Love-Just Do It!

For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. (1 John 3:11)

 

You are called to love one another warts and all. Love meaning unconditional love. Love for those hard to love and even love our enemies, people who don’t love you and want nothing to do with you.  

Love is God’s plan for his creation. If you look up 1 Corinthians chapter 13 there is wise advice for how to love. Love doesn’t mean you agree with someone but it means you are kind to them and don’t act holier than thou because everyone has issues. 

Try this experiment. Go throughout your day as you observe mankind no matter how despicable a person may be or how mean they treat you and say to yourself “I love you my friend”. Many have deep seated needs or things in their past that have made them who they are but things can be surrender to God. Now just go out and love one another. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for loving me even when I am difficult to love. I know you are the potter and I am the clay so mold me today into a loving representative of the kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Here Comes The Judge

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (Matthew 7:1)

I have heard from a couple close family members that I was judging them or that I was judgmental. Ouch. I don’t want to be. If you too suffer from this I can imagine you don’t like that trait either. 

Time to break that stronghold in your life and if you start to judge or condemn another stop and ask God to intervene and set you free from that no so kind or nice personality defect. 

What if people stood around and picked you apart things like her clothes are ugly or that hairstyle is really old fashioned. Another judgment could be someone’s weight or life they lead. Just pray and let God work in your life and others and once you start doing this it will set you free, really. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to love others and I want others to love me as well. I don’t like it when a judgmental thought pops in my mind and instead ask for your help to break that nasty habit. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Walk Away

The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.Colossians 1:26-27

Have you ever felt like something was missing in your life? You may attend a church or not. Maybe you are a baptized member of a church or denomination. But still something is missing. 

Do you feel Christ’s presence and do you experience joy? There is more to Jesus than just Saturday or Sunday but He wants you to spend time with Him. How do you do this? Reading the Bible. 

For many the Bible is a coffee table decoration to show you are a ‘religious family’ but to others it is the saving power of Jesus found within its’ pages. The Living breathing word of God. To get a closer connection check out the You Version Bible app. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to be able to know you better and to not get flustered by trials and things in my life and I know I need my focus to be on you. Help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I’m Blessed And Happy To Be Alive!

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Recently on a Sirius XM broadcast evangelist Joel Osteen says when people ask how he is doing his reply is my title today. I love it! Why wouldn’t you be happy with so much in life to be truly thankful for?

You can bemoan many things in life and today you my be facing situations that you may be very trying for you but in keeping the right mindset you will be able to cope with things better and keep the right attitude and not let things get you down. 

Our Moms in Prayer group first in Alabama and now here in Idaho gives a member who will be a grandma a blessing bank where each lady writes a blessing to the baby to be. The bank is a little Noah’s Ark one of the members found in a local store. I never read the blessings in my two granddaughters banks in 2017 and again in 2020 before giving them to my daughter in law  but I hope their mom and dad did and hopefully Amelia and Emma will one day too. These blessings are special prayers for now and the future. And whether read or ignored those blessings are still upon them. 

PRAYER: Lord help me be a blessing to someone in need either by an act of service or a smile or monetary if they need it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Forgiveness-Can You Do It

 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.Ephesians 4:32

Forgiveness is something so crucial to do in all sorts of relationships. Sometimes you forgive the person for hurting you but they don’t reciprocate. It hurts. But God wants us to forgive regardless. 

But why? I don’t feel like it. You know deep down you did something wrong or against what the character of being Christlike is and you know you need to go ask forgiveness for misspoken words you uttered in haste. A huge wedge has been driven and if it is with a relative it is imperative you let go of your pride and do the right thing. 

So what’s it going to be? 

PRAYER:Lord help me to humble myself and go reconcile with whomever and I pray for those who need to do the same with me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song about forgiveness: https://youtu.be/FMn0QNdiuGE

Armor Of God Does Not Include A Bathrobe

 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV Bible Gateway

Pastor Allen Jackson of Mufreesboro, TN recently gave a message sitting in a recliner. The point was you and I have to get up out of our chair and do our part and know that the armor if God does not include a bathrobe and slippers.

God wants you to engage the world around you and sometimes it is uncomfortable. He doesn’t desire anyone not know Jesus but our post Christian world has done so much to get people mixed up about truth. You need to get up and stand firm in a world that needs truth.

Every day you have an opportunity to spread the love of Christ. One thing you can do is simply prayer walk an area of your community or nearby city. It simply involves walking and claiming the area for Christ, not bringing attention to yourself. I was blessed for 13 years to prayer walk in our Nation’s Capitol several times a year thanks to my standby flying privileges and proximity to DC. But it can be your neighborhood, inside a store, wherever. Just do it.

