Love, Food, And Prayer

"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."Matthew 6:31-33

I was watching something can’t recall what now and in referring to those less fortunate said a persons basics needs were love, food, and prayer. Ponder that for a moment. 

Feeling loved is very important. Many people don’t know that feeling. Having food in your belly is important for thriving. And of course praying to God each day and knowing others are praying for you 

Live beyond yourself is what the key is. When you are having a bad day there is someone somewhere who doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from or maybe doesn’t have a family who loves them. 

PRAYER:Thanks for the home I live in and the bed I sleep on and the food I eat daily. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

There Will Be An End Someday

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

Death is not something to fear. You may wonder about it and try to imagine what it will be like but don’t waste your energy and instead stay focused on preparing for your next chapter of life called ‘eternal life’. Yes there is more than just now. 

Maybe you wish you could go back and correct some of the dumb things you did in your past. Perhaps you wish you could do more to get ready. You may know people and maybe you are one of them who just don’t get the whole eternal life thing and just don’t want to think about it or talk about it but my friend no one escapes death. And there is a Heaven and there is a Hell. End of story. 

Is your heart right with God? Do you get up focused on this world and what it entails or do you ponder the kingdom? Many say they don’t need church to be a Christian and yes that is a true statement but a believer should crave the fellowship a church home offers and seek one where God’s word and truth are front and center. Don’t let this culture shape your heart but seek a God shaped heart. 

PRAYER: My heart yearns for being able to help captives be set free. I pray Lord you will remove blinders off those I know and love to seek after you or better yet to run hard after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Broken Hearted?

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Is your heart broken today? Hearts break for many reasons. Rejection and loss make for a perfect breeding ground for heartbreak. 

Time is the greatest mender of broken hearts but it is the waiting that is hard. Cry out to God and talk to Him. Keep praying. Satan does not want you to talk to God he wants you festering in confusion and anger. Don’t let it happen. 

If you have a broken heart today let God hear from you. Don’t shut God out when you need Him the most. Don’t run to social media, run to God. 

PRAYER: Father help me lean in to you in my times of heartache and heartbreak. I trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sometimes It Is So Difficult To Keep Praising

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."Psalm 34:1

I am not sure what you are dealing with or going through in your life but sometimes it is so hard to feel joyful and keep praising God. Satan wants to emotionally cripple you and get you feeling hopeless or lost and feeling sorry for yourself. 

What challenges are you faced with today? What answer to prayer are you waiting on? Everyone has low moments in life some more drastic than others. 

Run to the ‘throne’ of God not the ‘phone’ of mankind. Your thoughts are troubled and you want set free. Start praising God for your blessings while you are in the ‘waiting room’. Be still Becky, be still readers. 

PRAYER: Father help me keep my eyes on you and let my words be few. You know what I am waiting on. I only need be still. It’s hard. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hopeless?Become A Hopelifter!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."Ephesians 3:20

My friend Kathe in Phoenix has a ministry entitled ‘Hopelifters Unlimited’ and I have been pleased to help her ministry by handing out bracelets of hope which is a tape measure made into a wrist bracelet which depicts God being able to do ‘immeasurably more’ according to Ephesians 3:20 my verse today.  

Actually as a new born again Christian I had that verse on a poster in my apartment in Pacific Grove, California. Here it is following me around all these years later. Do you need hope my friend? 

You may not have lost a baby but many other tragic heart jarring events occur to make you want to believe that God in fact can and will do immeasurably  than you could imagine. Hang on. The ride may be bumpy. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord day after day. I chose hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Who Is Saint Patrick?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.He is also credited with using the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity, a symbol that remains associated with him today. 

 This day is supposedly the date of his death but it has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture. But let’s pause whether you are Catholic or not and think about this man who wanted paganism out and God in. 

Aren’t believers sort of supposed to emulate that in our daily walk with the Lord yet how many people get sucked into the modern culture and keep God on a shelf and only cry out to Him when total desperation strikes. Where are you at today? 

