants all men to know Him it says in 1 Timothy 2:4. Kindness leads to repentance. (Roman’s 2:4).

PRAYER: My hope is in Jesus. All those that come across my path daily have a story of sorts. I pray for Satan to be bound and anyone to be set free who has fallen in his trap. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For more on the life of Paul click link below and read Acts 22 in the New Testament.

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Lay It On The Altar

 

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Matthew 11:28

An altar is a place of sacrifice and worship where you approach the ‘throne of God’ in a symbolic way giving up something to him and letting him take control.

What in your life do you need to lay on the altar and give control to God? When you give it you don’t take it back but let God work.

Is there something or someone who needs a miraculous touch only God can provide? Has your human striving worn you out as you realize only the Holy Spirit can convict and help turn a heart to the Lord? Today give your problem or issue or person entirely to Him and let the human efforts cease.

PRAYER: Today I look to you Lord as my source not to human striving or manipulation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do You Surrender All?

 

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19

What does it mean to surrender? In combat situations it is where the white flag saying “We quit” goes up and the other side is the victor. 

In a humans life it would be when you finally decide to surrender your life to Christ and to stop trying to live it your way. Surrendering those things in your life that made you stray from the truth.

How about you? Have you surrendered your life to Jesus? Is living for Him more important than living for this present world? 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for that light bulb moment when I knew I needed to give my life to you and be more concerned about others than myself. I pray for any who truly have not surrendered to repent and ask you into their heart today. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When Not If!

 

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13 NIV Bible Gateway

The day of evil comes for everyone in that I mean things aren’t always going to be peachy nice but in your walk you will face battles. These battles aren’t meant to defeat you but to strengthen your spiritual muscles.

When this happens keep that armor on and insure it is on daily. The devil is not your friend although in 2 Corinthians 11:14 he is called an ‘Angel of light’ in that he is a great deceiver and is out to trip you up and get you feeling there is no hope.

Friend there is always hope with Jesus. Never cave in to the lies, hurt, and pain the enemy causes in your life. John 10:10 says the thief meaning Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Don’t let him. Stand your ground!

PRAYER: Father I pray for all those I know and even those I don’t to run towards you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Salt AND Light

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 NIV Bible Gateway 

Think for a minute about salt and light. You put salt on food to enhance its flavor to also preserve it in some cases. Salt can also be a healing element when you gargle salt water for a sore throat. 

Then there is light. If you wake up in a thunderstorm and the power is off you would reach for a flashlight or light a candle. Immediately the darkness is dispelled. Light helps brighten moods say in the case of weather a beautiful sunrise. Immediately when a light comes on darkness has to flee! 

Christ wants His followers to be salt and light in an otherwise dark, tasteless, dreary, confused world. Evaluate your walk as a believer. Are you salty and make people thirst for Jesus and is the light of Christ radiating from you? Continue to read the word and the enemy has to flee. 

PRAYER: Father show me the way and help me walk in it. When forces come against me I look to you as my help, my joy, my deliverer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

All Things Means All

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV Bible Gateway 

Wrongly judged? Verbally attacked? Misunderstood? Your ache won’t go away? 

I am not sure what you are going through now in your life but God is supreme and all knowing and He cares for you. When situations in your life tend to overwhelm you try simply saying “Jesus”. Say it again. 

Keep your eyes on the cross not your problems. This verse today helps bring comfort when you are going through something. Commit it to memory and receive assurance that things will be okay. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you that when hard times come and friends run out you are there. I choose to trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

In Last Days People Will Take Offense

 

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.Proverbs 19:11

Did you know being offended is not a fruit of the spirit? I am not sure if you have taken offense or had someone being offended towards you but it is not a fun feeling. It is described as being  upset, hurt, or annoyed and it is a carnal reaction. 

Walk in the spirit and you won’t fulfill the desires of the flesh or carnal nature it says in Galatians 5:16. It is Satan who causes division and your real enemy is him not a person. Keep that in mind. 

Is there someone you have had a spirit of offense towards? Perhaps now it is time to humble yourself and go to them and ask forgiveness. Maybe you have been on the receiving end of the offense. If so forgive whether the person asks or not. 

PRAYER: Jesus you are my best friend. I thank you for being with me at all times and guarding and protecting me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Freedom Fought And Died For

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

The United States is less than 250 years old and to keep it free from its’ founding days when people broke away from tyranny in England to secure liberty many battles were fought and much blood was shed. 

Today is Veterans’ Day the day ALL those who served in peacetime or combat are honored and thanked. Stop and reflect on this. A show on Trinity broadcasting network called ‘Drive Thru History‘ highlights and explains many of our national holidays. 

Satan would love our country to implode and its’ freedoms to go away as one of those is freedom of religion. Don’t ever take for granted what you have by being born in this country or legally immigrating here. Stop and pray to God it remains. 

PRAYER: Father I give you the praise and glory for freedom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Click link below to watch Drive Thru History: https://youtu.be/U_I5xAnRU28

 

Bragging, Boasting, Gloating? Shhhh!

 

Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
    when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove
    and turn his wrath away from them.Proverbs 24:17-18 NIV Bible Gateway

Are you tempted to brag and boast over something maybe telling others your good deeds like when you fasted or when you gave money to the poor? Perhaps it is gloating over the recent election? Whatever the case God wants His followers to be humble. 

I know it is easy to post non stop on social media letting others see a story book of your vacations and such. I am guilty of this and really why is it necessary to do this. Sometimes I yearn for the days of no Facebook or cell phones. 