PRAYER: Today I want to be a light in a dark world. I lift up the lost, confused, those blinded by Satan to hear your voice. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If Not Now, When? Stop Procrastinating

 



Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. Ephesians 6:14 NIV Bible Gateway

Are you a procrastinator saying you will unpack boxes that have been sitting around for months maybe years. Perhaps you have intended to learn the ukulele but once again you never pick it up. Then there is that second book you planned to write. Call a friend you promised to call. These are examples from my own life but every one has something. 

What makes us put things off? Once you do the thing is begin it makes you feel so much better. Let’s say it is losing weight, going to visit a shut in, getting more exercise, finishing a book you have been reading or even putting on God’s armor daily to protect yourself from the attacks of the enemy Satan. 

You can start today to purpose in your heart to get the motivation you need to start and complete a task important to you. Check back with me later on my book progress. 

PRAYER: I am so blessed to be able to drive a car, see, hear, move, and all the rest. Use me to brighten someone’s day. In Jesus’ name.Amen. 

#BG2

What Offense Can’t You Let Go Of?

 

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

Are you offended about something and unable to forgive and let things go? Ask yourself is there anything in your life you need to drop and move on? 

Extended family issues, what happened to you in the past, being left out or spoken down to, a misunderstanding that festered, a political divide, and so much more. You have to have people to help you deal with things but it is essential to move on, pray, and stop stressing over it. Give God the steering wheel so to speak. 

Do you want free from ill thinking and offense and the backbiting? It is possible. Stop over thinking. Deal with your anger even if you need to see a Christian counselor. Don’t let your bitterness and offense grow. Truly give it to God. 

PRAYER: Father I need you every day to deal with my stinking thinking and things I need to let go of. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Looking For 'Likes', Why?

 

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

Why does a huge portion of our society particularly the younger generation need affirmation from others on social media posts? Why have we allowed a society to function like this to the point that the phone is first thing a majority of people grab in the morning?

It takes discipline to break this habit. Your affirmation should come from leading a godly life and seeking peace in a society that has gone mad.

Try this. Know that it does not matter who likes you or who doesn’t because God created you and He loves you. Try giving your cell phone a rest and check out your usage stats it may be an eye opener. Download the You Version Bible Ap and see the good things you can spend time on there. Now go have a blessed day.

PRAYER: Father you are all I need to truly be happy. Help me discipline my social media or even just phone habits. Give me the desire to go to the Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Time Will Come

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14

Many scoff at the idea of an afterlife living as if today and tomorrow is all there is but scripture is plain in many places. God created the world for us to enjoy but man sinned. Consequently the fall of man occurred and as they say the rest is history.

There are many things I can’t explain but I do trust God’s word and He does not want any to perish but all mankind to know Him as their savior before the last day which no one knows when that is. (See Matthew 24:35-37).

I love this Earth but Heaven will be way way better. I have heard mockers joke about Hell being a huge party like the Las Vegas strip. It will not be. Where are you at? If you want to know more email me.

PRAYER: I look forward to your return and pray for those in my circle of friends and family who do not seek to know you will awake before it is too late. In Jesus’ name.Amen.

To Know Christ Better

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As I often do I get writing ideas from personalized license plates this one being EPH1  17 so without hesitation I looked it up as it was not one I had previously committed to memory.

This is an excellent verse to pray over your children, grandchildren, spouse, or any other relative or friend. When you know the Lord better you will desire to grow in Him and do things to serve Him. So call me a religious kook I don’t mind it.

How close do you feel to the Lord? I didn’t ask what church you were a member of as that doesn’t equate to my question. Do you wish you knew Him better? You can by praying and asking Him to take the controls so to speak. Start reading the book of John in New Testament. While you are at it check out the entire book of Ephesians in the New Testament. It is power packed. You won’t be bored. 

PRAYER:Lord I want to be closer to you and I desire my extended family to love you with all their hearts, soul, and mind and desire to have a daily walk with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pending

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. But of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.Matthew 24:36

When we were in first stages of selling our farm of 15 years during Covid in 2020 to make the long journey to Southwest Idaho I couldn’t wait after it sold to see the sign that said ‘pending’ meaning there was a potential buyer and it would probably close soon. 

Did you know as you live here on this beautiful Earth that you if you accepted Christ as Savior that you are pending into the kingdom of Heaven meaning when you take your final breath the next thing you will see is Heaven. Not sure exactly what it will be like but it will be glorious. 

