Are You Ready Boots?

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." 1 Samuel 15:23

Recently I wrote about one of the late Frank Sinatra songs. And now I will use his daughter Nancy’s song for another devotion. Not meaning to put down their talent for music just reflecting on the 60’s and lyrics of rebellion for a moment. The song was ‘These Boots Are Made For Walking”. 

In my humble opinion the song seemed to be the classic women’s liberation song. It is a catchy melody and one I caught myself humming many times. It is sort of a sixties rebellion song. You may think otherwise. 

A person without God is truly lost. An individual who wants to be in control is headed the wrong way. Many of the songs in the 60’s reflected this rebellion against society. A nation needed God then and needs Him now more than ever. I pray for those who thought they could do it their way never mentioning the Almighty God. 

PRAYER: Lord give me overwhelming abundant love for those who are walking away from God and bring your light and love into their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Did It My Way

 



"Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!". Psalm 128:1

 

Mankind was created and has a selfish sinful ‘me first’ nature. The only way to take that is to make Jesus the center of your life and take yourself off the throne. 

When a baby is born it depends on its’ parents to feed, nurture, and clothe them and has to be taught to share and love others. It isn’t natural but is taught. 

The late Frank Sinatra sang a song entitled ‘I Did It My Way’ possibly referring to getting help from only his desires and his needs. Great melody but full of a me first attitude. Are you doing things your way or are you reaching out to God and allowing him to be in your decision making? 

PRAYER:I need you every hour most holy Lord. Even when I stumble and fall you are there to catch me and guide me. Help me never stray from the plan you have for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Maybe You Are The Answer To Someone’s Prayer

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Have you ever thought you might be the answer to someone’s prayer? For instance the prayer uttered by many parents is “bring a believer across their path”. You could be that believer. 

When you pray ask God to use you in someone’s life and when you do be prepared for it to happen. When you say “use me” be ready. 

Your words and prayers are containers of power always keep that in mind. 

PRAYER: Lord I pray you will use me to bring comfort to someone who needs it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Weight Of Your Words

 "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

Your words are containers of power. They can build up or tear down. They are so easy to just spring from your mouth sometimes without a thought to the consequences of them. 

Your mouth is right there and your brain is what makes the mouth speak. You really need to give thought to what you say. Many times I have said things I wish I hadn’t but too late the hole is dug. 

Really purpose in your heart you will not allow the enemy to infiltrate your thinking and make you say dumb things you regret later. Be still, talk to God. He can help. 

PRAYER: Father I need you in my life 24-7. I want my speech to bring glory not destroy another. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Exactly Is Rich?

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

God is the one who blesses you with riches and things you need and doesn’t want what He gave you to control you. 

But what does it mean to be rich? A millionaire or someone who has yachts, several homes, sits in business class on the airplane or better yet owns their own plane. 

Most people in the US are rich compared to the rest of the world. Why do we need so much stuff anyway? When you are blessed with material wealth share with others and do it without announcing it. You have nothing to prove and it gives great joy to share without announcing it to others. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me always remember how blessed I truly am. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hold That Thought

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he”. Proverbs 23:7

Your thinking can you get into a heap of trouble if you let your thoughts become actions or words. 

Not every thought you have needs to be expressed. Try to make your thoughts pure and holy. This can be done when you feed your mind with the right things like the Bible for instance. 

Garbage in, garbage out means if you constantly feed your mind on R rated things the consequences won’t be too edifying. Take your heart and your thinking. 

PRAYER: Father I need you every hour of every day. Help me be careful what I let into my mind. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Building Towers

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:10

When on a recent vacation our tour guide asked the question why did we think this particular family built the tallest tower in the community. Actually I answered the question correctly using the theme of the Tower of Babel(Genesis 11:1-9) where mankind wanted to exalt themselves over God. Actually the answer was for status in the community so I was on the right track. The reason there are many different languages today is because God confused their languages so they could not work together to exalt themselves. 

True exaltation comes only from God. When you do something to be honored you are not to be puffed up and brag but be humble and as a former Army boss told me “let your virtues speak for themselves”. 

