Therefore Go!

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I am with you always, to the very end of the age."Matthew 28:19-20

What are you waiting on? You may not be able to become a missionary overseas but what is keeping you from ‘going’ into your little corner of the world as an ambassador for Him?

In 1 Peter 3:15 it says “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” so let’s say you are confronted are you ready? 

I don’t consider myself a street evangelist but everyone has a way they can be on a mission for Christ. Have you discovered yours? 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the freedom I enjoy to be able to talk about Jesus without being arrested or killed. I pray for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction to others to share. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Be Lukewarm

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16

Do you want the fire of the Holy Spirit to touch your family and for a definite soul change to occur? First of all is that fire in you or have you become complacent?

Daily you need to be crying out to God and wanting to go deeper with Him and grow in Christ. Are you doing that? The enemy loves to distract you with social media and things that don’t matter. Resist the devil it says is James 4:7. 

Trust God in good times and in not so good because He is the great engineer working behind the scenes to grow people in Christ. Don’t fret, be still. Let God be God. Stay on fire. 

PRAYER: Father Yes I want to be on fire and I want to run hard after you. Help me keep my eyes on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a powerful song of worship:

https://youtu.be/N2xzoPDI9eA

Is Jesus Enough?

 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."Hebrews 10:14

What is the reason you go to church? Is it for the people there or the worship. Really truly reflect on that. Jesus should always be enough. 

Church is a building where people worship God but the church is also you if you are a representative of Him. Do you try to be His representative daily by things you say and do? 

We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving and that is the day reflections are to be made on what God has done for you and really truly for this great land. Guard your heart friend and know that Jesus and Jesus alone should be all you ever need. This isn’t saying don’t worship in a church building but saying the reason for that worship is as unto Him. 

PRAYER: I want to say thanks for being able to enjoy this day and be able to be free to worship God. Help anyone struggling to believe find a way to Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Giving Thanks Every Day

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!"Psalm 107:1

Established by the pilgrims in 1622 but not a national holiday until 1863 by President Lincoln. 1941 was when Congress declared it a legal holiday. Some public school calendars call it Autumn break not referring to the religious roots by which it was established. 

Each year in America we commemorate this day by gathering with friends or family. But this day was set aside originally as a ‘religious’ celebration honoring God for bringing them safely to the new land. 

At Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts is where Pilgrims in their ship the Mayflower landed in 1620. The first year was rough and many died but their new Native American friend Squanto taught them how to survive on their new land. A feast was celebrated with their new friends in 1622 to thank God for their lives and their new land. Are you thankful for this day and what it means?? 

PRAYER: Lord I pray people today are able to reflect on what this day really means. Bring peace to hearts that need your touch. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and watch history of Thanksgiving by Drive Thru History:

https://youtu.be/mT_d9dOXi0U

Are You Trusting God?

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."Romans 12:12

Praying, waiting, but getting agitated over no answers or change?Sound familiar?Part of God’s perfect plan is learning how to wait and not try to jump in and act like you are in control. When He sees you being able to wait then some changes may happen over things you are praying for. 

You may have heard the old hymns ‘Trust and obey’ and ‘I surrender all’ but when they are sung do you believe what you are singing? Do you truly believe as He wants you to. 

Whatever is going on in your life now my friend keep letting God hear from you. Don’t quit believing. Keep looking up as Jesus has this. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for what you are doing behind the scenes so to speak. Help anyone waiting be able to have an extra measure of patience. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh Where Can It Be

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Philippians 4:6-7

I get lots of devotion ideas from my own little world such as not being able to locate devotions that I had written after searching to no avail so getting ready to come up with a couple new ones somehow hoping the file fairy will have those reappear somehow. So here goes. 

What in your life has you frustrated right now? This time of year it can get so busy that you may just want to run away and hide. Some of you may thrive on the overloaded schedules but I don’t.  

This is supposed to be the season of reflecting on our blessings so have you done that? Stop, breathe, ponder and gather your thoughts. Try to not let culture dictate your holiday and enjoy it regardless of if everything is picture perfect. Give God the glory and reflect on the story of how this land became a Christian nation. 