PRAYER: Help me Lord to not be so enamored by culture and help me run my race to win. Also I pray for friends and family caught up in lies and deception of this present day culture to be set free and know life is more than just existing but it is about following you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Where Are You On God’s Checkerboard?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:12

Do you ever feel like a game piece on a checkerboard or chess and in the big game called ‘life’ wonder where exactly you are and what is the next move? Think about that for a moment. 

You and I are not in control although sometimes you may try to be. When you do try it doesn’t usually have a good outcome. 

Whatever you are waiting on or whatever prayer is out there seemingly with no answer yet or end in sight just hang on. Being still is not easy. I know. God has not forgotten you. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you each day. I pray for those I know who don’t think they need you. I pray for a calm in the storm. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Season Of Training

 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Thank God today for your season of training meaning the junk you are going through the struggles and strongholds you are experiencing. You continue to trust and praise Him even when you don’t see things changing. 

You praise Him for issues you know He is working on. Life isn’t always perfect even when following God. You praise Him in the storm. You praise Him when you don’t see things turning around.

The Lord is your Shepherd you shall not want.  Believe receive doubt do without. You are waiting for a miracle in some area just hang on. This period is your training ground, your gymnasium of sorts. Do you trust God no matter what? 

PRAYER: Often my heart aches waiting for healing, deliverance, or a miracle. Give me strength in this storm Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of praise: https://youtu.be/dB4eC55dh-U

Comer Party Of 2

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice."Philippians 4:4

While in Chicago last week I was at my gate to go to Tulsa but the gate doubled as the previous flight to Cincinnati was getting ready to depart. I was chatting with a lady and her son on standby who were hoping to get on. Their name started with a C and I rejoiced with them when the gate agent called their name. She made a comment to me I was a gift from God to talk to or something like that. 

Anyway I do like to rejoice when good things happen to people. I let the lady know  it was a delight to talk to her. She too was a believer. It was a nice God moment. 

Even when you communicate with a person and you don’t have a clue where they are spiritually you can still be kind and let Christ’ love shine through you. Now go and bless someone today. 

PRAYER:Help me be kind to those you place in my path even telemarketers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Life Is Good

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble.He cares for those who trust in him.Nahum 1:7

There is a company that makes all sorts of products primarily their signature T Shirt with the motto ‘Life Is Good’. Life really is good even when seemingly bad things may be happening. 

What is going on in your life today? No matter what it is God can get you through it with a positive outlook if you are trusting Him and thinking good thoughts. Satan is the one who drags you away into a dark gloomy pit. Do not go there keep that door shut. 

Whatever you are facing today remember God wants you to enjoy your life. It is good. 

PRAYER: Lord help me stay focused on positive things and not dwell on negative stuff. In Jesus’ name.Amen. 

Tired Of Being Scammed?

“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight."Proverbs 11:1

Is anyone else sick and tired of the rabbit  trails of false misleading advertising that get you to succumb to buying so many things that don’t work but sound too good to be true. I am. Guess what? God’s word won’t lead you down a dead end street but to peace and joy. 

Put down your phone. Turn off the TV. Trust God. Enjoy his peace and throw off confusion and divisive tactics of the enemy. 

Trust God not cultural lies or false advertising. Deep down you know what is right and true. 

PRAYER: Father help anyone who needs self control in any area. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Kingdom Faith Wins!

 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

On a recent flight a young man was wearing a hoodie that read ‘Kingdom Faith Wins’ so I looked online to see if it was a group but basically my search brought me to a semi definition that faith in God was central to achieving spiritual victories. 

You aim to glorify God by seeking the greatest impact for His kingdom while you are here on Earth. How are you doing with that department? Do you hide your light so to speak or are you ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you about your faith and hope in Jesus? 

Are you prepared to defend Heaven in a loving non judgmental way? Often I am called religious and I do not like that label. I simply love Jesus and want others to love Him as well. I want my family and friends to know Jesus could return at any time and are they ready? 

