What Sin Has You Entangled?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23 NIV Bible Gateway 

The strategic  attack of the enemy to trip you up and make you feel self righteous as you are not a sinner like so and so is. Watch out my friend there is no one righteous no not one it says in Romans 3:10. 

So what sin are you entangled in? Be honest and search your heart. If you are a believer and know His word and know the truth only truth sets you free. 

Maybe you only sin a little bit like a lie, half truth, judging another, gossiping. Yep those may not seem like the granddaddy of all sins but they are separating you from God. Stop what you are doing and pray for God to forgive you of your sins and stop pointing out other people’s as that is Holy Spirits job. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for forgiveness and for washing me whiter than snow when I come to you sincerely and repent. Guard my mouth and silence my tongue as those two things get me into the most trouble. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dust Bunnies Beware

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

For many of us the thought of having people just drop by unannounced makes you concerned of what they are going to think of your messy house if it is one of those type days. Guess what. People are not coming to judge you or grade you or do a photo shoot for House Beautiful magazine. 

Your home is the place you need to feel comfortable and be able to make others feel welcome too. The days of dropping over for a cup of coffee or just to chat are pretty much behind us which is sad. You can tell allot about people by their homes too although once again your job is not to judge but to be a friend and guest. 

Don’t stress over perfection and don’t compare your living space to another’s. Be thankful for your home and keep it comfortable and clean for your spouse for this honors God. Each person is gifted in different ways so keep that in mind and tell those dust bunnies to beware cause company is coming!! 

PRAYER: Father help me to relax in the environment you have provided for me and to keep it neat and orderly. But help me not run and hide if the doorbell rings for that rare drop in visitor. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hey Daddy

 Praise the Lord.Blessed are those who fear the Lord,who find great delight in his commands.Their children will be mighty in the land;the generation of the upright will be blessed.Psalm 112:1-2

Father’s Day is not a happy day for many people as their father was in name only and not a true daddy or papa. Others were raised by grandpas or a guardian. Some lost their fathers when they were too young to even have a memory of it so Hallmark cards does a good job at trying to inflict pain when not just the right sentiment can be found. 

I hope your relationship with your dad was good. Dads have a huge responsibility to be the leaders of the home and to train up their children to be righteous, holy, good citizens, and so forth. When the dad is missing, many are incarcerated, it causes a deep wound that may take a lifetime to heal or recover from. 

Whatever your situation is or your relationship with your dad one thing is true without him there would be no you. If you are needing to restore a relationship with your dad pray about it. Pray for Fathers maybe who have father wounds from their dads. Dads your job is immense never think it is just about a paycheck. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord that I was born. Help every person appreciate their life no matter what situation brought them to be born. Heal dads with wounds and help restore relationships. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Don’t Get Worldly

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. - Romans 12:2 

Today’s verse was one of the first I memorized as a ‘baby Christian’ and it holds so much truth. 

In order to be set apart for Christ you have to be different than the world not putting on an air of being better than others but simply changing your thinking to live up with kingdom thinking. 

It is easy to conform or try to fit in with a dark world but it is  more courageous to set yourself apart for serving the Lord so maybe someone may ask you what it is about you that is different. Being a Christian is not boring it is freeing and life changing. Want to know more? Private message me. 

PRAYER: Lord I am not perfect but I turn to you for help in not getting conformed to the world around me which doesn’t pay tribute to you. Help me keep my focus on the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

What’s In A Name?

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”Phillipians 2:9-10

Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Gloria Vanderbilt and many other fashion type names are highly sought after by those wanting to impress others or just have high quality products. But why? Humans are so funny. Name dropping seems to try to prove things to others or maybe make a person feel more important. 

There is only one name that should matter and that is the name of Jesus Christ not a high end name to impress. Things in this world are so fleeting so why does it even matter what brands of things you choose to wear? 