When mankind starts thinking they are better than God look out. And you as His followers give glory to the One to whom it is due. If you are promoted or given an honor thank God for it in the presence of others as it is He who gave you what it took to receive the reward. 

PRAYER: I need you every hour Father. Forgive me when I have rooted my own horn and not given you the glory that is rightfully yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Seek Me And Find Me

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NIV Bible Gateway

A new film is being released in Hollywood simply entitled ‘Eternity’ and I guess it is the motion picture industry answer to where a person goes after death where they depict and in processing center and so forth. 

Much of the world is unchurched and does not know Jesus. You can go about your day to day life with nary a thought of what is next when your last breath is breathed. Unfortunately you can not predict when you will die. Some try to by suicide or ‘death with dignity’ but God chooses when you die not you. 

Everyone will face judgment upon their death whether they believed in God or not. Many like to mock God and mock His followers but in the end there will be no mockers only weeping and gnashing of teeth. (See Luke 13:28). Are you following the Savior? 

PRAYER: Father help me to be sensitive to those around me yet not hide the truth of eternity with them. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Strong Man

In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.Mark 3:27

The strong man referred to in this scripture of course would be Satan. Our battle on this earth is against principalities and powers that are against God. Your battle is not against a person. 

There are numerous verses in the Bible about binding and loosing referring to binding up Satan so he has no power over you or the person you are lifting up in prayer. 

You loose victory over your situation and your words spoken in Jesus’ name have power. 

PRAYER: Father help me to stand firm against the attacks of the enemy in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love Never Fails

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1 Corinthians 13 affectionately known as the ‘love chapter’ is one of my favorites. Love does never fail as this verse indicates. 

Everything else passes away but true love reigns and wins. It is called the greatest of these later in the chapter. Do you love like Jesus’ loved or do you need some work in that area? 

Today make it a point to try to love everyone like Jesus’ loved. He didn’t find fault or condemn but loved unconditionally. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to show your love to those around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Patience In All Things

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.“Ephesians 4:2

Life takes patience from the moment parents wait for the delivery of a baby through waiting on a job or so many other things. My most recent need for patience was computer help at the Apple Store. The tech aka genius said he appreciated my patience. 

If you get frustrated and pop a cork it is not a good scenario. Especially when you have prayed a prayer and you almost want to intervene and tell God what to do. Stop.

 

What are you waiting on today? Be still. Stay cool. Lean in to God.

 

PRAYER: Father I am grateful for so much and say thank you  for helping me be patient. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Have You Prayed For Your City?

“By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.”

Proverbs 11:11

Have you ever seriously given consideration for praying for your town or city or if you live on the countryside then the closest town? Prayers for the leaders, the residents, the churches, and so forth. 

Proverbs 14:34 states "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" Righteousness simply put us right standing with God or the quality of being morally upright. 

Pray for where you live all the time. Pray that the mayor and city council would come to know Jesus as their savior and pray for godly laws to be enacted and ones that are ungodly to be repealed. 

Pray for revival on your city. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for being able to have a voice in my government so help me use it for truth and righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of worship to go along with this devotion: 

https://youtu.be/s5rbA2k4JwM

Too Busy For God?

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

Another devotion writer I know wrote on this topic on 27 July and I thought I would give it a whirl to share some thoughts on this with my readers too. I risk being called judgmental just for expressing an idea or thought but here goes. 

Everything in life gets our attention and put on a to do list. I recall one of my sons actually writing ‘quiet time’ on his daily to do list which made this mom’s heart smile. Making time for God in our busy lives requires you to prioritize just how vital it is in your daily walk. 

For starters have a specific place you go and sit. If you have children at home take them along and teach them how to be still, prioritize their day, and how to follow Jesus. If you don’t know how to begin just say “Hi Jesus it’s me________ and I thank you for my life. I desire to know you better. Help me. “ Since today is the 19th read the 19th chapter in Proverbs for starters. You will be glad you did. 

