Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me". John 14:1

What is bothering you? Have you gone to the Lord and shared your heart? 

You are not to worry about anything(See Philippians 4:6-7) but to pray about everything no matter how little or trivial you think it might be. 

The enemy can cause you to stay fixated on some issue or person and you may not be able to break free because you constantly mull over things you can’t fix. You truly have to purpose in your heart to not be troubled. Period. Let things go and wait on God. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life to guide my every step. I don’t want to try to orchestrate my own life so help me stay on track. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus Walked Among Sinners

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”Matthew 9:10-11

When you think you are a pretty good person look out because all of us are sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory(See Romans 3:23). Jesus went to where people needed help not to huge church gatherings. Basically he walked among sinners. 

The world we live in is a broken place and many have wandered from the faith and had their ears tickled by teachings that justified their beliefs and sins. Deceiving spirits have caused many to believe lies and follow the world’s ways rather than God. 

Guess what? You need to not cave in but you do need to go out and share your faith with a broken world. When wrong is called right and evil is called good we are in trouble. My friend take time daily to read scripture and pray that you will not be led astray and tempted by Satan. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to open my eyes to the truth. I pray for all those people who have never known you to have a Holy Spirit encounter and for those who have walked away to come back. In Jesus’ name. 

Waiting-Not Easy

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."Philippians 4:6

Waiting is a part of life and it is not fun nor easy. Whether waiting on medical news, return of a prodigal child, hearing news on a job or a host of other things at times you may want to help God and speed things along. Prayer shouldn’t be an ASAP thing but should be when God will it in His plan.

Is waiting an issue in your life? If you are honest I would say it probably is a part of everyone’s life story. 

Guard your heart. Keep your mouth closed. Be still. Pray. 

PRAYER: Father I get overwhelmed at times wanting things to be snappy but realize you are working. Keep me still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Look At Me!

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom"Proverbs 11:2

I admire those people I know who live a happy life without social media. It can be done. Social media can breed hurt and dissatisfaction as you compare yourself with another. Social media for sure doesn’t promote humility but promotes putting self on the throne. 

I use social media to put my devotions out and try to limit what I feel a need to post. Also try to not look at others stuff because you might find you were left out of something and feel hurt. I think social media is the devil’s playground but why not turn it into a ground for believers to reach out and comfort others. 

Today ask yourself why you feel a need to share everything with everyone. Talk to God and seek to put Him first above social media postings. Maybe fast from it for a while. Delete unnecessary apps like Tik Tok, Snap chat or Instagram. Go and enjoy your life and if you have to make a post make it one to lift up Jesus. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for giving me wisdom and for guiding my life. Help me get my boosts from you not from ‘likes’. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Maybe God Is Not Done With You Yet

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Do you ever get discouraged and wonder what you possibly could be contributing to other people’s lives? The enemy is the one who brings discouragement and a host of other things. 

First don’t compare yourself with other people that too is a tool of the enemy. Count your blessings which you will find are many. Show love when you don’t feel like it. 

When you feel confused get busy doing something. Try to find someone to help. Send cards to people who need cheered up. God can use you all the years of your life. 

PRAYER: Father I know you love me and I know you have made each person unique. Help me embrace where you have me, stay off social media, and pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Well Done Good And Faithful Servant

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’"Matthew 25:21

Do you believe God has a distinct calling on every believers life, a path you were predestined to follow to help bring the Kingdom of God to those without a personal relationship with Him?

Your job is to try to win souls to the kingdom of Heaven and help people steer clear of a culture dragging them the total opposite way without them even realizing it. You do your work not trying to win pats on the back or material rewards but simply because God has called you. 

Do you feel a call of God upon your life? Does your heart break for those straying from the truth or those with no interest in heavenly things. It should. Don’t live for yourself but live to try to help everyone come to Jesus. Make Heaven crowded. 

PRAYER: My heart aches for those people I know and love who simply turn their backs on you and live like today is all there is. Use me Father to help draw others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Why Is Saying Sorry So Hard?