Granted I am an outdoors person and there are even name brands in that industry associated with high quality products. My point is to buy things because of quality not because of a name. The most important name is Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus you are the only name that matters under heaven and here on Earth. At your name people will bow down. Help me buy things because of quality not to impress others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Just Rest

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

Just how do you rest? What exactly does that mean? Napping? Sitting under a shade tree? Just being still wherever you are without a constant hum of noise to medicate you. 

Try this. Get your Bible and go somewhere like a park on a bench in the shade away from the playground. Sit and just write in a journal your thoughts. Talk to God like you are talking to a friend or family member and share your heart. 

Maybe you have not been in church in a while and you feel sort of disconnected. A church is not the anecdote but is a great place to connect for fellowship and growth. And not just any church but one that teaches truth from the Bible. A church is a place where the lonely, list, disenfranchised, and hurting go to have their souls lifted up. As you rest today talk to God about your next steps and ask Him to direct you. Come home my friend. 

PRAYER: My heart cries out to you Lord for so many things. My heart hurts from words and actions done to me either knowingly or unknowingly. I give you any pain and I ask you to forgive those who have beaten me down with words or actions. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hospital Church

“On hearing this, Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.'”Matthew 9:12

Church should be a hospital  for the hurting not a courtroom for the guilty. Yes all have sinned but you come to the foot of the cross to repent and to be made whole and receive healing. You want your brokenness healed and redeemed. 

God can and will deliver you from any dark situation in your life. You may feel your life isn’t ‘dark’ but there is still something missing and not right. 

Come to Him and He will give you rest. Trust Him with your daily needs. Talk to Him about your concerns your heartaches. And give it time. Your Father has not forgotten you and He is working. 

PRAYER: Father God many times my heart aches so bad and I want to take matters into my own hands but I can’t. Help me Lord wait on you. Help me stop looking at social media for affirmation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Love God, Love People. Period.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’Mark 12:30-31

A simple formula for a fulfilled life is to live God first and then love people. Instead of waking up and dwelling on your own problems or diving into the social media cesspool find a way to look beyond yourself and try shining Jesus on people you encounter. 

The devil would like to keep you disabled living in self pity and putting others down who you don’t think measure up to God’s standard but that is not what you are called to do brother and sister. You are called to help others and be a beacon of truth in this dark world. 

It’s not about the church you go to but it is about your heart and your desire to be more Christlike daily to everyone. How are you doing my friend? Let God judge you just love and let Him work. 

PRAYER: Take my heart Father and transform it to be like you. Deliver me from my self and help me trust you with ALL that I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I’d Rather Be Flying

"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."Proverbs 19:21

You have no doubt seen bumper stickers that say things like my title today. It’s a way to sort of say I am bored and this is what I would rather do right now. 

For me it indeed is flying not as pilot but as a passenger. I just love going places. Is there something you would like to be doing right now? Today’s verse indicates we can have all sorts of things we want to do but it is purpose of God that prevails. Further Philippians 4:12 states "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" . 

Pretty straightforward wouldn’t you say? I was thinking maybe it is because of all our stuff that we get confused and bored and I wonder if pioneers or cowboys got that way or they were too busy surviving. So friend be thankful for today and live in the moment. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord and I need peace to stay grounded and to focus on above. In Jesus’ name.Amen. 

The Social Media Monster

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”Colossians 4:6

I admire those people who can live life beyond and without the crutch of social media. I try to not look at it too much as it can be a big time waster and mind blower. 

The ‘monster’ is reaching out to grab you, your children, and your grandchildren. Everyone puts their best foot forward and posts pictures only of the best. Why do you and I think we need this medium to be happy or fulfilled? What does it add to life? It is a distraction to real life. 

Once in the clutches of this monster it is hard to get freedom but ask yourself why it is important if the world knows everything. It can be dangerous too, for children, but yet how many grandparents or parents continue posting pictures of children? Be careful my friend. If you have to use social media use it to bring glory to God in a world that has gone crazy and is super divided. Use it to bring together not divide. 