In my opinion I feel social media is the downfall of our society. I am not advocating for taking away free speech but so many emotions can be stirred up when you dive into the world of endless opinions. Try to give social media a complete rest. Grab your Bible instead. 

PRAYER: Lord you are beautiful your face is all I seek. I have messed up many times and you are there to forgive me. Help me show that same forgiveness to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

He Died For You

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 1 Peter 3:18

Did you know that Jesus died a horrible death on the cross for your sins, past, present and future. Hard to fathom. 

Sins like anger, murder, hatred, stealing, and add to the list. Jesus never sinned imagine that. Romans 3:23 says “All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” 

The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin and only the Holy Spirit nothing else. 1 John 1:9 says “if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Just sense Jesus immense love for you and all mankind. Now go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Lord with the recent election came much hatred spewing forth from social media accounts. Help us Lord leave the judging to you as we pray for healing and revival. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Light Versus Darkness

The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5

In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was God. God is light. Satan is darkness. The Word is light. The Word is true.

Satan right now has used social media and misinformation and lies to bring massive separation to the American people. Your trust has to be in God alone. 

If you are feeling fractured you are not alone. 

Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy and sow seeds of hate and separation. As a child of God our enemy is not a person or a group of people. Keep looking up and press into prayer. The story is long from over. Don’t be angry at man but tell the devil to take a hike. 

PRAYER: Lord our nation needs you to bring massive revival to those who are weary and to let the truth be known to all mankind. Help divisions due to politics end and help restore families and friendships. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Spiritually Depleted?

“Earnestly I seek you, my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1

How much time do you spend on social media? How about watching TV? Now how much time do you devote to getting closer to your savior? Three questions to seriously ponder. 

In order to be prepared for potential battle soldiers have to train and stay in good physical shape. Today there is a spiritual battle raging for your soul. 

Have you abandoned the Lord or maybe squeeze in a quick verse of the day, better than nothing. Perhaps it is time to get serious about defeating those giants out there trying to get you off course.

PRAYER: I need you Lord and often I allow mundane distractions to draw me away to worldly pursuits. Help me get on track and stay on track. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice

 

A heart at peace gives life to the body,

but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you ever wish you could be like someone else or have something they have?

This scripture in Proverbs speaks of envy rotting the bones. Now that is a word picture isn’t it? Instead you should rejoice with those who have had blessings in their lives.

Don’t be envious and Romans 12:15 speaks of living at peace with all men. Can you do that? It takes lots of energy to whine, complain, and be jealous instead why not look to God with gratitude for what He has done in your life.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for all my blessings. Thank you Lord for friends and family and daily provision. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Division Is A Choice

 

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."Proverbs 19:21

Well here we are on Election Day all the commercials and texts and door knob hangers will go away and you wait for the results. Our country and families sad to say have been divided over politics for far too long.

Used to be you could hold an opinion and let other people have theirs. Nowadays if someone likes a particular candidate many times fear of letting others know takes over. It should not be that way.

Satan is the author of division, lies, hate, criticism, hurt, propaganda, and so much more. Satan divides families, churches, friends, and even our nation. Be on your knees today brother and sister. If you have a division looming in your family tree keep praying for it to be healed. Pray for others to be set free.

PRAYER: Lord help me focus on you and stay in your word when confusion and disorder surround me I will run to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Go Vote And Pray

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisors. Proverbs. 11:14 NIV

Tomorrow is Election Day and many of you have probably already cast your vote but if not take heart to today’s verse. 

Biblical voters are needed to keep a nation just, fair, and free. Many deceiving voices are out there and evil is rampant. Satan would love to destroy America and believers need to vote the Bible. 

I am not here to tell you how to vote. But think beyond a political party. Pray that God would open your eyes to the truth. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to be at peace as ultimately you are in control and rule and reign. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Keep Shining Your Light

 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Recently I had a great birthday celebration then shortly after had a couple things happen that really crushed my spirit which I am not free to share publicly but they cut like a knife. That is how Satan works to beat you up when you feel joyful. 

Today I read a devotion about some people liking to knock your light off its’ lamp stand as they don’t understand the word or get offended by something. And when you are shut off by someone it is very painful. If the someone is a close friend or family member even more so. 

As we are in another heated political season it really gets me how some people can decide they don’t like you because of politics. Politics should never come between family or friends but some opinions are so strong they drive people crazy. It is hard to keep shining for Jesus when your heart aches. But keep going friend. Maybe someone else can identify. 

PRAYER: My heart aches so much sometimes and I think of people who have no family or friends at all and it makes me cry. I think of the young man I met a couple days ago backpacking to get away from people and it hurts my heart. Help me keep my light shining no matter what. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Need A Mountain Moved?

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”Matthew 17:20

What have you been praying for a really long time? Are you able to let it go and wait? 

Do you realize God is working even if it does not seem like it? Try to be still. 

Trust in God not yourself or your feelings. The enemy will try to get you to play God but don’t do it. Just wait. 

PRAYER: Sometimes it is so hard to just relax and leave a situation alone so I need you Lord. Keep me still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What’s On Your Mind?

 

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

Have you heard the phrase ‘an idle mind is devil’s workshop’ and how very true that is. Be careful what you think about is a good rule of thumb.

Making assumptions is very dangerous because there is no way you can know what another person is thinking. Getting control of your thoughts is essential to walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh. 

You assignment is to capture all thoughts to the obedience of Christ(2 Corinthians 10:5) and to run the race set out before you and trusting God day by day to keep your thoughts centered on Him. 

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for giving me a brain and the ability to think and reason. Help me use it to your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.