Only God knows the day and hour you will leave for Heaven. Why do some die early or as children or infants I do not know but I do know God can use all of it in the big scheme of things. That does not make grief any easier I know. So my friend make sure you have surrender to Christ, repented of your sins and you will be assured you will be with the Lord after death. A certain denomination is not the answer, baptism alone is not the answer but asking Jesus to be the Lord of your life is. 

 

PRAYER: Today I pray for anyone who isn’t sure if they will go to Heaven. I pray for those who need to decide to follow Christ and let Him take control. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Worlds’ Thinking Versus God’s Thinking

 

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.2 Corinthians 4:4

The culture we live in today will not be happy with God’s word and when you declare God’s truth you are often labeled judgmental. Some churches won’t even ‘go there’ meaning talk about cultural things as they are a hot button. Wouldn’t want to be considered hateful right? 

So much division and it is disheartening. But God is still on the throne. If you are a believer you should be praying ‘In Jesus’ name’ not just ‘Amen’ which is fine but scriptures even mentions praying In His Name. More impact, more power. (John 15:16). 

There is much darkness in the world that is why believers need to take the truth and run with it seasoning the earth as you go. Make sure what is preached from the pulpit on Sundays is directing people to the cross of Christ. Pray for those who minister that they will be unashamed to teach truth and provide a time for unbelievers in church to accept Christ. 

PRAYER: Lord help me not Lord over people but also to pray for those I know who are caught up in the world and do little to walk with you daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You A Good Steward?

 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:1Peter 4:10

Are you a good steward of the things God has entrusted you with things like your spouse, your children, your money, your home, your talents,  your car, and yes even your body? Ponder that for a few moments. God gives you things and wants you to manage them and take care of them wisely. 

To steward is to manage or look after. Shepherds watch their sheep, farmers tend to their farms and animals. Those are just a couple of examples. When it comes to money do you manage it by giving to God first remembering to do it cheerfully? (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Basically stewardship of all your possessions is a good thing and a big one also would be stewardship of your time. You are allotted so many hours per day. How do you use them? Just think that over and don’t waste one of your most precious resources.   

PRAYER: I want to use the things you have blessed me with wisely. Help me have wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Opposites Attract/Opposites Attack

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 

The idea for this title originated with Pastor Steven Furtick of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is the month of love according to Hallmark cards. Right.

 

Remember marriage is about two people becoming one and you sacrifice things for the other person. In marriage you need to be other centered and not self centered. 

Our culture makes it too easy to divorce disregarding the commitment the couple had made hopefully between them and God. Incompatible is a good reason some choose to throw in the towel. Now if a person is in an abusive marriage by all means seek help. But love and growing together as a couple should be your aim. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for the gift of marriage. I thank you that it is to be representative of Christ and the church. Help me show respect and be unselfish. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

From This Day Forward

 

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.Genesis 2:24 NIV Bible Gateway

This is a common phrase that is recited in Christian’s wedding vows. You and your soon to be betrothed pledge to love, honor and cherish from this day forward as long as you both shall live.

It is the month of love celebrating the Hallmark holiday as I call it, Valentines Day. I know people married on this day which is tomorrow. But do people take seriously this joining together and leaving and cleaving?

I feel that many are so emotional that to really take vows seriously at the time is just something many think they will do. Then why do so many marriages crumble leaving in their wake broken hearts and broken families. My purpose is to not guilt you but make you think about committing to happily ever after and work through issues to get stronger together. Don’t pass judgment on those who did divorce because you don’t know whole story and God restores and brings beauty out of ashes.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for marriage. Help me respect my spouse and be faithful to him in all I do. For those who are single help them know God can use them right where they are. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Want Peace?

Thou will keep him in perfect peace  whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee. Isaiah 26:3 ASV Bible Gateway 

I once had a person tell me they couldn’t be around me anymore because they needed peace. Ouch. Some people can be mean but not all personalities mesh but be kind to others regardless. I’m kind of the energizer bunny and it can drive some people nutty. 

Inner peace in today’s world is within reach if you can do a few things to help. Number one stay off social media. Number two don’t compare yourself to others.  Number three leave the news off in the morning and start your day with scripture and devotions. Number four forgive people you have hurt. Number five don’t gossip to include ‘innocent’ prayer requests. 

Now if you can master these five areas you are on your way to staying peaceful. Now go have a jolly good day. 

PRAYER: I want my life to be more like yours every day and I need to remember to stay in tune with you and cast off junk dragging me down. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Half Full?