PRAYER:Lord I need you daily and I am sorry for not making you my first priority. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Talk To Jesus

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.Philippians 2:5

Need someone to talk to who you don’t have to be guarded with like saying the wrong thing or walking on egg shells or being misinterpreted the wrong way? That person is Jesus. 

Let’s say you wake up overwhelmed over something and you want desperately to pick up the phone but then you know the person you are calling will probably take your call the wrong way. It is so hard to wait isn’t it? 

Wherever you are my friend and whatever relationship you are trying to negotiate with care and love go to the Father because He loves you. 

PRAYER: Help me to be still and not assume things or read too much into situations. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No Revenge Just Thankful

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15

I was recently watching a new show on NBC entitled Survival Mode and the one I saw was about a horrific Amtrak Crash in Washington State where amazingly only 3 fatalities occurred. 

The news show focused on a few victims who had injuries that could have taken their life and watched them on the path back to rehabilitation. No one was saying they were going to sue Amtrak or get back at anyone although there probably were a few. Apparently the train on its’ inaugural run was exceeding the speed limit trying to negotiate a curve over I-5 and it tumbled to the ground. 

It is easy to want to blame people for things that happen but think about what would Jesus do in any scenario you find yourself a part of. Try to be peaceful and keep your cool when confronted with anything where the normal reaction is to seek retribution. 

PRAYER: Lord God help my behavior and actions always bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I Am Selfish

 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.1 Corinthians 10:24

Do you ever find yourself bemoaning your ‘plight’ and whining about First World problems in your cushy life? I have. Then a quick wake up call when I see flood victims in Texas and other disasters. My little issues just sort of fade away. 

Anytime you are involved in helping others you get your mind off yourself. Serving others helps them and brings joy to your heart. 

Even giving gifts to friends for no reason or doing something you are not assigned to do. Find a way to serve without being asked first. Right now Samaritans Purse serves all over the US and if you can volunteer your time they could use you. I will include link at end. Now go have a blessed day and be a blessing to another. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for times when I only think of myself. Help me pour my life into another. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Wind Zapped From Your Sails

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."Isaiah 40:31

If a sailboat doesn’t have the power of the wind it stays still in the water and goes nowhere. Have you ever felt like a stalled out sailboat with no wind to propel you along on your journey called life? 

Throughout life things happen good and things happen not so good or even terribly bad. But that is life and pardon me for the pun but God did not promise us ‘smooth sailing’. 

Whatever is going on in your life don’t let Satan drag you down in a pit and if he tries to then quote some scriptures to him. You were meant to soar like an eagle for Jesus and the kingdom not be wrought up in fleshly problems and troubled by the culture. Lift your head up and run your race to win. 

PRAYER: Today I choose victory over defeat, joy over sorrow. Help me have the strength to keep my shield of faith lifted high. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Complain Too Much

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1 Thessalonians 5:18

The mind is a tricky thing trying to reason things in your head and not do something you regret later. Stop and be still I say. Maybe you are feeling upset over something and internally you are complaining without voicing it. 

It is easy to fall in a mode of being a complainer not intending too. As I get older I certainly don’t want to develop the personality of a grumpy old person no one wants to be around. Many times I think some folks are unaware they are even complaining. 

The remedy to this is to give thanks when you catch yourself thinking wrong thoughts and feeling like you want to express feelings. Be still. Talk to God. 

PRAYER:Father I want to keep a joyful heart no matter what is going on around me. Help me Father be still and trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Turn Your Mind Off

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Do you have trouble with wrong thinking or rambling thinking? If you work full time your mind is probably engaged on your job but if you don’t it can be easy to have wandering thoughts about issues in your life you are dealing with. 

Maybe something you are dealing with the enemy keeps throwing in your face trying to get you fretting because when you fret you are not trusting that God heard your prayers. 

Bible teacher Joyce Meyer calls it ‘stinking thinking’ and it is a spiritual discipline to stay positive, hopeful, and focused. Keep your mind focused on God and His word. 