 "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." James 5:16

You’ve messed up and you know it but yet why not tell whoever you hurt you are sorry. Humans make mistakes. Only God can redeem us and set us free. 

Admitting you were wrong is sometimes difficult and it is humbling to have to admit your mistakes. I have been hurt by people who eventually came back and apologized and then I have some people in my life who never apologized at all. Regardless you have to choose to forgive even if they never personally came to you seeking reconciliation. 

It’s take a big person to admit they may have been wrong or they may have said things that wounded. The Holy Spirit has to convict so continue to move forward in life and let God work. If there are friends  who have hurt you give them to God. 

PRAYER: Lord I seek your face today and choose to be joyful. Help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Focus On Joy

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."

Galatians 5:22

Joy should not be dependent upon circumstances in your life but should be an inner peace and contentment attained only through following God. You don’t allow your environment to drag you down but purpose in your heart to overflow with joy. 

Joy is more than a feeling but it is an action too and a mindset. Not feeling joy? Send a card to someone or write down your blessings. Or don’t feel joy? Clean your house or car and keep active. 

Don’t make your joy dependent on other people. Keep your focus on good things and not bad and seek to be kind to all people you encounter. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for blessing me use me to bless another. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bright Faith, Bright Hope, Bright Love

But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1Corinthians 13:13ASV Bible Gateway

One of my favorite coffee drive thrus out here in Idaho has this advertisement which is my title for a three new refreshing summer drinks. I like the Christian aspect of it for writing a devotion. 

As a believer we are to shine His light and be bright for the kingdom of Heaven and not be hiding and embarrassed by our faith. Prayers when dining out. Prayers with friends spontaneously who are having struggles in life. Basically don’t hide your light but shine like a light house in a dark world. 

Love indeed is what God wants us to strive for. Being kind to those who are different than us or to those we don’t share same viewpoints with. Showing the love of Jesus to a crippled up confused world is what we are called to do. Prayer walk places that need a touch of Jesus. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me be bold for the kingdom even when opposition is all around me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Peace Only God Can Give

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3

Are you fretful over world news, financial collapse, bad medical reports, and so much more? If honest everyone has been anxious at some time or other. God gave us our emotions but we are to try to be led by the Spirit instead of the flesh. 

Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes and disasters are all going to happen. Family issues may be swirling out of control in life with only your prayers to give you peace in the midst of turmoil and feuding. 

Pray and let God take the wheel so to speak. I myself have tried to take the wheel back on several occasions because I get taunted by the enemy to try to take charge. Rest my friend and keep your mind on Him. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for those people who try to do life without you. I pray for those who need to turn to you to do so. I pray for anxious hearts to be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

No News Is Good News

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15

You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “no news is good news” which really doesn’t always hold true but when you go away on a vacation and have no access to the outside world no news is indeed good news because your mind can relax from the fears of things happening in the world.

If you want to be at peace with yourself and display that peace to those around you, don’t fill your mind with things that really won’t benefit you and could cause angst.  

Today make up your mind that you will walk in peace and if feeling anxious to stop and pray. Bad things are always part of the fall of man but you don’t need to hyper focus on them by filling up your mind on the nightly news. Go have a nice day. 

PRAYER: Lord I choose peace so help me ignore the cries of the world to saturate my mind and thoughts with subjects that scare me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You A ‘Crown Hoarder’?

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.2 Timothy 4:8

Once believers die and enter Heaven we are promised different crowns according to scripture. You think why would I want a silly crown what’s up with that? I really have no good response to give you. 

I have never been a beauty queen and had a crown on my head here on Earth but a crown is a reward. On Earth are you striving for worldly ‘crowns’ or popularity kind of like trophies, certificates, and so forth. Earthly crowns don’t amount to much other than boosting personal worth and proving things to others. 