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".Philippians 4:11-13

Do you find yourself ever getting in an ungrateful complaining critical mode where you yourself don’t look like the bad guy but everyone else is at fault? If you do when you realize you are doing it may make you feel so terrible. 

Not only are you weighed down with a burden of knowing the complaining is not good but you know prayer and staying at peace is what God wants to do 

So you can be half full or half empty which do you choose? 

PRAYER: I don’t like to get into complaining or griping or jumping to conclusions. Help me Lord to stay positive and not let the enemy win. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

My Heavy Heart

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;do not fret—it leads only to evil.Psalm 37:8 NIV Bible gateway 

What is weighing you down today? Can I ask how much time you spend on social media as often social media agitates especially in stirring up fear and anger. 

Much heaviness could be alleviated if you took your focus off the problems of the world. Your heaviness may be a result of a family or friend issue or misunderstanding that got blown out of proportion. 

Surrender your issues to the Lord. Don’t try to take them back. Rest and know that if you have prayed God is working. Try to not let your mind wander to all sorts of scenarios. The heaviness of grief as in a recent death unexpected or otherwise takes some time to heal but be patient. Trust God in the whys. 

PRAYER: Father my heart breaks often over misunderstandings or unnecessary conflict. I give any of that to you. Work in the lives of those people hurting due to immense grief. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help Me Get Out Of The Ditch

“Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.
 See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland.Isaiah 43:18-19

What I am referring to is not a physical ditch but a mental emotional ditch caused by stinking thinking or dwelling on things in the past or things only God can fix. 

It is easy when you are dealing with issues in your life to overthink things and that my friend is a tool of the enemy to get your eyes off God and onto self. You  are a child of God and He cares for you. Trying to manipulate a situation or think about it too much does nothing for your faith walk. 

Turn to scriptures. Get into the word. Stay off social media as you will find no answers for your issues there. Love God and run to Him. Stay in peace. 

PRAYER: Father I want to keep my heart in tune with you Lord. I need discipline to look ahead and not back and trust you Lord for answers to prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Grief Is Real And Sudden

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.Psalm 34:18

 

The recent air disaster in Washington DC claiming the lives of 67 souls will forever be with the victims families, friends, and co workers.  Grief is ongoing and real and should be gone through for every person suffering a tragic loss.

 

The whys, the what ifs etc can really eat on a person going through this especially in a senseless tragedy such as this crash on 29 January. But it is over and there is no going back. It leaves open wounds that will take years to heal. 

Hopefully something good can come out of this tragedy. That statement might make a person who lost children pretty angry. It takes time to heal hurting grieving hearts. Maybe it is a spouse, young adult child, stillborn baby, grandparent no matter what the age it still hurts. It is just more shocking when children are involved. God didn’t do this and that is something everyone needs to understand. He can bring beauty out of ashes so let’s wait and see. 

PRAYER: My heart aches so bad for those I know personally who lost a loved one and sometimes suddenly. Give them peace and guard their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: I recommend the book Grieving The Loss of a Loved One by my friend Kathe Wunnenberg. Get it on Amazon. 

Stoking The Fire

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

In order to keep a fire burning bright you have to keep adding fuel which is wood to make it burn big and bright and warm. For your spiritual fire to stay burning it needs stoked too with reading the Bible, prayer and giving glory to God. 

It is hard for the enemy Satan to attack when you are reading the Bible and can quote scriptures to him to tell him he is a liar and a thief. Most of the problems in our present culture stem from the influence of demonic spirits trying to change the minds and hearts of people. 

Stay on your knees in prayer. Pick up your Bible and if you don’t have one let me know I will buy you one. Start reading the Psalms they are found in the Old Testament. Don’t be afraid of the Bible. Depending on your background you may look at the Bible as a big scary hard to understand book. It is not. Start today to decide things will be different. Don’t just exist but seek to get closer to God in 2025. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for providing my daily needs and I thank you for my Bible and forgive me when it sits gathering dust for only by opening it do I gain victory over my enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus Is No Joke

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.2 Timothy 3:1-5

Many I think get the idea to say if you are born in America you are a Christian. This is a Christian nation founded on the principles in the Bible but living here doesn’t make you an automatic Christian. 

Hollywood seems to make a mockery of faith and the world in general has a set of standards that make people of God seem hateful, bigoted. You can easily get mesmerized by evil and think it is not that bad. Like a frog in a pot of cold water where the heat is slowly increased til he boils to death. That is how it is easy to become numb to sin. 

This is a spiritual battle of good and evil light versus dark. You have to know your Bible and read it daily. Don’t get caught up in the culture which is certainly not God friendly. I have been called judgmental when I stand for truth and that hurts. Live your life to please God not man. 

