The Clock Is Ticking

My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. Psalm 31:15

Everyone is born and everyone will eventually die. Death is not to be feared it is part of life and eternity. 

Each of us is here on this earth to serve a purpose in God’s kingdom but some not living for Him have not ‘arrived’ yet and don’t see they have a distinct purpose. You may stumble and fall or be duped by Satan on your way to fulfilling your purpose and plan God has for your life. 

Don’t despair my friend. Your purpose may be simple or complex but everything and everyone is important to God. Don’t lose hope if you are praying for a family member or friend who has lost their way but know God will bring them back when His timing is right. Keep praying. 

PRAYER: Today Lord help me lean into you and know that all I need do is to trust you. Guard my heart and alleviate any fears. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Falling In A Crevice

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord.At an acceptable time, O God,  in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.Deliver me from sinking in the mire;let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.Psalm 69:13-14

I think one of the scariest things would be falling in a huge pit, hole, a well,  or down a mountain  crevice seemingly trapped. You may feel helpless as you contemplate how you will escape from the dire situation you find yourself in. 

God the Most High is your rescuer and is your life saver. He is the one who is holding the rope so to speak as you climb to safety. He wants you to trust Him and lean on Him. 

Keep your eyes on Him and not your situation. If you don’t know Jesus as savior surrender your life to Him now. A believers home is not this present dark world but is in Heaven where no longer will there be fears and torment. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I look to you and say thanks for rescuing me from the lies of Satan. I pray for any people caught in his trap to hear the truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Stress

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.2 Corinthians 4:1

What are you feeling today? Peace, joy, agitation, anxiety, fear, anger? Today’s verse speaks of not being bothered by ‘momentary’ troubles meaning they are not here forever. 

Realize that your Heavenly Father loves you and the devil hates you. God’s plans for you are for hope and a future. 

When you go through trials and tribulations you can hold on to hope that these things will pass.

PRAYER: I thank you for each new day you bless me with. Help me to keep a good attitude no matter what ugliness may surface in my day because I know you hold the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Is In Control

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6–7

In this politically charged and divided world we live in it is important to remember who is on the throne and controls it all. God allows certain leaders. Not everyone is in agreement.

But  remember my friend we are in a battle of good versus evil and Satan is the one to be mad at not a family member or friend who voted a certain way. 

This  is spiritual warfare. Keep praying. Don’t trust in man but in God and read your Bible daily with an open heart and take comfort. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and your mercies are new every morning. Give me wisdom to do what is right. Keep my heart and mind pure. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Forget It?

 

 “…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead” Philippians 3:13

Do you have trouble going back to your past and rethinking how you could have reacted differently? It’s probably pretty common and it is a tactic from Satan your enemy, not God. 

If Satan can manage to lure you into the trick of over thinking and reliving stupid things from your past or maybe things that hurt you then you can’t have much spiritual victory. Let go any spirit of anger or offense or you let the enemy right in. 

Whatever it is bothering you today just purpose in your heart you will not go there and camp out. Your ‘pond’ of past memories has a no fishing sign. Remember in 1 Corinthians chapter 13:5 says love keeps no records of wrongs so strive for that goal. 

PRAYER:Father I give you any thing from my past that Satan wants to use to torment me. You are in control and on the throne of my life. I cast wrong thoughts off. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do Your Thoughts Align With Gods?

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

Do you allow The Holy Spirit to control your thought life or do you let the weight and problems of this present world cause you to cave to worry? Thinking is one of the biggest areas of a persons life that Satan would like to control. Don’t allow it my friend. 

God’s thoughts for you are good, perfect ones to bring you a future and prepare you for His Heavenly kingdom. 

First and foremost  to have the mind of Christ is to be careful what you dwell upon. Whatever things are wholesome, pure, kind, gentle, loving and forgiving think on those. If you allow anger and agitation to enter you are not thinking Christlike. If you fixate on hurt and pain and how to get even that is not aligning with God. Start making a list of God’s blessings and you will be on the right track to alignment with God. 