PRAYER: Father give me wisdom when I feel I gave to use social media. Help the younger generation who was raised in this computer world to be protected from the distraction and harm it can bring. Also heal fractures caused by this medium and heal families hurt by it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Get Bad Junk Out Of Mind

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."Phillipians  4:8

Ever have a day when you wake up in a fog and can’t seem to shake it? Probably if people depend on you when you get like this it is important to press through it not dwelling on what got you there. 

If you are physically able get out and go for a walk. Take today’s scripture and meditate on it. Try smiling at people. Make a list of things you are thankful for. 

Today is the day to embrace life and God’s goodness to you. Wherever you are stop and say ‘this is the day the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it.” 

PRAYER: Father you have a plan for my life and I trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Environment Will Disciple You

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Today’s title came from a quote from Pastor Creflo Dollar during his online ‘Grace Gang’ broadcast on 9 June 26. I loved the concept so decided to use it for building today’s devotion. When you think of being discipled as a believer you perhaps think of a group similar to the Navigators building truth into you. The Navigators were my disciples back in 1975-76. 

Do you follow the culture more or do you follow Christ more? Give an honest answer because if this world is discipling you then you are headed for a cliff. 

Romans 12:2 has been a favorite of mine since rededicating my life to Christ in 1975 and it says “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.” The world can shape you or Christ can. Which is your choice? 

PRAYER: Lord I need you each and every day to help my focus stay on you and to stop scrolling and thinking like the world. Help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Job Description

 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people." Colossians 3:23

Whether you are employed, retired, or volunteering you need to remember who your boss is and that is God. You are working for the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Do all things like you were working for a reward or a prize because in the end when all is said and done you are working towards eternal life in the Heavenly kingdom once you have given your life to Him and committed all you do to Him. (See Psalm 37:5). 

So if you dig ditches, direct traffic, teach school, bake bread, serve in a restaurant or are a coffee barista do it all as if serving the Lord because you are indeed doing just that so do it with excellence. Don’t slack off. Now go have a jolly good day. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for gift of work and being able to use my gifts or talents to not only make a living but help in your world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Be Content With What You Have And Who You Are

 "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these."1 Timothy 6:8

Is the grass greener on the other side of the street? No it is not and if it is you don’t know what struggles the people had to get it that way. 

I was recently watching a show on Public TV about a cookbook author and food columnist in magazines who had homes in New York City, Connecticut, and Paris and it all sounded so glamorous. Lots of hard work to get to where she was I am sure. Maybe lots of sacrifices and hurts and pains behind the scenes too?

Don’t compare yourself or what you have or do to others because God has gifted everyone in different ways. Many worked hard to get materiel wealth and human accolades but in the end that is not what matters. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the gifts you have given me so help me to give back to others and always remember you are in control. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus Is In The Life Changing Business

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,Romans 3:23 NIV Bible Gateway 

Somewhere a mom, dad, or grandparent is praying on their knees crying out for the life of their child. (Lamentations 2:19).Many a child has done all the right things then got off course and left the faith of their younger years. The story is not over. God is still working. 

Maybe the child got wrong friends that led them off course. Perhaps the immoral culture wrongly influenced them. Maybe things they said or did were hurtful to others and blatantly slapped Jesus in the face. He died for all sins past, present, and future. Jesus loves everyone but wants to see them return and repent. 

Satan is the prince of darkness and he has lied and made some believe him such as the lie about the US that it is not a Christian nation when in fact this nation was founded on the Bible and prayer even in the writing of laws to govern the people. Morality is important and Proverbs 10:9 says “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Has your life changed and are you certain that if you died right now you would be with Jesus in Heaven? Your life can be changed and you can have victory. PM me if you want more info. 

PRAYER: Father my heart aches for the backslidden and for those who have never embraced the Christian life. Help change hearts and minds and make Heaven crowded. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Reset Your Heart

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."Isaiah 40:31

Do you need a heart reset because of conflicts or problems that have weighed you down or you feel pressed into a corner?At one time or another you might find yourself weary of so much that you feel only God can help you go on. 

