Help Me Lord

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.Romans 5:3-5

What are you going through right now? A struggle between what you know is right and what is wrong? Perhaps a fear of the unknown in your life and wanting to make right decisions. Maybe you are separated in your marriage or having a family division of some sort. God cares and He will see you through. 

Trials do help you get stronger whether you like them or not. Talk to God daily in prayer. Let Him into your problems and trials. He knows your heartbreak anyway so talk to Him. 

Are you stuck between God and the culture and deep down you know you are to follow God and not the ways of this world but for whatever reason you continue to cave leaning more into the darkness than the light. This world is not your home. Live with Heaven in mind and stand firm. 

PRAYER: Today I want to completely give you the controls Lord and you know my heart and my pain. Guide me through. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hang On My Friend

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.Proverbs 19:11

We may have just entered the twilight zone of sorts with friends and family who don’t think like us politically. It is sad and has sort of been created by our news media. 

My recommendation is to stay off social media and pick up your Bible instead. Half the stuff is fabricated anyway and to allow posts to get you in a frenzy and upset at people who don’t think like you is wrong. Why agitate yourself? Let it go. 

Be at peace. Whichever side you are on remember this. God is ultimately in control. Remember this is spiritual warfare get mad at the devil not a person. If you hate someone pray that God can help you see them through His eyes. 👀 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for your perfect peace which is available to me if I simply turn off distractions. Help me do that. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Blot Me Out Lord

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,but to save the world through him. John 3:17

Recently I shared pictures from 2017 Presidential Inauguration where I got to meet pastor Robert Morris of Gateway Church and Betty and James Robinson of Life Today TV show. I was thrilled. I posted the picture and it was brought to my attention “didn’t  I know he was involved in some sort of teen sex scandal” and I did in fact know that but when picture was made he was a pastor in Texas and that story had not broken. 

I edited the picture taking him out and another friend mentioned to me would Jesus cut me out of a picture just because I had sinned. Sort of a comical example but no he would not. The people who shared it I think were concerned people might get wrong idea any time there is a sex offender story. 

Jesus came to set sinners free period. You and I both need redemption. Heinous crimes of murder, rape, and so forth do not keep you out of Heaven if you have been redeemed and set free. People involved in certain sins for sure need much rehabilitation and they need friends who won’t run away from them. Have you ever done something and people abandoned you? Lean on God. 

PRAYER: Lord I seek your face and my righteousness is like filthy rags to you and I know you love me and you love people in general. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hate Is So Easy

Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:20

January 20 was Inauguration Day in the United States and once again people took to social media to get excited that their man had won or to lose control with an angry spirit trashing anyone who didn’t take their side. For 21 Days of Prayer I had given up social media trolling so was spared from this barrage but heard about it. 

Why does there have to be so much anger? How do people get set free from such a rage? 

If you know anyone you are close to that is fuming right now pray that God will help them settle down before they have a coronary or stroke. Pray for our country and those who lead it. Be still, pray for those you disagree with as well. Pray that more people will come to know Jesus as Lord.  

PRAYER:Father I pray for a spirit of gentleness to come over those people who are in a rage or drowning in hate. I pray the love of God can infiltrate their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Whole Lot Of Shouting Going On

 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."John 16:33

You can scream and shout at pep rally’s, sporting events, maybe even concerts. But screaming and being mean and ugly and getting in people’s faces is not a term of endearment normally. You hear about it mostly in dealing with politics. 

I was walking down Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills a year ago and unbeknownst to me there was a group of Palestinian Hamas protestors posted outside a Jewish building demonstrating. The Los Angeles police were there with barricades. I actually was taking a walk while visiting my great niece and trying to find a coffee shop when I kept hearing shouting and it sounded scary. 

This devotion is not to stir up feelings of anger between people groups but to say in your life when trying to deal with people kindness goes over a lot better than screaming. Love one another. Pray for your enemies. Step away from fights and be prayerful. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for your word and for the ability to stay at peace. I pray for any who are trying to stir up discord that they can come to know Jesus as their savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Last Week Of January

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.James 1:2-4

One more week left and January is behind you. Did you accomplish what you wanted? Did the month go slow or seem fast? 