PRAYER: Father many times I have allowed unchecked thinking to reign in my brain cells. I don’t want to do that and it is not my intent to dwell on negative stuff. I ask for help to break stronghold of wrong thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Passion In Your Life

“You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3

What in your life is the most important or what do you spend your waking hours doing? In answering this question family is top priority in my life hands down. There are things I enjoy doing for recreation. You might have hobbies you enjoy. 

Don’t ever let anything take away the first place position from the Almighty creator of Heaven and Earth. If you have lost your passion for your first love Jesus examine your heart and ask why. Perhaps this world has lured you into its’ trap of comfort and entertainment and time with God is squeezed out. 

Do you want God to be first place and if so what will you do to make it happen? 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to never allow the pleasures and delights of this world make you take a backseat or keep you in the basement of my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No Fooling.Jesus Is Lord.

 

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7

Here we are on April Fool's Day and I am sure all of us have had pranks pulled on us or have fooled another person. A fool is a person lacking judgment. 

I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be known as a foolish person. The Bible contains many scriptures about foolish people. Look up the word fool or foolish in your Bible or on the Bible Gateway App and you will find several. 

Being foolish is not a good character trait. And mocking people who are foolish is unkind. So the focus today is not on fooling people or carrying out pranks no matter how fun or quirky some are but instead is in thinking what the word fool real means. April Fool’s Day is referring to the definition as an action verb in tricking others. Go into today’s prankster day just being grateful that you are not a foolish person. 

PRAYER: I yearn to not be a foolish Lord or to do foolish things. Help this day just remain innocent fun for those who participate and give me strength to not walk in foolish ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Find A Good Coffee Shop To Cry In

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

I have had people ask me why on earth would I share so much personal stuff in my devotions going so far as to call it my online public journal. Actually many writers relate to their readers by being personal without giving exact details. 

Author Joyce Meyer is one of these writers who captures feelings with her readers as they can relate to what she is saying. I know when I first moved to Idaho in August 2020 I got sad many times. Covid was upon us and some times  the emotions I had inside me just couldn’t be contained and I would have to find my sunglasses so people wouldn’t know I was crying. 

I have hung out in coffee shops lots since becoming an official writer because I like the ambience of it all. But if you are broken hearted don’t hide it let someone know. Ask someone to pray with you. Tears are normal and probably more men ought to cry too. You might be surprised to find how many perfect have imperfect lives. 

PRAYER: Father I choose to be still. I really need to be. Help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Right To Be Angry-Hmmm

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.James 1:19-20 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you like the feeling of anger? I don’t. Someone said something and hurt your feelings and you fly off the handle on a rage of screaming and then when it is all over you maybe wonder why you acted that way. 

In your angry outburst you might have even thrown a few curse words around and feel very ashamed. The only one who profits from an angry spirit is Satan. Don’t let him win. 

Anger tears apart friendships, causes divorces, creates havoc and can even get you fired from a job. Before reacting breathe in and then out and ponder is me acting ugly solving anything . Ask God to keep you at peace.

PRAYER: Lord I thank  you for perfect peace which only you give. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Church Is For Hurting People

 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” Matthew 9:11-12 NIV Bible Gateway

Have you ever felt so sad, hurt, or upset you didn’t feel like going to church because you were afraid your emotions would let go and floodgate of sadness would pour out? 

Church is like a hospital for hurting people. You should be at a church that has a time of prayer where those needing prayer can either raise their hand and folks can gather round them or they can come forward to the altar. Church is where you go to get healing not just physical but mental and emotional as well. It is not just a Sunday rah rah club where you gather, sing, pray, and go home. It should be much more. 

Seek out a place of worship where you know you will be cared for and not looked down upon no matter what issue you are hurting from in your life. Jesus wants to wrap His arms around you so let Him. Don’t stay home and cry find a trusted church where you can be set free and lifted up. 

PRAYER: Lord when my heart aches I know I need to find another believer to pray for me. Help anyone going through anything not stay to themselves or believe lies the enemy may use to keep them away from getting prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Is Not The Author Of Confusion

 

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Have you got decisions to make but not sure what to do which way to turn? I love todays verse because if you are all tense and irritable and not at peace you will be unable to make sound decisions. 