PRAYER: I need you every day Father to learn to trust you for all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Righteous Generations

The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him.Proverbs 20:7

Most people I know pray for their generations to come after them to inherit spiritual DNA and want to follow the ways of the Lord. The present culture does a good job pulling our families away from the Lord so a young person has to be intentional to remain on the right path and not stray. 

You do what you can and let God and the Holy Spirit take it from there. The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy it says in John 10:10. You can tell the enemy to get his hands off your family because they belong to God. 

Moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, stay on your knees and never give up hope or prayer because your prayers are indeed heard. 

PRAYER: Lord I pray for protection today and every day for my family members. I pray they will love you with all their heart and run far from any wrong thinking or actions that take your place on their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Some Affronts You Have To Ignore

"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness."Proverbs 15:1-2

Have you ever been misunderstood either by a spouse, close friend, sibling, or even an employer? Sometimes depending on the subject it is best to shut the door on the person’s anger and offense and don’t let it go any further. Give it to God in other words. 

Be wise my friend. Don’t try to always be right or be the winner of the verbal battle. Especially when it is a husband and wife issue just be still and talk to God. 

Sometimes people get mad over the dumbest things and stomp off carrying offense towards you. Just sit and be still. Let your words be few. Be kind. Pray. 

PRAYER: The tongue is so hard to control so Lord help me forgive those who have hurt me with their words. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop The Fret Train In Your Mind

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 4:6-7

Are you totally at peace? If you are congratulations because most people have something on their mind they wish they could fix. Sometimes the less you know the better off you are. 

There is this thing you can do and it is called prayer. Go on prayer walks as well around areas of your town or city and simply lift up a situation to God.

Make yourself stay away from places or thoughts that cause you to put your mind on earthly things instead of God. What you are praying for trust God is working. 

PRAYER: Father I give you the situation that is making me fret and know you are working. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

In Jesus’ Name-Just Say It

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.Colossians 3:17

When you pray do you simply say ‘Amen’ or do you say “In Jesus’ name Amen”?Amen simply is a ritualized ending to a prayer meaning “so be it”. No real power just an ending. 

People have different styles of praying and ending their prayer but I personally learned several years ago all prayers should be prayed ‘in Jesus’ name’ and not just Amen. The Holy Spirit has to convict you individually about it and it is not wrong to just end with Amen but more powerful when prayed in the name of Jesus. 

There is power in the name of Jesus so why not end your times of prayer with “In the name of Jesus” or “in Jesus” name then say Amen. If I am in a service and just Amen is uttered I say under my breath “in the name of Jesus”.

PRAYER: Help people realize the power in your mighty name Lord to overcome giants, tear down walls, bring healing and much. There is power in your name. in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a song of worship: https://youtu.be/0XwbVCI_mkw

Don’t Let Football Determine Your Happiness

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."Philippians  4:4

This is the midst of football season in the US and if you are a die hard fan which I gave many friends who truly are, don’t let how your team is doing determine your daily outlook on life. Many homes also are divided during this time which is hard for me to fathom since my husband and I watch two games a year, Rose Bowl and Super Bowl. 

I guess what I am saying is don’t let your daily happiness be guided by the gridiron statistics and when your team is doing great resist the urge to ram it into people’s faces as that is a sure way to lose friends. 

Be thankful each and every day for life and realize there is more to life than football so don’t become depressed when your team is at the bottom of the charts. Enjoy your life, enjoy your game whatever it is and be kind to others whichever side they take. 

PRAYER: Father help me to realize my hope is not in day to day life with its ups and downs but is in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Release Those Who Hurt You

 "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."Colossians 3:13

Are you harboring a grudge or resentment towards someone who may never even realize they hurt you or they may never come to you personally seeking forgiveness? If so now is the time to let things go. 