PRAYER: Father I forgive my enemies and those who are trying to destroy the culture with lies. I ask you protect my family and friends from lies and even many in the church. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

And You Are My Witnesses

 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Acts 1:8 NIV Bible Gateway 

When you decide to follow Christ and live for Him you become His representative of sorts going out into the world to be a salt shaker flavoring the world around you for the kingdom of God. 

Today’s verse was when Jesus walked the earth but even today you as His follower if you accepted Christ and live for Him are witnesses to tell of his love and miracles.

You tell others about your experience when you gave your heart to Jesus. 

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak the truth in love. Also the Holy Spirit will convict of sin and gently guide you to the truth. Have you listened to wrong voices and lost your first love meaning the Lord? It is never too late to throw off sins and come back to Christ. 

PRAYER: Father use me to show love to others even at times when I myself feel a little discouraged help me to brighten another’s day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Do You Need To Laugh?

 

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

Sometimes it is hard to laugh. Sometimes things in your life don’t merit laughter because of the magnitude of the issue. But all in all if you can try to laugh. 

You might allow yourself to take on things in your mind that really are not going to help you but burden you. If you do then naturally you may get anxious over something that really you don’t need to get concerned over. 

Try to stay light hearted even when you have a legit reason to be weighed down by anxiety. Don’t allow the things of this world to determine your joy. There are lots of fun comedians out there that are ‘clean’ and hilarious. Funniest Home Videos or even clean church humor. Now go find joy in your journey. 

PRAYER: Thanks for the gift of laughter. Even at a celebration of life it is nice to laugh when funny things are shared about the person who passed. Help me always stay joyful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

21 Days, 7 Days, 5 Days

 

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Ephesians 2:10 NIV Bible Gateway

There are books with the above numbers in their titles usually designed for self improvement programs or getting closer to God. I have tried a few and even wrote one called ‘God’s Lemonade Stand:101 Sips To Refresh Your Soul’ and the number gives you a goal of sorts to work on and counting down the days seems a way to simplify your task. 

Once you have this book or Ap you have to pick it up and use it as to say that sounds good but to just put it on a shelf or not open up the program on the Ap does nothing. Case in point would be losing weight where a title might read 40 Days To A New Body but only if you do what it says. 

Do you want to get closer to God? Getting closer doesn’t mean all your problems go away but you will have the tools to help you walk the journey you are on whether it is grief, rejection, loneliness and so forth. The devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy it says in 1 Peter 5:8. Don’t let him destroy you. Stay focused on things above. Run to God. 

PRAYER: Father I need you in my life in my thoughts and I ask you help those I know far from you rejecting you and rejecting others. Help use me on someone’s life far from God. Heal the broken hearted sometimes that is me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Toxic Thinking

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are-noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.Philippians 4:8

Who is on the throne of your life and what kind of things do you dwell on a daily basis? Allowing the enemy to manipulate you can happen very easily when you are not pursuing a relationship with Christ. 

How do I do that you might say?First pick up your Bible or download the you version Bible App. Explore many topics you can study. Keep social media put away. Why do you need to know everyone’s thoughts and feelings anyway. I know of a person who once did a year fast from social media and truly did them a world of good. I have several friends who skip it altogether!  

So many of us, myself included can waste valuable time dwelling on things that drag you down or don’t matter. To watch crowds of people like zombies staring at their ‘little boxes’ is quite a site. Controlled by the little device that lets anything we want into our mind. You have to purpose in your heart what you will do all the while keeping Christ front and center. 

PRAYER: I want to enrich my mind with the word of God and think on good things not things that will depress me or make me go into a tailspin, so Lord I need your help for discipline and strength to do this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Honor Your Momma

"Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."Proverbs 17:6

Watching many ladies with walkers entering an assisted living van recently while at a coffee shop I noted there were no men just ladies. I pondered for a while about the life these ladies had in their younger years. 

Some may have been mothers either by natural birth or adoption. Perhaps others wanted children but could not have them. Others still may have been content to life alone with a bird and a dog. Everyone is different. 

But as I watched these older woman navigate the steps, the walkers, the wheelchair lifts I thought of how much everyone needs to say thanks to your mom the one who raised you. Often in later years they are forgotten and shuffled off to a facility to be more comfortable. For others there is not a choice. The word honor comes to mind. Show honor to your mom if still living and respect her. Why isn’t there a Barbie Doll that is just a mom? 

PRAYER: I am grateful for my mom. Often I never said thanks enough for all she did. In Jesus’ name. Amen.