Of course Satan toys with believers to make you second guess things or to even condemns you  and gets you to put yourself down. Don’t go there! 

Just remember God brings peace not confusion so follow his lead and trust Him to help you with decisions you make or how you respond to others. 

PRAYER: Today and every day I need you Lord. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and use me to share love around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help Me Stop Lord

 

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.”Luke 6:37

Have you ever been told you were judgmental or critical or that you put guilt trips on people? I know without a doubt I probably have done this not intentionally but when the mouth gets engaged and not controlled look out.

 I don’t want to be this way and prevent people from hearing the gospel message. If  you by judge others you can quickly slam the door shut on relationships, some perhaps very dear to you. 

Doesn’t everyone judge to a certain extent? We form opinions based on upbringing and so forth. I certainly do feel like I love everyone and there is not one ‘people group’ I hate. Hate is a word that is being tossed around lots today simply that you would hate someone if you don’t agree with them. Satan is loving this too. 
If you have trouble with a judgmental spirit ask God to help you. I know I certainly need lots of help. I want to love not judge. How about you? 

PRAYER: Help me develop kindness in my overall attitude towards all people whether we agree on things or not. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 
> 
> 
> 

A Remnant And A Solid Rock

The surviving remnant of the house of Judah will again take root downward and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem will go forth a remnant and out of Mount Zion survivors. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”’Isaiah 37:31-32

Two words have come to my mind many times recently. Remnant and Rock. A remnant meaning survivors and a rock meaning the solid rock of Jesus Christ. The remnant keeps their eyes focused on Jesus even when things seemingly cave in around them. The remnant knows their solid rock is Jesus. 

Do you ever get the sense you are part of a remnant in the kingdom of God or in other words when others ran you still stood strong? I am by no means a Bible scholar, far from it, but God does have a remnant in this day proclaiming the good news. 

Each believer has a part to do and here in the United States we are not seemingly ‘united’ which breaks my heart and God’s. Families divided, friends divided and so forth. You don’t dare mention politics or the flood gates of blame and hate open up. It is time for each person who names the name of Jesus to put down social media and tune in to faith and family pure, plain, and simple. Stop allowing Satan to divide and get on your knees and cry out to God. 

PRAYER: On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand. Father help those blinded by anger and hate hear your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Procrastinate. Who Me?

 

We count it all joy when we meet trials, for they test our faith and produce steadfastness.James 1:2-4

I was in the process of trying to polish some silver plated utensils that use to be my parents. I bought some easy polishing solution whose  advertising claimed their product as dipping it in and watching tarnish melt away. Yeah right. 

Anyway this morning my husband asks when I was going to finish the project and put it away. Hint, get it off the kitchen counter, LOL. I hated to have to do the work associated with cleaning it up and was going to have to use muscle and a rag. Ugh. 

In your spiritual walk do you often yearn for the easy less painful way and not the road that leads through the wilderness? Sometimes it is in these valleys and times of waiting we grow so hang in there whatever it is you are dealing with. God has your back. 

PRAYER: Lord help me in the daily struggles I deal with that are small in comparison to many. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Am I Being Grown Spiritually?

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faithproduces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James 1:2-4 NIV Bible Gateway

Brother and sister I do not know what issues or pain you are dealing with in your life but I was pondering this one day wondering when a certain thing in my life was going to be made right and healed but then realized God maybe is allowing this to help me in my walk. Say what? 

I have had an estrangement issue and the pain is deep and real. I talk about it only to let others know nothing is wrong with you if you are going through this too. I look at young families and happy children and reflect on the happy days we had. 

If you are experiencing this deep pain of rejection and the anger that goes along with it know you are not walking this path alone. God loves you. He loves your child even more than you do as hard as that is to imagine. Continue to stand in faith for healing, restoration, and reconciliation. Keep praying in faith and don’t give up even though Satan wants you to. 