If you expect to have a life of purpose reaching forward to becoming more Christlike you can’t do it carrying around emotional baggage. Maybe no one will ever know you forgave but it is between you and the Lord. 

Today just stop and ponder if there is anything you need to let go of and move on. 

PRAYER: I need you every hour Lord. When turmoil of life starts pressing in I choose to stay peaceful. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'"John 6:35

The world offers many distractions, comforts, opportunities but what about Jesus? One of saddest things I think is when you hear of someone dying and nowhere in their obituary is there any mention of Jesus.

My heart goes out to people like this who spent their days pursuing earthly things with no time for a relationship with the savior. Maybe they have found a ‘religious’ church to put on their resume with no real change in them or love for Jesus. 

Where are you at today my friend? Once you take your last breath it is too late. Do you want to follow Jesus and have him say “Well done thy good and faithful servant”. 

PRAYER: Father so many lost souls are seeking the world’s pleasures and running from you. Use me in any way to help draw people to you or back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click on link- I have included a gospel song that fits perfectly with this message. Don’t let big hair scare you. Listen and pray. https://youtu.be/U8GeD9S3_Gk

Pity Party Invitation Returned

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

Do you throw pity parties? Does anyone else ever come to them? Nope a party of me, myself, and I. 

When you are tempted to throw a pity party go write a letter to a friend or go list on paper all the good things in your life. 

God knows when your heart is broken and he loves you so much. When you throw pity parties you are just assuming people think a certain way when truly you have no clue. Stay close to God, talk to Him. Do something nice for a stranger or friend. Let God have your sadness. 

PRAYER: I want to say thanks for all God has blessed me with and ask forgiveness for being a complainer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Chatterboxes Beware

The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin." Proverbs 10:8

Ah to be still like really still like checking facts before speculating and opening mouths. When you hear something don’t assume things and try to add to the details but know for certain or risk embarrassment. 

When a person testifies on the Bible in court, if they still do that,  they better not speculate or could be in real trouble. I am sharing this because I have assumed things before and added to a story of an event that occurred finding out later the details I shared were not facts. Boy did I feel stupid. What I did didn’t create havoc anywhere it was just in error. 

Know your facts before you open your mouth. Christian’s are not supposed to be busy bodies or gossips so beware and if you suffer in this area ask God to help you before you destroy a relationship. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for the gift of being able to talk, laugh, sing and so forth but help me gain control over things I think so they don’t come out of my mouth as facts. Give me self control. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Unexplainable Unconsolable Grief

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”Psalm 147:3

Recently a young girl was killed here in a pedestrian vehicle accident and when I first heard of it and the proximity to where my son and family lived my heart sank and my prayers began. 

Anyone who has to deal with this sort of tragedy will never be prepared. There aren’t even words to know what to say but usually you might hear something like “why didn’t God stop this” and this  anger is given to our Creator. 

No one is going to be able to help the parents of this child only time passing heals wounds. Any kind of death unexpectedly is heart wrenching. Death is part of life and no one is promised a perfect exit from their earthly existence. Live each day to the fullest. Start your day with prayer. Be kind and not judgmental. Show love to those around you especially your family. 

PRAYER: Lord I ask you comfort grieving hearts who go through the pain of any type of unexpected death. Give hope to those who grieve. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Giving The Devil A Foothold?

“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 4:26-27 NIV Bible Gateway

A foothold would be like on a climbing wall a place designed to put your foot to make it easier to climb. Is there anyway in your life that you are making it easier for Satan and his attacks? 

Things like what you take into your mind such as TV, movies, music, literature. Perhaps it is the friends you associate with who might be dragging you further from God and truth. 

Put on your armor of God and read God’s word and know it so you can apply it to areas of your life you need resistance from the enemy. He is tricky so be on guard. 

PRAYER: Lord thank you for protecting me daily from attacks from the devil. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fresh Winds Needed

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.Psalm 51:12 AMP Bible Gateway

Do you ever feel like your joy is zapped and you just need a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit to blow over you? I think all of us do at some point. Could be due to weather or situations in your life. 