PRAYER: Father I pray for those people I may know who have either wandered away from their first life of you or never had it in first place. Use me or someone who crosses their path to tell them how to accept you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

People Like To Be 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

On the old TV western based on true accounts, Death Valley Days, recently an episode occurred where a gold hungry lady was speaking to a priest who didn’t want selfish gold hungry people coming to their area because it brought crime and all sorts of things. I thought things haven’t changed much. 

Things have not changed much indeed. Notice the verse does not say money is evil but the love of money. With money comes crime, corruption, and all sorts of evil things but God made the riches and He would like to see people blessed by them not corrupted. 

If you have lots of money give thanks. Just know that in the United States most are rich if compared to many other places in the world. Share your treasure and do it without announcing it to others. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for money, for employment, for comfortable homes and vehicles to drive. Thanks for money to buy luxuries as well. Open my eyes to true needs and motivate me to share. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Warfare Prayers

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."Ephesians 6:11-12

When you pray do you go to the typical “Help me Lord” or “God is great” which is better than nothing at all or are you serious about telling Satan to take a hike and get out of your life? 

This world is not your home. You are in a battle of God versus the devil good versus evil. Once you accepted Christ in your life and started living for Him your game plan is different. You become a mighty warrior wrestling with strongholds the Holy Spirit will help you break. 

It is not about going to church. There is a saying that says ‘Going into church won’t make you a Christian anymore than going into McDonalds makes you into a hamburger’ and it is so true. Put on the armor of God daily and get busy running your race claiming the truth of God. If you are uncertain if you have made Christ Lord of your life contact me. In the meantime stand strong and run your race to win. 

PRAYER: Father I need you daily as the firey darts of Satan are hurled at me and I put up my shield of faith to extinguish them. Help me to totally give you my cares. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oil Of Joy Or Spirit Of Heaviness?

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."Isaiah 61:3

What are you going through today my friend? Perhaps there is much turmoil in your life and you just need a pause and time to refresh and breathe again. 

My friend sometimes you may feel like God has forgotten you I have been there so I know. Would you like to trade your heaviness for joy? 

You never know what others may be going through so don’t think you hold the monopoly on internal pain. Stop where you are and pray silently for those around you. As I wrote this I was in Java in the Hyde Park section of Boise and lifting up those in here. Talk to others and smile. 

PRAYER:Father help me to stand strong and feel and remain in your joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Can You Quiet Your Heart

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

Try repeating the Lord’s Prayer out loud. 

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be your name,

Your Kingdom come,

Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen.

Do you feel better? Hope so. I do!

I don’t know what you are going through in your life but prayer is so vital to your peace of mind. 

There is an organization based out of Oklahoma that has twice weekly prayer calls. It is for Women, sorry guys, but I am including a link if you want to get in touch and maybe be part of their twice weekly prayer calls. Www.nationalwomenspva.com. 

PRAYER: Lord take me and mold me into the vessel you can use best for your kingdom purposes. Help me throw off weights holding me back. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Yay Sunshine Right On Cue!

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV Bible Gateway

I was having one of those woe is me days when poof out came the glorious sunshine through the dull winter sky. Thank you Jesus! 

Sunshine seems to brighten even the hardest of days. To get through lots of mental clutter you have to purpose in your heart to renew your mind daily by reading God’s word. Don’t tell your spouse they need to they can figure it out on their own. 

Discipline your mind to ‘not go there’ so to speak when you feel things caving in on you. Keep looking up. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the beauty of nature and the peace you give us when we seek after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do Your Spiritual Muscles Need Stretched?

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."Romans 5:3-4

Sometimes do you just want to give up cause you are depleted or worn out on your walk with the Lord? Maybe you have had some emotional hurts and pains that have worn you down. Perhaps prayers for loved ones seem to not be working. 

It is the enemy who desires you to cave. I can’t stress it enough how important it is to stay off social media scrolling. There are redeeming things on there but so much that is made up and gets your blood pressure rising. 

You have to get your mind under control. Stop daydreaming scenarios that don’t exist. Cry out to God. Get on your knees. Stop bemoaning why you can’t. 

PRAYER: Lord I praise your name. I thank you for another day to go out and smile and make a difference. I lift up my family to you today that you protect them from Satans attempts to steal their joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.