He’s Still Working On Me And You

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

You are a work in progress even if you are what the world calls elderly, old, a senior, you still gave value and worth and your life and purpose is not over. Don’t just cave in and settle for death.

Yes someday we will all die but each day you will impact others around you in some way. Don’t feel like just because your calendar shows the days ticking away and thinking what possibly could you do to make an impact. You can do plenty. 

Shine for Jesus wherever you are and let go of wrong thinking that may be keeping you emotionally paralyzed. Decide today right now you will not let the enemy drag you into a pit where you feel incapacitated and worthless. You are valuable to God and to this world! 

PRAYER: Today Lord open up doors of opportunity for me to share truth with someone and protect me from devils lies. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Need A Friend- God Is Always There

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”Deuteronomy 31:8

Have you ever felt lost like you needed something or someone in your life? God has been pursuing you since you were born. You are not too far for God to reach you no matter what you have done. Even if you once were crazy in love with God and hungered for His word but somehow strayed off course God is there. 

You need to make a u turn and run back to God. If you have listened to wrong voices, pursued wrong relationships whatever took you away from God’s truth it is time to break the chains and come back. 

The enemy is relentless to try to con you into coming into his court. Don’t fall for lies of the enemy. You know in your heart what is true so tell the devil to take a seat and shut up. God is there. Call out to Him. 

PRAYER: Lord God I need you in my life. I pray for those who know what is the right thing to do but have just let the enemy run over them. I ask that curses be broken and people who need to return to Christ to run hard and fast after Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Christmas Memories

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."Isaiah 9:6

As I was unpacking my Christmas ornament boxes recently and as I am sure you know it can be very nostalgic and a flood of memories came over me. 

Christmas is way more than putting out decorations and filling stockings. As you go about your decorating and wrapping gifts stop and realize what this celebration is really all about. We don’t even need a Christmas tree really. A simple manger scene will do just fine. 

Take time to reflect on what Christmas is and as you watch your various Christmas movies and go to events make sure you remember what the real reason for the season is. 

PRAYER: Lord I don’t want to get so caught up in hoopla that I forget what I am celebrating. Help me stay focused on a babe born in a manger. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Joy Unspeakable

He must increase, but I must decrease.John 3:30 KJV Bible Gateway

Fifteen days til Christmas do you feel joyful? What exactly is joy anyway? I use the acronym with the three letters J.O.Y. Meaning Jesus first, others second, yourself last. 

Why allow the culture to dominate your Christmas. You don’t have to say yes to every party or get your cards out on time or even have your house cleaned. Relax my friend. 

Joy to the world the Lord has come that is what it is all about. Now go enjoy this season. 

PRAYER: Father I need you the world needs you my friends and family need you. Open closed hearts that have become dull and let the joy of your love resonate. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and listen to a super version of Joy To The World-https://youtu.be/rqxMvvptf9I

Contending With A Mountain Of Electronic Gobbly Gook

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

 

Boy am I glad the internet and social media was not yet invented when I was a young mom. At night I think so many of the young moms might be tempted to be on their devices at the expense of a relationship with their children. 

It isn’t just social media but it is the sheer volume of things you have to wade through to get to real messages from family and friends. Maybe an electronic detox is what in order. Yes you can live life without your phone in your back pocket all the time. 

Do you want a peaceful life where you can really sit and be still? Try this. Paper Bible, notebook, pen and Jesus in a quiet place with no distractions. Put the phone away for a while. People can find you if they really need to. 

PRAYER: Help me Father as I seek to seek you more and the world less. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Forgetting The Baby Jesus

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel".Isaiah 7:14

Have you ever heard stories of people who leave a child behind in a restaurant or another place? Probably not. Well this is the season we celebrate because of Jesus’ birth yet so many towns and cities and families totally omit Him. Say what? 

All the merriment, holiday festivities, music but where is the real reason for the season? I have a difficult time being around all the joyous things when Jesus is no where to be found. 

Might I challenge you to seek out the real reason for the season and incorporate Him into the festivities. 

PRAYER: Lord my heart aches for the many people who don’t know the real reason for Christmas or maybe they do but just don’t celebrate it. Convict people to seek the real meaning. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Crazy Schedules In December-Peace On Earth?

If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us.Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.2 Corinthians 5:13-14 NLT Bible Gateway 

In December do you sometimes feel like your head is going to explode thinking of all the demands or things you think you have to do to have a holly jolly Christmas? Who says you have to fit into a cultural norm. Or you may thrive at this time with all the chaos. 

If you are stressed break out of your rut and change things up. First don’t forget your morning quiet times alone with God. It is essential to stay peaceful. Give your expectations and your schedules to God. Relax. 