Are you going through something today and can’t seem to shake the gloominess? I think about this time of year the stress of expectations of Thanksgiving and Christmas set in and maybe not for men as much but for a lady unless you have the overflowing gift of hospitality and entertaining it can be overwhelming if you allow it to. Another party, potluck, office event, gift exchange and you start to lose your joy. 

Don’t allow unrealistic expectations to get you in a funk. Be yourself and do your own thing. Don’t let the culture or world squeeze you into its’ mold of what things need to look like. The 2004 Hollywood movie Christmas With the Kranks depicted a family who decided to do their own thing but it backfired on them when the HOA was upset they were not going to be putting up their decorations. Watch it as it is cute. Now go breathe in breathe out and enjoy your life. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each day to be my guide and my comforter. Forgive me when I allow the enemy to get me stressed out. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Kingdom Into Every Space

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."Matthew 5:16

I was having a conversation with someone one day who was like a Debbie Downer and started to get sucked into that believing. The subject was schools and believing there could be good people and good godly teachers even in liberal states or cities. 

One thing I recommend doing is prayer walking areas you may be concerned about such as around the perimeter of school campuses when school not in session, or perhaps city hall. Prayer walking is simply praying and walking not drawing attention to yourself. 

Believe on the Lord Jesus and lift up the schools, principals, school boards, curriculum selection committees, librarians and pray for truth to prevail even in the midst of places Satan would like to rewrite history. Don’t fret but trust God will provide godly teachers for your children and grandchildren free of political slants. 

PRAYER: Father I trust that you will be in every hallway and book inside not just public schools but private as well. Help teachers and staff who aren’t walking with you to find you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pause To Reflect

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

Today in the US we stop to honor all veterans or those who served our nation in peacetime or in war. These are not retirees necessarily although many are but those men and women who answered the call and donned the uniform of the Armed Forces to help keep our country free. 

Freedom is precious and whether or not an individual served in conflict they are still worthy of honor and respect. 

Today pause and reflect on freedom and what it means and how easy it would be to lose it if people are asleep at the wheel and don’t care how they vote. Be vigilant. 

PRAYER: Thanks for the gift of America and those who faithfully answered the call to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Move On From Being Mad?

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

Maybe you have been hurt by someone and you are waiting for them to initiate an “I’m sorry session” but nothing is happening. What do you do? 

Holding a grudge isn’t the answer. So you know you want reconciliation with this individual but they are too stubborn to allow it. You can’t force someone to say they are sorry or they made a mistake but often that is the issue. The person knows they are on the wrong but can’t admit it. 

So the separation and animosity continues until someone is big enough to say this is stupid and only giving the devil glory. Do you have a plan? 

PRAYER: My heart aches when a wall of separation is erected between friends or family members over something really trivial and stupid. Help anyone dealing with being too proud to say they are sorry to seek your face and humble themselves. Help keep me humble. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Spiritual Darkness-Be The Light

This is the message we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. So we are lying if we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness." 1John 1:5-6

Our world is in darkness and only the light of Jesus is going to dispel it and turn people towards the true light Jesus’ Christ. The father of lies, Satan has overcome some people to the point they can’t recognize truth and are deep in darkness. 

Today shine the light of Jesus’ wherever you go and stay away from social media posts that could make you angry or fearful but trust God is going to restore true light to those you are praying for. 

Go out into your corner of the world with joy and hope that God will use you to be light for Him. 

PRAYER: I thank you for shining light into dark corners of the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Overthink Things?

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

Our minds are very complex creations. Our creator God did a marvelous miraculous work with creating the human brain. It is a computer on our shoulders. 

That mind has to be tamed and controlled too because it can start getting fixated on things not good for it or you. You have to put good things it to get good pleasant results. 

Proper thinking is a discipline to work on for instance don’t sit around conjuring up the thought that someone doesn’t like you because how do you know? You don’t. Don’t let your mind start running random thoughts but train it in godliness. 

PRAYER:Father I give my thinking to you and I ask you take control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.