Are You Troubled?

 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me.John 14:1

There are all sorts of things you could get yourself all stressed out over but why? You tell yourself you are not going to let stuff bother you but then you do. 

The past couple weeks has been stressful after the assassination of young Charlie Kirk who wanted to be remembered most as sharing Christ with others. You can not internalize every single thing in life as your own or you will get yourself physically sick. 

I suggest a good dose of the book of John and have included one verse to start you off. Breathe in God’s goodness, breathe out anger, stress, discontent, fear, comparison and anything else not letting you be all who Christ wants you to be. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my life. Thank you for the morning sun and the moon and stars at night. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Have You Lost?

 Do not conform to the pattern of this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Romans 12:2 NIV Bible Gateway

 

Do you feel like you have Joy, Hope, and contentment or somehow has following too closely after the modern culture squished them? If you saturate yourself daily with social media you will start to lose these things so my friend use self discipline and either get off social media or limit it.

 

Is it possible for restoration to occur? The answer is yes but your mind needs to be refocused and set on things above not on this Earth. 

It is your choice no one else can make it for you. 

PRAYER: Today I choose to think on things above and put down my phone for awhile if it is leading me to too many distractions and becoming a joy sucker. Help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Mourning

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me;
You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 
That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Psalm 30:11-12 AMP Bible gateway

When you are gloomy it is hard to praise God but He wants you to praise Him regardless of your state of mind or circumstances. 

In case you missed it there was a 5 hour praise and worship memorial service last Sunday honoring the late Charlie Kirk who loved the Lord with all his heart and witnessed to many. Yes he was a political figure but more importantly he wanted to share Jesus even with those who disagreed with him. 

Can you rejoice when your heart is aching? It is hard for sure but that is what God calls us to do. In the midst of your mess you can see the blessings. 

PRAYER: I want to rise on eagles wings and rejoice in my maker and creator. Even in tough earthly situations I will rejoice. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

That my soul may sing praise to You and not be Psalm 30:11-12 AMP Bible Gateway

Problem? Fearful? Download it To God.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV Bible Gateway

Are you the kind of person who says you are naturally anxious as it was inherited from your parents? Anxiety is not passed on in the DNA but is learned. 

God doesn’t intend for you to hold on to junk in your life and keep mulling over it. You certainly won’t gain victory if you do. 

Download all that junk to the Almighty and leave it there then start confessing verses of faith instead. Only then will you gain true peace. 

PRAYER: I need you in my life Lord instead of morning talk shows, news, social media and so forth. Help me reach for the word of God instead of the remote or my phone. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

On The Romans Road To Knowing Christ

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.Ephesians 2:8-9

The Romans Road I am referring to is not an actual road but several verses out if the book of Romans to help a person understand the way to repentance and accepting Christ. If you have difficulty as a believer trying to lead a person to salvation these verses are a handy tool for you. 

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

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

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

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

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

This method is a simple way to explain the gospels and lead a person to accepting  Christ. Have you made the decision to follow Christ and do you know with certainty if you were to die today you would be face to face with Jesus? Want to talk about it. Private Message me. 

PRAYER: Lord let those people who don’t know if they are saved come humbly to you in repentance by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Religious Or Follower?

Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.Deuteronomy 5:33

You can answer the question “are you a Christian” several ways. Some may feel uncomfortable with that question. 

I used to be a ‘church goer’ up until 19 March 1975 when I became born again. Maybe you have heard the term and it makes you squirm because it sounds like a religious kook. Well yeah I am a kook alright but a kook for the kingdom. 

If you want to know more about following Jesus and not a denomination stay tuned for tomorrow's devotion about the Romans Road. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be careful to not conform and get sucked into this culture of lies and confusion. I pray for anyone I know to cry out to Jesus to save them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Trapped In Toxic Emotion Pit?

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

Emotions are a real thing and they can be good or bad. Trying to get rid of toxic emotions that poison your relationship with others should be something you give over to God. 

You may hurt inside from toxic junk people have put off on you yet try to twist things and make you feel responsible. Everyone is dealing with something. 

Don’t allow the enemy of your soul to lie to you and make you feel responsible for everything. Each individual needs to come to a personal relationship with Jesus and let God’s truth set them free. Do you feel like you need that freedom as well? 

PRAYER:When I go through the fires and storms of life I know you are there with me Lord. Help me trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Open The Door To Jesus, It’s Time!

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 NIV Bible Gateway

You are not disqualified. You are not bad. You have not wandered too far. Those are lies of Satan. 

Come back to Jesus now or come for the first time. Hear his voice. He is knocking at the door of your heart will you answer the call? 

You are not here just taking up space but your life is to serve God and glorify Him and help show others the way to Christ. Do you know Him as your savior? 