PRAYER: Today Lord speak to hearts of those cut off from estranged family members. Heal whatever has need of healing and open the eyes that have been blinded. I pray for restoration. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus I Give Everyone And Everything To You

 

"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

I have an app on my phone called Pause by author John Eldredge in which he makes the statement which is my title. It sure sounds good and seems doable but do you really truly give EVERYTHING to Him? 

If you do why do you fret and worry and try to intervene? You want to truly give Him everything and mean well and you would experience so much more peace if you did but alas you jump on board the worry wagon again and forget you said you ever gave your problems to him. 

Try this. Stay off social media. Stay focused on others not yourself. Talk to God daily in prayer. Think of ways you can be kind to another. Now go enjoy your ‘surrended’ day. 

PRAYER: Fill me with your love for all people. Give me a heart to love those who don’t love me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

ReplyForward Add reaction

Battleground Or Playground?

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;2 Corinthians 10:4

In the words of Warren Wiersbe: "The Christian life is not a playground; it is a battleground, and we must be on our guard at all times." This comes from a devotion by Levi Lusko in the You Version Bible entitled’ I Declare War’.Sometimes believers may act like they are on a playground not in a real battle between God and Satan. 

Wake up we are not on the jungle gym or merry go round but in a real battle. Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers and has even brought our politics into the middle dividing families and friends over their vote.

Only God can redeem and set captives free and you need to daily get into the word not the Wall Street Journal or New York Times. Daily insure you are prepared to do battle with evil. Satan loves division so get your armor of God on my friend and prepare to break strongholds. 

PRAYER: Lord I seek your face. Right now I am mad at the devil for creating confusion and chaos but I know you win in the end. I prayer for those who would rather fight than reach out to God. Open eyes and set spirits free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When you Don’t Feel Like Praying

But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:16-17

I have been writing devotions 16 years now but that certainly doesn’t mean I have it all together or have arrived so to speak. I have a hard time looking at social media posts of ‘perfect families’ and often wonder where I failed.

Alas Satan the slimy snake in the grass loves to put stuff on those of us who are trying to serve the Lord. I don’t know that everyone has it all together. My heart is aching and I am sure there has to be another out there in the same boat. You have to fight these feelings and lies of the devil and keep running your race of faith. 

What is going on in your life my friend? Maybe you do have an altogether family with no problems but beware of getting puffed up. Pray for those who have broken marriages, rejection from friends, rejection from family members, a child in prison, a child no longer walking with the Lord, a drug or alcohol addiction in your family, and so much more. God is there and He does love you and me and He is at work. Keep praying! 

PRAYER: Life throws many curve balls and help me stand firm while I wait for your work in the lives of those I have given to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Devil Shut Up!

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.Galatians 5:16 NIV Bible Gateway

A friend of mine happened to see an hourly pop up on the screen of my cell phone that was an App called Shut Up Devil and she sort of appeared to chuckle. Maybe she thought I was extreme. Doesn’t matter. This pop up and a few others help me stay focused on Jesus being in control.

You can shut the door to Satan by repentance. Pretty cut and dried. When you are convicted of sin in your life and yet continue to do nothing to change it is apparent whose side you are on.

You can quote scripture to Satan and remind Him who is Lord of your life and you aren’t going to let his schemes and deceit disable your walk with the Lord. Sadly Satan has captured some hearts that used to be sold out to Jesus. Things of this earth seem more crucial to a carnal believer. Where are you today?

PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for keeping my eyes on the path you laid for me. I know people who have ditched their faith for the ways of the world and I ask you wake them back up in a mighty way to truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

#BG2

Born Again?

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” John 3:3

Today my sister  and I are 50 years old in Christ or on 19 March 1975 is when both of us turned the controls of our lives over to Jesus and rededicated our lives to Him. Want to hear how we both have same date ask sometime. 

Maybe you are a believer but you can’t recall a life changing event that turned your heart to Him. Some have recollection others don’t. Even after you decided to follow Christ you may have slidden backwards to your old lifestyle ways a trick of Satan for on fire followers of God. 