Don’t get me wrong your work here on Earth matters but is it kingdom work or work to bring glory to yourself? Ponder that. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to do nothing more than to serve you and be used by you each and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Learn To Tell Yourself No

“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city” . Proverbs 16:32

Do you have trouble with self control? It could be in areas of spending, eating, texting, talking so many things. A self controlled person is a real gem. 

Many times you may want to do something or buy something but that is your flesh talking. You have to just say no and set boundaries for yourself. 

Is this an area in your life that needs tweaking? Go to God and He will see you through. Guard your heart and your mind and stay away from things causing wrong impulsive behavior. Now go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me stay on track and listen to the Spirit not the flesh. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Many Will Come Few Will Enter

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.".Matthew 7:13-14

Church does not save you. Baptism does not save you. Who you know won’t save you. Social status or wealth won’t save you. Being a nice person won’t save you. A certain denomination won’t save you. 

Too many people I feel think Heaven and Hell are fictional but they are very real. The life lived by many today is one of eat, drink, and be merry. Every person has a choice to accept or reject the Lord. No one knows when they will breathe their final breath. Are you sure that if you died today you would be with Jesus in Heaven? 

We are all sinners but God calls us to repent and turn from wickedness, hate, judging, gossip, and so much more. Romans 10:13 says  "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." The Holy Spirit will bring conviction of right versus wrong good versus evil. Where is your heart today? Are you beyond the shadow of a doubt sure you will be with Jesus when you die? 

PRAYER: Father my heart aches for those people who mock you, mock your creation, and mock believers. I pray for those who need freedom in Christ to be set free. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Truth Or Consequences

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."Proverbs 14:12

There was a TV game show in the sixties entitled what my devotion title is today. Catchy title and basically premise was be truthful or lose. 

In life you are better off being truthful at home, at school, with friends, on the job, and basically everything. In John 8 it speaks of the truth setting you free and indeed it does.

In the Garden of Eden the first lie was told and everyone should know the consequences of that. So my friend as much as Satan may entice you to tell half truths, fibs, or white lies it is still lying and will result in trouble and many harsh consequences in the long run.

PRAYER: Lord help me be discerning of truth versus lies because deception is rampant especially on social media. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Live For Jesus Not The Culture

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."Romans 12:2

How many people do you think live like this is all there is so live with gusto and don’t worry about consequences?Laughing and mocking at any consequences to actions that deep down people know are sinful. 

For instance I started to watch a Prime Video that was touted as new and popular based on a romantic novel where the actress’ character talked about hooking up all the time for fun and I knew what she meant in other words no morals when it came to dating. This movie had no  redeeming qualities other than feeding lust so I didn’t watch it. It could also be in books you choose to read that feed the flesh not the Spirit. 

If you are a parent it is your job to guide your children to what is pure and wholesome and hopefully Holy.Also you yourself need to guard your heart and mind. If Jesus came to visit you would you have to change the channel or put away magazines you were looking at? Something to think about. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me stay holy and set apart. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Prying The Door Open

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."Proverbs 16:9

What are you waiting on? Waiting on God is hard to do but my friend take it from a person in ‘the waiting room’ you have to be still and stop trying to pry a door open that is shut. Doesn’t seem fair you say. Maybe it isn’t but for now that is where you are at. 

Waiting for answers to prayer and changes to occur can be gut wrenching. You can’t make things happen on your own but can indeed make a mess of things trying. 

So today be still. Chill. Get occupied with other things rather than dwelling on an issue or a person. Trust God and go back in that waiting room. 

PRAYER: Father your will not mine is my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fads

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."1 Peter 2:9

What is the latest cool fad?I was thinking maybe the ‘weighted vest’ where you hear of celebrities walking or hiking with them. Trending as the saying goes. Do you fall for fads or are you happy and content in your own bubble? 

Can you be yourself or do you have to be like everyone else? Not pointing a finger at anyone but why do we feel we have to let everyone know what we are doing? Blame it on social media I guess. Fads start with peer pressure. 