PRAYER: My heart aches for those who have never committed their lives to Christ. Help the things of this world become less attractive and serving the Lord more. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Who Told You?

And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Genesis 3:11-12

The them to see if they were truthful. Right then the excuses and blame of mankind began and continue to this very day. 

God knows what you are doing He is all knowing. He wants you to love Him and serve Him but He won’t demand it. Today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart. 

PRAYER: I want to keep my heart and mind right before God. Convict me when I need to turn from evil. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Seasons Of Life

 

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:4

What season of life are you on right now? Maybe grief, despair, illness, loss of some sort. Seasons come and seasons go. 

Just like there are four seasons in our world each season comes with different things. God is with you in every season if you allow him to be And invite Him in. 

Whatever is weighing you down today go to the Psalms and read them and have a friend pray for you. It is not selfish to admit you are weak sometimes. Keep on your knees in prayer. 

PRAYER: Father I love you and I love the comfort only you can bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Is Not Finished With You Yet

 

Therefore the Lord waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you,
And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.For the Lord is a God of justice;Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them].Isaiah 30:18

Do you ever wonder why you are here and what your purpose is?Satan may try to toy with you making you feel unimportant or worthless. 

In order to stay ‘spiritually fit’ you must keep running towards the cross of Jesus. To do this that means making things about God first place in your life. 

Get up each day and thank the Lord for another day. Let Jesus shine through your face and actions and do your best to be a good witness for Him. Stay off social media and when tempted to check your accounts grab your Bible instead. 

PRAYER: Lord God I choose to reflect you in what I say, think, and do. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Tongue

The human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. James 5:8

We are seeing dire consequences of the raging tongue in our nation lately with vile comments made rejoicing over the murder of a Christian young man who people who didn’t understand him said he had hate in his heart. Not going to be political so stay with me. 

The tongue is dangerous. It can bless or it can curse. It can build up or tear down. It can set a nation on fire. And what or who is behind it? Satan. 

We are in a spiritual battle not a battle against flesh and blood. People need to be mad at Satan. The meaning of the word hate has been twisted and misused so people say someone hates when they simply have a different opinion or view of something. It is sad how this has to happen. Don’t let your loose lips sink ships, as they say in Navy. 

PRAYER: Oh Father my heart is heavy for the craziness going on in America. Draw your people to you and draw those who need you to the foot of the cross. Help people seek your face. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Does Your Heart Ache?

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians  4:6-7

I don’t know about you but my heart aches. No I am not having a cardiac episode but only feel deep spiritual anguish over all the grief our wonderful US of A has endured in the past two weeks. It is spiritual warfare between God and the devil. 

I was crying out to God and singing and scared my kitty. 🐈‍⬛ When it seems the world is going crazy put on some praise and worship music and turn off the news. Feed your mind on scripture. Start reading the Psalms found in the Old Testament. 

This world and this culture is not a believers true home but our real home is in Heaven and we are down here working for the kingdom hopefully and not getting sucked into the craziness of this culture of the present day. The world needs truth and the world needs Jesus! I for one am desperate for Him. 

PRAYER: Father so many people have fallen into the devils’ deception and lies and only by following you can any sense be made of it. Help those confused, lost, angry, bewildered souls come to peace and help them find you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and listen to a worship song of comfort. 

https://youtu.be/Rg9wV0nfvgg

Yeah For My Tee Shirt!

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."Acts 1:8

I have a simple gray tee shirt that is one of my favorites and it simply says ‘Pray First’. It is from my former church in Alabama Church of the Highlands  This week a couple times I got comments on it and it brought me joy to explain it. 

Sometimes I feel like my life is one big tee shirt.  How many folks go on vacation coming back with a tee shirt to fit into their already overstuffed closet or drawers? If you had to depict your life with one tee shirt what would it say?

Let your life represent Christ in all you say and do. There is no such thing as ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ for a believer. Stay still trust God and be a reflection of His glory. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for opportunities to share your love with a hurting desperate world. Guard my heart that I may stay on the path you gave for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are your Eyes On God Or The World?

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”1 Samuel 16:7

Good and evil. Right versus wrong. Truth versus lies. Darkness versus light. The prince of this world is Satan. The darkness in culture is from America not keeping God on the throne. 

Friends this devotion is not about politics but about an Almighty creator who wants His children to live righteous lives and not worship the world and its’ values more than Him. 

When you wake up don’t run and get headline news but instead run to your morning quiet time and sit quietly waiting to hear from God. Forgive people, don’t harbor resentment for a wrong done to you. Basically live in the spirit to not fulfill the desires of the flesh. 

PRAYER: I love to walk in peace and joy and not rail against others. Help anyone struggling today in whatever area to fix their eyes on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Is Still On The Throne

"The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." Psalm 103:19

Though mountains rumble, storms gather, fights ensue, and separations occur God is still God and is on the throne. No matter what is swirling around you or in this world God has a plan and is supreme. 