There are many God fearing parents and grandparents praying for their children to come back and their grandchildren to take a step of Faith. I know in Moms in Prayer we pray for believers to cross their paths. Don’t despair if your child has wandered just keep praying. I wandered and I came back. 

PRAYER: Lord I lift up those who may not know if they are born again. Perhaps just a church member but not really committing life to Christ. Draw people to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Are Not The Holy Spirit

 

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.John 6:44

Are you a parent praying for an adult child that has lost their first love for Jesus?You cannot change your child’s heart. That is the work of the Holy Spirit.

All you can do is to pray, stand in faith, don’t nag, and believe and keep believing. Heartbreak is real and intense for many parents who can’t come to grips with what they did to cause their child not to follow the Lord anymore.

First of all it is a lie of Satan that you did something because factors enter and each person has a free will. Of course you want to see your child fall back in love with Jesus. Never give up.

PRAYER: Father help any who struggle with trying to be the Holy Spirit to continue to pray and be at peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Just Who Was St. Patrick?

"My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly".Psalm 31:15

On this holiday many are unaware of who Saint Patrick was. Perhaps you think of four leaf clovers, Blarney Stone, the luck of the Irish, corned beef, green beer, or The Chicago River going green on this day. Let me tell you what it really is.

He was credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Today is anniversary of his death. You don’t have to be Irish or Catholic to celebrate this day. It is said the three leaf clover represented the Holy Trinity.

Perhaps take time today and watch the short video clip I have included or check out link to motion picture that came out 17 March 2020 as a Fathom film. I saw it the last night theater was open before Covid shut it down.

PRAYER: Today help me remember what St Patrick did and that was to bring Christianity to Ireland. Use me to help spread the good news too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/l2hXAkIWWac?si=A_vV7ZDglrOw8s_L

Click link for more on St Patrick’s Day:

https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/i-am-patrick

What Will My Friends Think?

It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. Proverbs 29:25

How many times have you wanted to share something personal in your life but then were stopped by the thought “what will my friends think” and most the times true friends won’t care at all and will comfort and surround you. 

From personal accounts I can tell you there have been a couple occasions that I had stuff happen that Satan made me feel I couldn’t share it because of the concern of what others thought. Satan is called the accuser of the brethren and yes he is. Don’t let him take ground from you put him in his place!  

Whatever is happening in your life you have a friend his name is Jesus and you can talk to Him anytime. Let God’s peace envelope your heart and mind and don’t allow Satan to lie to you. 

PRAYER: I thank you lord for trusted friends in my life. I thank you Lord for my Bible help me not let it gather dust. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Grass Is Always Greener

 

Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.2 Corinthians 10:12

Theodore Roosevelt – “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Comparison really is the thief of joy. One day on a walk I was noticing in this neighborhood in nearby Meridian, Idaho how many backyards looked the same. Perhaps one family gets something and the next one thinks they need it whether they do or not. 

Someone gets something and maybe you think it would be neat to acquire so you get it to. It can be a vehicle, landscaping, electric bike, or whatever as if getting that will make you happy. The grass seems to be greener on the other side of the fence when in reality it is not. 

Be content in your own skin and with your own life not trying to be someone God did not intend you to be. You have a distinct purpose as a follower of Christ and don’t let comparing get in the way of that. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for blessings big and small on my life. I am thankful for being able to let my light shine. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Tidbits For The Savior

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,Ephesians 3:20

Most people reading this give more than tidbits to the savior as you obviously have made it a priority to start your day with God and a quiet time as it is commonly called. Many people may be following God but just don’t get it when it comes to prioritizing your day. 

Think about what you think about? Do your thoughts turn to the greatness or goodness of God or an overwhelming issue enveloping your life? Stop right now and say “This is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it”(Psalm 118:24). 

Before you do anything else stop and think about the promises of God and the goodness of God. Don’t give up on people or a situation. The god of this world has blinded people to follow the culture not the Almighty God. Keep running towards the cross of Jesus and keep your head held high. Pray for truth to be revealed to those walking in darkness. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I run to start my day with the morning show, social media, and so forth. Those things can’t bring me joy and truth only you can. Help me stay on track. I pray for believers who need to start that holy habit to get plugged in. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Or Babylon?Who Do You Align With?