Are you able to resist peer pressure or do you allow the culture to shape you? Something to think about as you go about your day. Be blessed to be a blessing. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be happy with who you created me to be. Help me resist cultural peer pressure. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dealing With Retirement?

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10 NIV

The late Pastor Charles Stanley used to say retirement was not a concept found in the Bible and indeed it is more of a man made concept to retire at 55 or 65 and then what? 

My husband entered that phase recently but he wants to work but has not been called upon to work on any more government contracts right now. He is super talented and has hobbies but what if you have no goals or gifts then what? 

You can’t assume you can just travel the world, golf, hang out with grandchildren all the time, go non stop camping or hiking but you have to be realistic. Finding a way to serve others expecting nothing in return helps. I was not in a job long enough to retire as my years I would have worked I was a stay home mom. 

Above all don’t let the comparison monster get you because it has reared its ugly head in my life many times. Every one is different. Seek God first and be still. If you want to get a job by all means don’t let your age stop you. I joke saying I want to be a 72 year old flight attendant and I know I could do it just would get lots of stares like where did you put the young flight attendant. Get involved in ministry. Samaritans Purse has many opportunities and there are other groups. Think beyond yourself and ask God to use you 

PRAYER: Help me Father look beyond myself. Open doors of opportunities for service to your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Trusting God Even In The Silence

“But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him."Habakkuk 2:20

One of the best spiritual exercises you can do is to learn to be still. No phone to use as a crutch but simply to sit with your thoughts and be still. I had the joy of doing this one morning recently watching humming birds zipping through my yard. A gentle rain fell adding to the moment. 

You can’t truly ‘be still’ clutching your devices. No looking at even Christian sites but set the phone down and look around you. Use your brain and ponder life. Don’t go into stinking thinking but instead just relax and think of things to be joyful about. 

This is another day God has given you so make good use of it. Don’t worry if you don’t have a monster to do list because being busy doesn’t produce the joy of the Lord but yet is a way maybe to try to prove to others you matter cause your life is full. You matter to God. Go talk to Him. 

PRAYER: Thanks for another day on this earth you blessed me with. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Are

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."Colossians 3:12

I was on my weekly prayer call originating from Huntsville, Alabama when one lady declared ‘You are’ with ‘you’ meaning God.  

You are Almighty. You are righteous. You are set apart. You are Holy. You are the great I am. You are the Redeemer. You are the restorer. You are Lord over all. You are Omnipresent. You are Light. You are My Peace. 

I challenge all people reading to take a moment and realize no matter what is going on in your life God is there. Don’t stumble in the darkness being stressed and worried but talk to God. Let God fill your tanks or allow the world to do so. It’s your choice. 

PRAYER: Father God help me as I run my race with your hand upon me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Watch Out For Potholes

"The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."Proverbs 16:9

As you go down the road of life you will have yield signs, detours, dead end, high water, one lane ahead, and many other ‘warning’ signs. Some take you by surprise others just happen. 

A surprise medical diagnoses catches you off guard. A friend refuses to be your friend anymore. Your church implodes and friends scatter to other places. A job loss or reduction in pay comes unexpected, and you can add to this list. 

Everyone has trials of some sort but it is knowing that God is there and when you seek the Holy Spirit and wait for that still small voice you are better off. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I seek your face and guidance in those unplanned moments in life. Help me know how to comfort those struggling in their life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

But You Don’t Know How I Am Feeling

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

Feelings are a tangible real emotion for all people probably even an infant who can’t talk yet using their  crying to express how they feel at a particular time. 

If you are a parent of a small child listen to your children if they try to explain something to you or indicate their feelings because it could even alert you to dangers with teachers, adults in their life, coaches,  or even possibly child sex traffickers depending on what the individual shares. Not saying this to get you to worry but don’t be so mesmerized by things you can’t see beyond for what might be underlying causes of emotions. 