PRAYER: Today and every day I need your help to be disciplined  to not think on things I can do nothing about. I give you my concerns and I know you are working Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Struggles

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” Ephesians 6:12

In this world our battles are fought with enemies of God. Often times when struggling with human relationships that don’t seem warm and fuzzy keep in mind Satan is the great divider and agitator and your battle isn’t with a person but with him. 

Whether it be a misunderstanding with a neighbor or co worker, a problem with in-laws, a quarrel with a family member it all boils down to spiritual warfare. Now I wouldn’t tell the person that it is spiritual warfare I innocently did that once and the person told me bluntly “don’t blame the devil on your bad behavior”. 

What I am  trying to point out is there is good and the is evil on the world. There are those who follow God and others who unknowingly follow Satan. Keep on your knees in prayer and pray that all will come to know the savior and be transformed by him. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know Satan wants to kill, steal, and destroy and I bind him in Jesus name and ask that you come into the hearts of those in my family who care little about growing in Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

It’s Okay To Not Be Okay

“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” – Romans 5:3-4

A young singer with cancer appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2021 singing an original song that earned her the coveted Golden Buzzer which is a fast pass to the final competition that sadly she bowed out of due to worsening medical condition which she later died from. 

Jane Marczewski, Nightbirde, sang her original song entitled ‘It’s Ok’. Basically she was radiating her joy even though she only had a 2% chance to survive but didn’t want people to feel sorry for her. Her song probably gave hope to others as well. 

Maybe you are on a medical journey now and don’t know your future but guess what friend? All of us on this Earth will someday breathe our last breath. Are you prepared and are you able to have joy? 

PRAYER: Father my heart goes out to the family of this young performer. I also pray for those dealing with a scary diagnoses to not lose hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for You Tube video of her performance on AGT-https://youtu.be/rq4RB6v51E4

Have You Been Hurt By Words?

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

Perhaps someone insulted you or called you a name. Maybe a person was too bluntly honest and it crushed your spirit. Whatever it is, words are powerful containers for hope or destruction. 

If someone has hurt you with harsh words forgive them, they may be totally unaware of it.  Be careful too if you have young children or grandchildren by speaking words of affirmation into their young lives. 

Start today to not try to get the last word. To not be the cause of a debate also takes a big person. For those who have crushed your spirit pray for them that God can soften their hearts and help them deal with their own inner hurts. 

PRAYER: I want to not be a gossip, liar, or betray anyone with anything I say. Help me Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Babbling Fool

Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin. Proverbs10:8

Does anyone else out there have a mouth problem? I know do because I am impulsive and sometimes nervously talk just to fill dead space without thinking what I am saying or who I am saying it to or how it will make someone feel. 

Your mouth can be your downfall. There is a saying in the Navy ‘loose lips sink ships’ and loose lips can wreak havoc in all sorts of relationships. 

Think before you speak is always a good rule to follow. If you are about to say something and have second thoughts then be quiet. Ask God to help you if this is your weakness. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord every minute of every day. Forgive me if I ever hurt anyone with something I said. Help heal wounds of those hurt by harsh words in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Confident Moms

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV Bible Gateway

I love the ministry of Moms in Prayer formerly Moms in Touch and as it is the time of year most schools are starting back maybe it is time to think of joining a Moms in Prayer group. We pray scripture over our children. 

Some of us have those who have walked away from the faith of their youth and this verse is good to personalize for your child. For example let’s say your child’s name is Peter you would pray as follows using this verse above. Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in Peter will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 

So don’t fret and know God has heard your cries and he loves your child more than you do. 

PRAYER: Thanks for your promises lord which are yes and Amen. I choose to not lose hope and keep praying. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for more info on Moms in Prayer:

Www.momsinprayer.org

More Of You, Less Of Me

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

Today our culture seems to be self absorbed all about me. Social media screams, “look at me!” Knowing that how as a follower of God should you react in a self centered society?

Dying to self is a phrase also found in the Word of God. Putting another’s comforts before your own. It is in at least five verses I found. 

Think about things before you post on social media. What are you trying to achieve? Are there times you give God the glory and not yourself? 