Many people choose to do their own thing without giving much thought to God. Maybe these people think it is a waste of time to pray and go to church so therefore make up their own rules and their own morality  and decide who or what they will choose to worship. 

When each person takes their last breath there will be many surprises much anguish and fear as it will then be extremely evident God is who He says He was and His kingdom is forever for those who choose to follow Him and believe. 

PRAYER: I pray for everyone I know to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ not just a denominational connection but decide in their heart Jesus is Lord and live for Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What If Today Was Your Last Day-How Woukd You Worship God?

 "You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."Matthew 5:14-16

If you knew today was your final day on Earth how would you worship God and what impact would you try to make for the kingdom. Thing is you never know when your heart will stop beating. 

Be ready to always be able to tell people the reason for the hope that is in you. Don’t be ashamed of Jesus around non believers. 

Truly let the praises of God be lifted up. Pray for those who you don’t agree with or who hurt you and may not even know they did. Don’t harbor grudges. Spread the kindness of Christ to all you encounter. Keep running your race to win. 

PRAYER: Forgive me for any hidden resentment I may have as I know it is not hidden from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Living Life In Your Own Strength?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;Proverbs 3:5 NIV Bible Gateway 

It sure gets exhausting trying to run your own life even though you say you have given things over to God. 

You pray and say okay God has it He is working then all of a sudden catch yourself in the fret mode again. Don’t you have faith that God is at work? 

If this is an issue you struggle with try this. Visualize just letting this problem float out of your hands up to the heavens. Relax. Know God is the one doing the work behind the scenes. 

PRAYER: Father I need you each and every day and I thank you for hearing my prayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Communication-The Hard Stuff

“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”Proverbs 10:19

Are you having communication or lack of communication problems right now with a family member or friend? It is easy to hide behind a text but often what you want to communicate is lost in that text. A face to face meet up for dealing with ‘the hard stuff’ is necessary. 

Let’s say you know this face to face has to occur to move on in the relationship but the other party has no desire to meet up with you. In their mind the issue is over and time to move on and accept things the way they are. 

Broken relationships and lack of communication with a special person in your life is very difficult. Probably many of you reading can relate. Continue to pray for healing and restoration and pray for favor with the person who is perfectly content with the way things are. Ask God to open a door for peace and love to enter. 

PRAYER: Father I ask for you to come into relationships that need healing between siblings, spouses, children, in laws, and restore love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

And Just Like That The Towers Fell

Matthew 5:44: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." 

It is great living in America and enjoying freedom but ever since this country was founded our freedom was hard fought.

 September 11,2001 was a beautiful sunshiny day in most of the country. Waking up that day no one imagined a horrific attack was about to occur ending the lives of thousands of citizens and some non citizens. Images from that day of the burning towers are etched in our memory banks and particularly the images of humans jumping from a burning skyscraper to the concrete below. 

Don’t take freedom for granted my friend. There are many divisions of in our nation now but one thing to remember is all in all thanks to those who fought and died for our flag we live pretty cushy lives. Don’t become complacent. Pray for our enemies. Don’t judge others or their motives simply lift them up to the Almighty God. He is in charge. He knows the big picture. Stay tuned. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for watching over us. We don’t understand why tragedy occurs but your purposes prevail. Comfort those still mourning losses of lives of lives from this horrific day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Self Pity Rewind

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

When you have a pity party the only person who comes is you. No one really knows or cares and if they do they may find it self centered, selfish, or ridiculous. It is a tremendous way to waste time and energy. 

Woe is me don’t you care?Find something else to use your brain cells for.  You have to gain control of this devastating emotion that if bad enough can wreck relationships. Get involved in something to get your mind off your pity party. Think of all the things to be grateful for instead. 

The enemy wants you to continue your pity and even let it affect relationships. Stop right now and thank the Lord for His goodness to you and all your blessings. Get wrong thinking out of your head and focus on God. 

PRAYER: Father each day when I wake up I say thanks again for my life and my freedom. Thanks for every gift you have given me. I choose joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Would Jesus Think

Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. Don’t use your mouth to tell lies; don’t ever say things that are not true. Keep your heart from being deceitful; be careful what you think."Proverbs 4:23-25

So a friend of mine suggested the other day in order to alleviate condemning or judgmental thoughts in your head to say WWJT or what would Jesus think. 

Your mind is like a giant computer and has to be trained. Depending on your life upbringing you may have been raised where people made ugly comments about people without knowing their whole story.Think of Jesus what he would be doing? He would be full of kindness and grace and understanding. He would have pity and compassion. 

So how are you on the judgment meter? Do you need some work? 