Yes we often don’t know how people feel because none of us are mind readers so be still, pray, stay in the Word of God. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be alert to any dangers of anyone I might know or be close to and help me listen when someone wants to share how they feel and never make lightly of it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

WRLWND

They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up.Hosea 8:7

Thanks again to an Idaho motorist for providing my title for today meaning ‘whirlwind’ from their vanity tag. When I saw it I immediately wondered if the individual knew Jesus or just made this a comical play on words as much of secular society and the culture like to joke about sin and its’ ramifications. 

Isaiah 66:15 says “See, the LORD is coming with fire, and his chariots are like a whirlwind; he will bring down his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.” It is a symbol of God’s power, might, and judgment. You can mock God or ignore His truths but in the end all mankind will know who is Lord. 

Many who mock God and His laws will be crying out for help in the end when they do know the truth. Scripture says in Galatians 6:7 that “God is not mocked. Whatever a man does he will reap.”

Run hard after God my friend. Resist the devil and he will flee it says in James 4:7. 

PRAYER: My heart breaks for those who mock God and trash His truths. You still love them but Father help all mankind come to know Jesus is Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible-Notification

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart."Proverbs 3:1

For anyone on their phone using social media or other tools you may receive what is called a ‘notification’ hopefully getting you to interrupt what you are doing to look at it such as a Facebook notification. I may look at Amber Alerts or Watch Duty, a fire app, but don’t have to jump right in to social media it can wait if I look at all. 

What if you could get a notification to read your Bible? I know the You Version Bible App has several plans you can sign up for to read devotions with scripture but they are sent as a reminder to not forget. 

What is more important than hiding God’s words in your heart? Satan doesn’t want you to know God’s word so he will try to distract you or make you feel you know enough. Brother and sister you need God’s word in your heart daily in order to know truth from deception. Make it your priority. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you daily and I lean on you to help me get through each and every day. Help me keep my eyes and ears alert to tricks of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Can Pour A Wall To Hold Back A River But You Can’t Pour One To Make It Rain

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

My title is  a quote from a documentary I was watching on public TV about the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell and lack of sufficient snow melt having created a huge problem. Made me think that man is not really in control of anything even though the illusion exists he is. The big HE is the one in

control ultimately.

Interesting concept that God gave man the knowledge and intelligence needed to create many things one of which were huge concrete dams to hold back rivers like the Colorado to generate electricity. But dams can fail and skies may not open and produce precipitation. Then what next? 

Never take anything in life for granted. Give thanks for those skills He has blessed you with and your problem solving abilities to figure things out but don’t get so high and mighty you think you are a one man or one woman show. God created all things and He is behind it all. 

PRAYER: Father you alone are almighty and glorious. Thanks for the gifts and abilities you give to all humans to do things and create things. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

SNDHLP

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NIV Bible Gateway

Yet another vanity tag gives me an idea for my writing this one means ‘Send Help’ and it would be great in passing a note to someone if you passed them walking and were being harmed but what was the vehicle owner trying to get across by this hidden message? 

Perhaps the verse for today brings enlightenment in that God is always with us and is a sort of flotation device if you feel you are sinking. He is ‘ever present’ meaning always there. Wow! 

What are you dealing with in life where you need help? Reach out in prayer to God as He will send help. 

PRAYER: Lord God help me stay grounded in your word and I know you are always there in all situations. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh To Be Rich

 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

One day I had been out shopping in downtown Boise and stopped at a high end coffee shop attached to a boutique hotel and watching the ‘rich and famous’ checking out and thinking how great it is to live in America and have the opportunities we do where you can literally have the chance to do anything you want. 

Furthermore Romans 12:16 states "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.” Before arriving at this coffee shop I passed what the world would call a bum on the street. I smiled and said hi. He did not ask me for anything. 

If you have riches do you share with others or do you only heap up things for yourself? Do you tithe and help others in need and do it cheerfully?The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. This is 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. My friend don’t live like this is all there is. Some day you will die. We all will.  Enjoy life but be thankful and give money away and help others. 

PRAYER: Lord use me to help others not expecting anything in return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.