PRAYER: Today I want to step aside and say father help me step down from the self throne. Guard my heart from boasting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pause

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭

Do you ever make yourself just be still or do you flit from one thing to the next with no down time? In this down time do you out your phone aside and just pause?

Jesus knew the importance of being still. In scripture it speaks of Him going to a lonely place and praying. There is great benefit to that practice both spiritually and emotionally. This lonely or quiet place as it is referred to can be a park bench in a safe area where you can actually pray out loud if you so desired.

Take time to declutter your mind from random thinking and give space to the Almighty.  You will find making this a regular practice can help you in a big way to know God is hearing you and whatever your concerns are He has them. Just be still.

PRAYER: Today I thank you for stillness. I thank you even in the noise of life there are places to go and find peace and rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Through

 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2

 

The word through means you won’t be somewhere forever but there is light at the end of the tunnel or the end is coming. 

So my friend don’t become overwhelmed by a giant problem in your path but know if you have been praying and seeking God for answers you are going to make it!!

Through means you are not stuck there which is a hopeful wonderful thing. 

PRAYER: I am grateful for all challenges that come my way to help me get exercise for my spiritual muscles. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Footholds

“In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:27-27 NIV Bible Gateway Do you have anyone on your prayer list you are praying God would break the enemies stronghold or foothold on their life? Often times when a person is away from Lord he or she can’t see the error of their ways as the enemy blinds them to the truth. A foothold for those who rock climb would be a secure place that is found to put their foot on their way to the top. Spiritually speaking the enemy may be needing his foothold broken on your life or life of a loved one. Be still. Have faith. Trust God. Believe. PRAYER: Thanks for protecting me from the traps of Satan. I pray for anyone I may know being deceived to have a believer cross their path to help lead them back. In Jesus’ name. Amen. #BG2

You Are Somebody!

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 119:14

Never forget that God made you special. As the Saturday Night Live comic character Stuart Smalley of the 80’s used to say “I’m good enough, smart enough , and gosh darn it people like me.” It may sound funny but it is true. 

Satan is the one who wants to make you compare yourself to others and make you feel your life doesn’t matter. He has been the one who has whispered into a persons ear before they pull the trigger and kill themselves  that they don’t matter and no one loves them. All lies. 

Keep your mind focused on things above. If you are unfamiliar with the Bible just read the Psalms or go to the New Testament and start reading Ephesians. If you don’t own a Bible private message me I will buy one for you. The thing is you have to stop listening to negativity and start knowing that God loves you!! 

PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for my life and thank you for giving me gifts to help others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fasting From Being Right All The Time

 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 

I heard a very funny joke on one of my favorite Christian radio shows and it went like this. A husband and wife were arguing about the pronunciation of a town they were passing through. The husband decided to pull over and ask a business in the community to tell his wife slowly and plainly how to say the name of the place where they were . The clerk behind the counter slowly says BURGER KING. 

What is it in our human nature that wants to be right? It is better to not get into a battle with a person but just let it go because it is not a major thing being decided. Who really cares? 

Fasting is usually seen as a way to draw closer to God. In this respect if you are not trying to always be right and asking God to help you that is a way to give up that personality type to pursue peace. 

PRAYER: Forgive me when my selfish nature has tried to prove my point. Help me let things go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Stand Firm

 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” .1 Corinthians 15:58

Are you standing firm by this I mean are there convictions you hold deep and you won’t compromise to this culture? 

The Bible is your guidebook for life and isn’t just a rule book but is a way to daily give you strength to stand up for what is right and true around you. There may come a time when it is your voice against the world, then what? 

The truth sets you free. Many are deceived and following false gods, lifestyles, religions and so forth and this is part of Satan’s trap to get people to deny God and go after worldly pleasures. If you get grounded in the Word you will be able to stand firm when the enemy attacks and he will attack. Don’t be scared just get into the Bible and start memorizing some key scriptures to help you fight your battle. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to always cover my family in prayer whether they are physically with me or not. Also Lord protect our schools from evil and keep me centered and focused so I can stand strong in any battle. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link below for a song to build your faith: https://youtu.be/qtvQNzPHn-w