Today is Sunday and I hope you had a good Bible teaching church to attend in person or online. Start getting ready for February by maybe journaling your thoughts about the first three weeks of this month. 

Did you face any challenges you will dealing with this year or are facing now? Today’s verse speaks about trials and how to react to them. Hang in there stay focused on reaching your goals with God’s help. 

PRAYER: Each and every day is a gift from you Lord and I pray you will help me face it with assurance you are with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

How Are Those Resolutions Going?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6

Each year it is a common thing to make a New Year’s resolution of something you hope to do that will improve your life. Losing weight is always at the top of the list. Maybe mark something off your bucket list like travel to Europe or sky dive. 

Where are you today on that resolution? What I do instead of a resolution per se is participate in 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer live streamed from my former church, Church of the Highlands,  in Alabama. Today is day 20. 

I recommend it wholeheartedly and you can get it on demand if you don’t want to do it live at 6 am CST. It is a way to get your heart and mind right with God for the new year and challenge you to get into the word and ‘pray the word’ more. Churches from around the world participate. Check it out at link I have included. 

PRAYER: I am sorry glad I have open line of communication with you Lord and love to be able to fast and pray for the beginning of the new year. Give me strength to continue. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days

Take Courage

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”John 16:33 NKJV Bible Gateway

Break this verse down basically it says that God gives you peace if you let Him. Yes problems arise but stay cheerful because God is bigger than this world. 

What are you dealing with right now? Separation from loved ones due to misunderstandings or squabbles? Hurt from a person you thought was your friend? Financial problems making you fear the future? 

Courage is strength in the face of pain or grief. That is a tall order but do you know anyone facing pain and grief right now? Maybe a person who lost their child at birth, or their spouse or child died? Pain and grief don’t take holidays and everyone will deal with it someday. Stand strong. Lean in to God and talk to trusted friends to help you process things. 

PRAYER: Today I am thankful for days the sun shines and I am also thankful for rain which is needed for survival. Help me as I seek to be a shoulder for someone to cry on and keep me from developing a hard heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help Me Not Be Angry

 

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.James 1:19-20

Have you ever got so upset over someone or something you feel disconnected and agitated and you don’t like that feeling? I am ashamed to admit I have. Mostly it happens if you don’t stay focused on Jesus and loving others more than yourself.

If you have an issue with someone try praying for them. Let God handle it instead of you silently steaming or talking about it to others.

Anger only leads to bitterness and can cause health problems as well. If you find yourself thinking poorly of another stop and pray and turn to the book of John in the New Testament and just start reading it. Now go and bless someone.

PRAYER: Today I am grateful for your mercy and grace to me. Help me keep focused on things above. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Such A Small Loss Compared To Others

 

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”Luke 12:15

Recently I wrote about my woes of accidentally deleting all the files/folders on my I phone. Many were vital but others just sentimental. When I say vital I don’t mean life or death just really could have made use of them. 

In light of the big picture of losing your ‘stuff’ a few files on my phone won’t make the world stop turning and maybe give me a better appreciation of life and what is important in general. Those individuals and families who have recently suffered catastrophic property and personal losses are not concerned about their phone but have many other things they can’t retrieve. California and North Carolina families are hurting. 

In the times of your loss and problems in life stop and think of people who have it way worse. As my younger son calls it ‘first world problems’ since in reality they are not going to make life stop and the world will keep spinning. Stop today and give thanks. 

PRAYER: Lord help me stay focused on you and what is really important in life. In Jesus’ name.Amen. 

Being Still In An Chaotic World

 

“Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.”Psalm 131:2

A few days ago I asked my husband's opinion on how he thought I was doing so far in 2025 in wanting to ‘be still’. Shortly after asking I ended up being too quick with my finger and accidentally deleted everything on my phone except photos. I gasped but tried to see the point and purpose in God allowing this to occur. 

Anyway wondering won’t bring them back so I said “ah ha a devotion idea” and proceeded to write. When I had this blunder occur I lost all my folders I had created to include my writing. 