PRAYER: Father I want to truly have the mind of Christ to think kind uplifting thoughts and even if I disagree to still be like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Examine Every Thought

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." James 1:19

Do you think about what you think about? Sounds redundant right but so many random thoughts can catch you by surprise and your mind has to be disciplined.

Ask yourself if your thoughts are true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind. This is the THINK acronym to help you gain mind discipline. 

Every person can benefit from this tool so you don’t just entertain judgmental or bizarre thinking. If you catch yourself starting to judge try praying instead. Now go have a blessed day. 

PRAYER: Today I choose to only let kind thoughts pop in my head. Help me Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ask, Seek, Knock

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.Matthew 7:7-8 NIV Bible Gateway

Are you seeking after God? How? Something to ponder. 

Have you knocked and has God opened. If you do knock God will come in. Many people are too busy with the things of this world to bother seeking God. I have been guilty of it.

You were created by God for a purpose. You are not an accident. You are not a clump of meaningless cells. Why not call out to God today and ask Him to take control of your life. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life and I ask you help me order my days’ activities to not let time with you slip by. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Work As If For The Lord

 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23

I missed the opportunity this past Monday to write a Labor Day devotion so am back paddling now to do so. Another local devotion writer friend had an excellent one. 

There are many scriptures about working in the Bible. The first one I can recall is when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden and their punishment was that they would have to work the land. This means pulling weeds, digging, planting and so forth. No walk in the cool garden any more for them or for those after them. 

2 Thessalonians 3:10 says if a man doesn’t work he won’t eat sort of shining the light on handouts. Work is important. No where in the Bible does it mention retiring and resting from your labors. If you have a job be thankful as many don’t and would like to. Do a word study on the word work and labor on the Bible. Now go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for the gift of employment for those who have it. Thanks that you provide just what I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a video by Drive thru History about Labor Day

https://youtu.be/n2IxchiVdS0

God Are You There?

“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3

I don’t know what you are going through but you may be in a tough situation and you just want to quit everything. We’ve all been there when you listen to the wrong voices that try to make you feel hopeless and worthless. 

My friend you are important to God. I wrote this to help myself remember that too. Whatever it is you need from God talk to Him. Often times when you are in the middle of waiting you just want to throw in the towel. 

Perhaps you have been misunderstood or hurt someone but never intended to. You give it to God and wait. God is faithful that I do know. 

PRAYER: Father guard my heart so I don’t allow it to cave to fear and worry. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help Me Not Be Judgmental

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself”. Romans 2:1

Have you been told by anyone you are judgmental? If you have it does hurt you emotionally. A person doesn’t set out to be judging others but innocent things pop out of your mouth and you find yourself defensive trying to prove you aren’t that bad. 

Bite your tongue everytime an unfavorable comment starts to come out of your mouth. Your past can cause some of this but you can’t continually blame things on that. 

I know it is hard to try to be perfect but your standard should be God. Without appearing holier than thou seek to emulate good character and produce good fruit in your life. If you messed up go talk to the person who thinks you are that way and ask them to help you not be. 

PRAYER: Father God I want to emulate you in all things to include passing judgment on another. I pray anyone who thinks I judged will open the door of their heart to me again. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stay On The Vine

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

For fruit to grow it has to stay attached to the tree or vine. The root system of other plants has to be nourished sufficiently to help sustain growth. 

Similarly a follower of Christ has to stay connected or attached to the vine which is Jesus and get nourished by His food the word of God and if not you will stagnate and start believing lies of the enemy. 

Stay connected to the ‘vine’ in order to stay strong and grow in Christ. 

PRAYER: Father I seek your face continually and help me to continue to pray for those I know who do not. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

When You Feel Like You Don’t Know Where To Turn

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” Hebrews 10:33-34

In life do you ever wish you had a giant eraser and could start all over knowing things you do now? 

All of us have something going on and can relate when they know others do too. You need a trusted friend to talk to and pray with. 

Whatever it is that has you burdened and distressed give it to God. Don’t hide in a cave even though you may feel like it. 

Trust God with whatever it is keep talking to Him in prayer and never give up. 

PRAYER: I pray for all those whose hearts are weary today. Help them keep their eyes on the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Is Your Faith Being Tested?

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 ESV Bible Gateway

Since 2020 and COVID shutdowns life has been different, relationships have been strained. Here in 2025 we are coming out of it but the enemy is still pushing buttons trying to incite division and he uses politics too. 

When you go through junk and estrangement occurs with a family member all you can do is pray and wait. I know several people being tested now in this way. It is confusing and it is hurtful. 

The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy it says in John 10:10 and in fact that is exactly what has occurred in these last five years. My friend be a prisoner of hope or in other words know that God hears your prayers and is at work. Be still. Don’t react but pray. 

PRAYER: Father keep my heart still during confusing times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.