Be yourself and enjoy the time to celebrate Jesus’ birthday even if the world seems they have forgotten him and glorified Santa. 

PRAYER: Lord thankyou for hearing me and helping me relax when I would rather pop a cork. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Guilt Stalker?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9

Have you been told you guilt people? If so why is it you do it and how can you stop. Even the simple guilt trip of making a Christian sister or brother feel bad when they can’t come to Bible study or an activity. That is not Christlike at all. Making a family member feel bad they can’t hang out with you. 

The way a person was raised can contribute or perhaps birth order or whatever it is it has to be stopped. I am ashamed to say I have brought guilt on people I love not on purpose mind you but never the less it happened. 

It is necessary to stop and think what you text or say and really ask yourself will it edify and bring God glory or what exactly is the purpose of making another person feel bad. God can set you free from anything and if you struggle with this especially now at the busy Christmas season talk to Him and seek to be set free. 

PRAYER: Father God help me act like you when I deal with people and situations. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Reason For the Season

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.John 14:27 NIV Bible Gateway 

This week I was pondering all the cultural obligations of this season. Attend parades, bake cookies, write cards, have people over, go to parties, drive thru light displays  and so much more and I went whew. Why? 

What is the reason for the season? Yes sort of cliche but really what is the reason for this cultural red and green glittery holiday? I think we all the know the answer. It is simple. JESUS. Nothing more nothing less so why then do you find yourself backed into a stressful corner of obligations that steal your joy? 

You don’t see too many manger scenes in front yards. Have a holly jolly Christmas right? Anyway not everyone wants to celebrate the birth of a baby in a manger but you can. Pray for those people who need to know the reason for the season. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I lift up people who are caught up in the tinsel and glitter but don’t know you as their savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Ohio State University and The Jesus Christ

"Salvation exists in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

In watching the recent matchup between Ohio State and Michigan I got to think about my home state of Ohio and how people who go to OSU will say ‘The’ Ohio State University emphasizing their pride of their team so I got to thinking of how we believers should proudly declare we follow ‘The’ Jesus Christ. 

There is no other name whereby mankind can be saved and set free. Not Allah, Not Buddha, Not Mohamed, nothing. There is only one way to enter Heaven and that is to confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and to believe in your heart. (Romans 10:9). 

So here in the midst of football teams arrogantly declaring who is the best believers in Christ know there is only one Jesus! 

PRAYER: Father I thank you that you can set prisoners free and give salvation to whomever calls on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Shortcuts

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.John 14:6

Most people I know seem to like short cuts whether it is driving somewhere or cooking for friends and family. Seems like a short way is the simplest method to stay hassle free and aren’t you looking for less confusion in your life? 

Something’s require more than a shortcut but in general if you could make life simpler you probably would correct? Wonder if there is a book ‘Shortcuts For Dummies’ to help those of us clueless still to simplicity. 

In your walk with the Lord it can be hassle free. Don’t keep saying no to Jesus. Don’t keep making excuses for why you don’t want to be part of a dynamic spirit filled church. Coming to Jesus is pretty simple. Saying “Jesus come into my life and be my Lord and savior. Forgive me for my sins and for ignoring you and putting seeking pleasure over seeking you. I choose to come to you now.” That’s it pretty simple. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to keep running after you and stop taking detours off your path. I know the right thing to do so help me to do it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Comparing To Others

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."James 3:16

Do you ever find yourself wanting to be like or do things you see others doing and you start to become discontent? It is like looking at the greener grass over the fence. 

Everyone’s life is different and not the same dynamics come into play. Better to stop and chill and just give God thanks for what you do have not wishing you could walk in someone else’s shoes. 

This time of year can tend to get a little crazy thinking of gift buying and commitments for Christmas and  if you are like me you feel like running and hiding somewhere. Why not stop get a cup of tea or coffee and breathe and relax and talk to God. 

PRAYER: Lord I do thank you for so much in my life. There is nothing I need but you. Help me keep my eyes on things above and not what my neighbors are doing. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of worship: 

https://youtu.be/047xtru0ZR0

So Be Thankful And Not Critical

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.1 Chronicles 16:34

I guess the old saying “if you don’t have anything good to say then say nothing at all”. Thanksgiving was just celebrated so let’s you and I both try to remain on the upbeat side. It is easy to form an opinion of something or someone and if you have that issue in your life ask God to help you. 

It is very easy to be judgmental and challenging to learn to be kind even in your thinking. If a thought forms or a judgment use discipline to keep it from coming out of your mouth. 

Here’s an idea if a judgment forms in your thinking start to pray over it. The more you pray the less critical you are likely to be. 

PRAYER: Lord help my thoughts and words bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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.