Hopefully the geniuses at Apple Genius Bar will help me recover from my blunder and in the meantime I need to ponder more before reacting. How about you? Are there areas in your life you think God is urging you to ‘be still’?

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my brain and help me to stop, be still, use it, and think. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Age Is A Number

 

The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.Psalm 90:10

 I don’t like to shop but had to go to the local mall to the Life Is Good store followed by the Apple Store to see if they can restore all my deleted emails which contain my writing files and other things of importance. 

As I sit here people watching I notice a lady probably my age although when you get older and look at others you think ‘I certainly can’t look that old’ when in fact to younger people you no doubt do. Where did the years go? One year I am in high school the next I am making an appointment to have my gray roots covered. 

Why does it seem everyone wants to remain eternally youthful some by going to extremes and messing their beautiful faces up with plastic surgery. Why does it matter if we look older I mean really? The years truly do fly by as I see toddlers around me and it doesn’t seem too long ago our sons were that age and now one is a commercial airline pilot and the other saves lives in ER. God is good, he is with you even if you don’t acknowledge Him. Be thankful for each day the Lord gives to you and use it to make a difference. 

PRAYER: Father I want to thank you for allowing me to be born. I want to say thanks for the parents you gave me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don't Hang Out With Gossips...Pray For Them

 

Don't let gossip poison you and do not enter in to doing it yourself. Proverbs 16:28 NIV Bible Gateway

Recently I had done several devotions to get prepared for a trip I was going to take so I would have them ready to send out but wouldn’t you know I went to the file where I keep them and only things from 2022 and before appeared. Not going to freak but will use one I had begun but not finished.Then I have to get busy writing again and not let Satan win this one. I just laughed. It will be okay.

The friends you choose to asociate with is important. Not that as a believer you are not supposed to isolate yourself but be kind to all but the ones you are endeared to hopefully are not gossips. Even in Christian circles it can be easy to fall in the trap of innocent sharing a prayer request which is really gossip. 

When you say something make sure it brings glory to God and if it will not then rethink what you plan to say .Now go have a good day. 

PRAYER:Forgive me when I run at the mouth and say things I should not. Help me keep a wacth on my mouth. in Jesus' name. Amen. 

Best Day Ever!

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.1 Timothy 6:17

I was blessed to get to attend my second Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California recently and this time was part of a group called Petal Pushers that helped decorate floats. The theme for this years float design contest was ‘best day ever’ and actually on that day 1 Jan 2025 it was beautiful and sunny even though Santa Ana winds had been predicted. 

Well as you may well know those infamous Santa Ana winds did not occur until 6 days later Tuesday 7 January and helped contribute to the massive destructive fires that have wiped out Pacific Palisades, parts of Pasadena, and a few other areas. It is not the ‘best day ever’ for owners of the very expensive properties that were leveled to ashes. Two days prior to the fire outbreak the emcee at Golden Globe Awards held in Beverly Hills had openly mocked God. Not a good thing to do. Makes you wonder when two days later many people in the Entertainment industry had their mansions destroyed.

My heart aches for anyone with a loss of any kind and we ‘little people’ need not gloat over this because that is just as bad. Be praying for a revival to breakout in the entertainment industry. Be praying for celebrities to come to Jesus. And give thanks daily for life and the blessings of God. 

PRAYER: Lord your goodness reaches to the highest skies and your love is beyond measure. Guide those that have no personal relationship with you to the cross for repentance. Help Southern California churches reach these lost souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Freedom From Chains Of Bondage

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, Colossians 2:13

Alcohol, emotional hurt, sexual sin, pornography addiction, food addiction, judging others, inability to forgive are major strongholds that can destroy your life if allowed to rule over you. 

God wants you  to walk in freedom not bondage. What in your freshly nature is controlling you? Is there an area you know you need to let go of before it destroys you? 

You can come to Jesus warts and all and lay your sins at the foot of the cross. Whatever is in your life you may be ashamed of and perhaps it has kept you from Christian fellowship because the enemy plants lies in your head that you will not be loved, accepted and forgiven let go of that now. Run to Jesus. Talk to Him. Let Him hear your heart. Next don’t isolate yourself you need a body of Christ followers to help you on your journey. No one is perfect. 