But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!"Joshua 24:15

I have been doing a study on the book of Revelation this year with Bible study fellowship(BSF)  and it is quite an eye opener. Some really deep stuff in there especially when speaking of Babylon the city who was all for fun, sin, parties and totally rejected God and His word. People seemed to exalt themselves over God and saw no need to align with Him. 

You are either for God and His kingdom purposes or against Him. You can’t have one foot in one place and the other another. Sin seems fun for a season and Satan lies and deceives to trap people and make them feel superior and they reject God and His followers. 

My friend, this Earth will end someday. No one knows the day nor the hour but you will either join Jesus or be thrown into utter darkness in Hell. There is no Vegas strip, Bourbon Street, or Burlesque in Heaven. There is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Trouble is so many make up their own rules about what is acceptable after all this is 2025. Do you want to know for certain you will be with Him and are you ready to cast off any works of darkness you are part of? There is nothing so bad God can’t redeem you. Check out the verses below and then contact me if you need to. 

PRAYER: So many have been trapped by Satan who plays God and edits the Bible to suit the culture. Help those blinded by tricks of the enemy get on their knees and cry out to Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Human Problem - Sin

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

This verse tells us that all people have sinned and thus fall short of God's glorious standard.

The Consequence of Sin

Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

This highlights the consequences of sin - death, which means eternal separation from God. However, it also introduces the solution - the gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The Solution - Christ's Sacrifice

Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Despite our sins, God demonstrated His love for us through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, who died in our place.

The Response - Faith

Romans 10:9 - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ—by confessing Him as Lord and believing in His resurrection.

The Assurance of Salvation

Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Wait, Wait

They quickly forgot His works;
They did not wait for His counsel,Psalm 106:13

There are many towns and cities where the ‘Walk and don’t walk’ signs at intersections speak out loud saying “Wait, Wait” in a sort of robotic voice. This is  to insure people do not enter the busy intersection and get mowed over by a vehicle. 

I chuckle because in my own life I need to practice making believe I hear that voice “ wait, wait” before doing anything on impulse or when I am not certain what my actions will result in. Usually it is a relationship issue and I don’t want my words to be the cause of a flood of unnecessary emotional pain. 

The 24 hour rule is another one that makes sure that what you want to say or do will come out the right way and not be misinterpreted or end up digging you deep into a hole you never intended to be in. So my friend is there something you need to be still for and say “Wait Wait”? 

PRAYER: Father I don’t want to run ahead of you in the plans for my life. Sometimes waiting is because the thing that is to occur needs patience , trust, and stillness. Help me Lord to break stronghold of a hurried spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What Are You Hoping For?

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Never give up hope. What are you hoping for is it to have friends, restoration of a marriage, healing a a family relationship, a new job or just a job, it could be a host of things. 

Hope is not just wishful thinking but if you have prayed, staying positive over a situation even when it looks awful, and believe God is working that is hope Ky friend. 

So no matter what things look like or how you feel continue to believe receive or doubt so without. Now go bless someone’s day. 

PRAYER:Lord I thank you that you love me, care for me and hear my prayers. I choose to remain hopeful even if something looks bleak. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Have An Index Finger Problem?

"And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell" (Matthew 5:30). 

For younger people it would be thumbs but for the older generation it is that one lone finger you text with. At times impulsivity and not thinking through can wreak havoc. I speak from my own experience. 

I have a small sign that simply says ‘Think before you press send’ and another sign that has a traffic signal on it. Red of course means Stop. Yellow caution and green go. 

The 24 hour rule too applies as I look at the stoplight hanging on my frig asking myself with the light illustration first I stop. Yellow I think or am supposed to. Green is to proceed after you pray. With today’s verse I am not advocating cutting off your hand but never the less it is an excellent illustration.  Pray, be still, wait. Put that finger away! 

PRAYER: Father I need you each and every minute. Break the stronghold of control and impulsivity. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

note-If you missed receiving my devotions the past three days go to www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com to read them.