PRAYER: My heart aches at times for the lies Satan has made people believe that keeps them from wanting to get into fellowship on a weekly basis. I pray for chains to be broken and lives to be healed and dead churches to come alive with revival. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song of worship and freedom: 

 https://youtu.be/ucY6NwQTI3M

FORGVEN

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven."Luke 6:37

I always like reading and trying to figure out vanity tags on vehicles I pass on the highways of our nation. Obviously todays’ title is a good one as it means ‘forgiven’ which believers are indeed forgiven if repentance and turning away from sin occurs. 

Do you need to be forgiven or do you need to forgive a person who has hurt you in some way? If you harbor ill will against someone and are too prideful to go to the person and ask forgiveness that is not a good thing. 

Stop and ponder your life and see if there is anything you need to ask forgiveness for in order to have a better connection to God Almighty who never holds your sins against you. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord and your mercies are new every morning. Help me have a humble heart and turn from anything separating myself from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Post Holiday Blues

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.James 4:8 NIV Bible Gateway

It’s now been about two weeks since Christmas so how is your mental state? You may still be putting things away or writing thankyous. Have you allowed yourself to slip into a self pity mode of the blues? It’s very easy to do if you don’t watch what you are dwelling on. 

Comparing yourself to another’s situation or starting to get negative can get you in a bad mood pretty easily. Think of people who have lost loved ones over the holidays or maybe didn’t have the money to buy gifts or take trips. How about those in North Carolina still dealing with horrific storm damage from earlier. Or then there is Southern California and wildfire destruction. 

It is sort of like the character George Bailey in the classic old movie ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ which is a must see at Christmas. He was at the end of his rope over potential financial destruction and about to commit suicide when his angel Clarence appeared to save him as a result of many prayers going up for him. When the angel says “to think you were going to take your life over money” George replies “it may not be important in Heaven but it is pretty important down here” and so the story goes.Your life is valuable and people in your life depend on you so never start digging a pity hole which is hard to escape from. 

PRAYER: I am grateful first for life. Next for family then friends. Thanks for food and clothing and money to use and help bless others with. Guard my heart from wrong thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your 21 Days

 

 "So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer."Ezra 8:23

My former church,  Church of the Highlands in Alabama is having 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer right now. I have a link at end of devotion for any who care to check it out. Churches are joining from as far away as Hong Kong. 

My question to you is what are you fasting from or seeking God for in these 21 days of the new year? A time to regroup and to rethink things and pause and not overreact. 

Your church may not be starting the new year this way but it is an awesome method to take a good hard look at your life and make it less self centered and more God centered. Maybe you will find things to fast such as social media or too much TV. Anything in your life that takes you away from your walk with the Lord basically. 

PRAYER: Father as I start a new year I want your help in being still and waiting on you in so many areas of my life. I pray for those far from you who need a daily walk with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days

Don’t Just Throw A Scripture On Stuff

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.“ Matthew 23:23 NIV Bible Gateway

Recently the Los Angeles area was devastated by fires of apocalyptic style. When people are hurting it is easy to toss out a scripture here and there for comfort or maybe even in an unkind judgmental way, but may I challenge all believers to go beyond the scripture to prayer and practical help.

At times when people are at their lowest point such as losing all the material goods to a fire they may be able to be reached easier with the message of the gospel. When you get to the end of yourself and your stuff there is God.

No one leaves this Earth with a U Haul being buried next to them at their gravesite. Your stuff can be destroyed in an instant but the relationships you make, the kindnesses your show and the love you provide last for eternity.

PRAYER: I get overwhelmed at times trying to organize and get rid of things I don’t really need and in the big scheme of things just having friends and family is the key. Help me be placed where I can help someone hurting. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Focus On Good In 2025

 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.Colossians 3:2

It is so easy to be negative or even think you aren’t then to slip up and be labeled judgmental. I have a great idea!!. Focus on doing good in 2025 and skip political squabbles. 

Intentionally set your mind on ‘things above’ and allow God and the Holy Spirit to handle the issues of our fleshly nature. Don’t try to prove anything to anyone. Be still and be at peace. 

As I watched Former President Jimmy Carters funeral at the National Cathedral in DC with people of both political parties in attendance I noticed for once kindness and gentleness. Why not do your part in the year ahead to speak love and pray for those who you disagree with or who don’t care to be in your circle of friends. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to be more like you in every way. Guard my heart from wrong thinking. Show me how to live even those I don’t feel like. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Put Your Critical Spirit To Rest in 2025

 

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.Romans 12:3

New Year’s resolutions run the gamut from losing weight, getting in shape, starting a new hobby, doing something on your bucket list but do any of you need to be more loving and less critical in 2026?

Sometimes an innocent opinion can be misinterpreted to be criticism. A new tactic would be maybe to start praying for the person you are tempted to make an unkind or seemingly judgmental comment about. 

God loves everybody ponder that for a moment. Liberal, conservative, gay, straight, democrat, republican. Ask God to help you see through His eyes and ask Him how perhaps you need to minister to others. Let God do the fixing you just love and pray. 

PRAYER: I am grateful Father for all you have done in my life. Thanks for your redemption, grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love In A World Of Hatred

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.1 John 2:15-16 NIV Bible Gateway

Seems this world we live in is antagonistic toward the believer or a person who would dare stand up for fighting evils in our culture. The anger can even come from a family member who doesn’t understand why you aren’t sucked into the culture and its’ lies too. 

This hatred can cause you to be labeled critical or judgmental because you don’t buy into the lies of those whose heart is hard and who is in love with the darkness even though they may not think so. 

You press on to pray for school students, do prayer walks, and ignore ugly comments and being unfriended or blocked because you are ‘mean spirited’ and too religious. Sound familiar to anyone? Just keep praying my friend no matter how much you are being mocked or ridiculed. Prayer works. 

PRAYER: Father please help those I know who don’t care much about you and call people who do religious because of their lack of understanding. I pray for a massive revival to break out and many get saved. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

New Years Plans/Thoughts

 

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.Isaiah 43:19

Each year the clock and calendar rolls around to a new year it is time to think about making changes, trying new things, starting a new tradition, or starting a new hobby. The biggest change many choose is losing weight and getting into shape. 

Might I challenge you to get your physical body in condition yes but more importantly your spiritual body or soul. Many are ambitious in that they say the plan is to read through the Bible in a year. I admire that but it has not worked for me. 

I have the You Version Bible App on my phone and it has a daily reading but also different plans you can check out. As mentioned in a previous devotion you can do 21 Days of prayer at www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days check that out. Now go do a new thing! 

PRAYER: I choose this day to let go of grudges, wrong thinking, and stuff I have no control over and to relax and rest in your love Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Don’t Want To Be Critical- Help Me Lord!

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.Ephesians 4:29

How do you get rid of a critical spirit? I ask myself that because I know I myself don’t intend to be critical or enjoy being critical but sometimes I find myself sinking in the mud so to speak. Why do you or I do this and how can I stop? 

Criticism often happens when you compare. Criticism doesn’t benefit anyone. If you have been critical of someone go to them and apologize. If someone has hurt you with criticism forgive them. 

Focus in this new year on trying to be the person God wants to use for the kingdom. If you find yourself starting to cave to criticism stop and ask the Holy Spirit to transform your thinking and words. 

PRAYER: Father heal my critical spirit. Turn darkness to light and ashes to beauty. Help my words only bring joy not pain or be an irritant to someone. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Day 2

 

"Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning."Joel 2:12

Many churches across the US are having 21 Days of Prayer right now with today being day 2. This is something I always looked forward to back at my former church in Alabama. It is a way to regroup your life and focus on God and what you need to do to be closer to Him. 

If done with fasting it can even have a greater impact on your walk with God. Fasting not only food but social media, alcohol, coffee drinks, TV, whatever is in the way of your devotion to God. Think it over. 

Are you more in love with Jesus or with things in the world? Is there an area of your life or a person you have been praying for? This 21 days is perfect time to refocus and get serious about it. 

PRAYER: Lord help me not allow distractions of this world to take my focus off you. Forgive me when I have hurt anyone or opened my mouth when I should have stayed quiet. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note-

You can stream Church of the Highlands daily 21 Days of prayer by going to www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days. Live weekdays at 6 CST but on demand later. 

Is It Possible To ‘Crush Proof’ Your Heart?

Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.Proverbs 4:23 NIV Bible Gateway

Have you been emotionally hurt by unkindness, harsh words, being shut out of something or someone’s life? A tough skin is needed to deal with many jolts to our heart strings. 

Learning to understand there are all sorts of people and personalities and not everyone is walking with the Lord and not everyone is full of kindness. Give people the benefit of the doubt but realize not everyone is going to want to be your friend. 

Be thankful rejoice in what blessings you have. Pray for people who hurt you. Pray for those who even think prayer is stupid and a waste of time. Healing of any kind takes time. Be still. 

PRAYER; Help me take each day as it comes. To not get in people’s faces who don’t like me but to pray and be kind. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Solid Foundation For 2025?

 

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”Matthew 7:24-27

If a home is built on shifting sand or on the edge of a cliff chances are when rains come it will slide down the cliff. If on top of sink hole it could fall into the ground. 

How is your spiritual foundation for 2025? Don’t concern yourself about the condition of others judging them or criticizing them but instead be concerned for your own condition but of course pray for others you know. How can you get stronger in 2025? 

Be strong and don’t go back to falling into your own self pity mode or being too hard on yourself. Continue pressing on and get strong by feeding your mind with scripture. Not random Bible reading but studying verses and applying them. Continue to run looking up to Jesus the author and finisher of your faith. 

PRAYER: Today I want to be able to let go of stupid things I have done or said and not bring guilt on others or judge them. Help me Lord to start anew to grow closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Moving Above And Beyond

 

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Philippians 3:13 NIV BibleGateway

Here you are on day 3 of a brand new year. A chance to make changes, do things differently, right wrongs and so forth.

I always enjoy when the calendar flips to a new year. It is a nice breaking point to purpose in your heart you will change things up and set new goals for the new year. To branch out try new endeavors no matter what your age.

Move above and beyond any areas in your life that have robbed your God given joy. Surrender things to God only He can do. Happy 2025!

PRAYER: I am grateful for new beginnings and chances to do things different. Guide me as I seek to keep my focus on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note:In the past few days if you have missed any devotions go to www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com to see them.

Faith Is Believing When Common Sense Says Not To

As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.Romans 4:17ESV Bible Gateway

I loved watching good Christmas movies and Miracle on 34th Street is a classic. This movie storyline was all about not believing in Santa Claus. The title was a line from the movie. 

Sometimes when you stand in faith or believe in faith you may have skeptics or nay sayers. Think of all the extraordinary stories of faith in The Bible. 

How about the Virgin birth of Jesus? Sarah having a baby well past child bearing age. There are still faith miracles today. Just believe. 

PRAYER: I thank you for helping me believe  that if you have faith nothing is impossible. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Experience A New Beginning

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.2 Corinthians 5:17

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 Happy New Year! Wherever you are today take time to begin the new year with prayer. Don’t be too busy or preoccupied to forget about it. It may be a challenge as in my case at 0 Dark thirty I will be on a tour bus headed for grandstand seats at Tournament of Roses parade but will still figure out how to do it. 

I like how each year gives us a new chance, a fresh calendar, the ability to start over. So why not purpose in your heart you finally will. 

My former church in Alabama Church of the Highlands has 21 Days of Prayer in January 5-25 and people throughout the World participate online. It is something I look forward to each year. If you live in Alabama and can go to one of their campuses in person do so. Their website is www.churchofthehighlands.com/21daysfor info. Now go be blessed. 

PRAYER: Today I am excited about a brand new day to make up for stuff in my past I messed up on and with your help to start doing things God’s way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.