Your heart controls the issues of your life. You have to purpose in your heart to stop dwelling on things you cannot fix or have no control over. 

Give worry and concern to the Lord. Only He can make all things new. 

PRAYER: Father help me stand strong when various storms of life push me down. You are the one who can bring healing and deliverance. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

WWJD Revisited

 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”Matthew 22:37-39. 

WWJD became popular a few years back as a way to ask yourself “what would Jesus do” when you caught yourself in some situations you didn’t want to compromise your faith. So I decided to revisit it. 

Are you truly loving your neighbor? When you love people that doesn’t mean you approve of things they do but you simply act as Jesus would act as kindness leads to repentance it says in Romans 2:4. 

Do you have a moral or spiritual dilemma now? Pray and ask God to show you how to love like He loves. 

PRAYER:Help me Lord to be a living example of showing your love even when hard to. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Allows Do Overs

“His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness,” Lamentations 3:22-23

Have you messed up someway and you think you have blown it and God will never give you a second chance? 

The thief on the cross got a do over when Jesus said to him “tonight you will be with me in paradise.” (Like 23:43). The woman caught in the act of adultery got a second chance when Jesus  said “go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) 

God is full of grace and mercy. He doesn’t wish anyone to perish it says in scripture. (2 Peter 3:9)Whatever it is that has separated you from God and kept you from wanting to follow Him confess it to Him now in prayer. He loves you my friend. Your sins can be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7). 

PRAYER: Lord God thank you that you love me no matter my past and I know I have a future with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note- forgive the lateness of my post as I was in a remote area camping with no cell coverage. 

Learning To Forgive

"Be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" Ephesians 4:32

Has someone done something to you said something to you or hurt you by the actions or lack of action? If you are honest you probably say yes. So what to do? 

Hold a grudge til the bitter end? Not stop talking about it? Pay them back some way? 

The answer of course is to move on beyond whatever it was trying to forget it and don’t let resentment build a wall between this person. Be the bigger person and show love even if you were deeply hurt by what happened. 

PRAYER: I am choosing to forgive Lord so please give me supernatural strength to do so. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Garbage In, Garbage Out

 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Our physical bodies and our mind and spirit kind of operate in a similar way. You feed your physical body a bunch of junk with fat and sugar and then find out you have health issues. You don’t feed your spirit many scriptures and are weak when you have to face a crisis in your life.

Your body is the temple of Jesus Christ and we are to take care of it. Not getting into judgmental area of tattoos as that has become real mainstream even with believers but your body is God’s temple so no matter what you do, think of that. 

Take care of your physical body and your mind. Fill your mind with good thoughts, good books, edifying movies, scripture and so forth. Fill your body with healthy food and get exercise too. Be committed to a healthy spiritual life and ask God to guide your life choices. 

PRAYER: Father guard my heart from ugliness or deceit or anything vulgar or profane. Help me have a loving spirit and be kind even to those I may disagree with. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Unsubscribe From Sin And Distraction

 "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out" Acts 3:19 

Are you subscribed to lots of email feeds or social media that at times overwhelm you? Maybe it is time to unsubscribe from all the distractions of this world and tune in to God. 

Why do you need a bunch of junk coming at you anyway. Try to get away from social media and put down your devices and truly seek God and pursue lasting peace. 

Maybe it is time  to unsubscribe from the things of this culture that could cause you to fall into sin. 

PRAYER: Father help me as I seek to keep my focus on you and not issues overwhelming my senses. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Really Truly Rest In God

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."Matthew 11:28

That is a question I asked myself one night when listening to a Lectio 365 devotion. Can I rest no matter what and do I rest?Resting meaning letting go of burdens wearing you down. Do I do this? Can I do this? 

Is God truly the strength of your life? Then if He is and you believe it then let Him be that strength. I am talking to myself now too not just my readers. 

You can’t have true rest in your life if you say you have surrendered but keep picking up the burdens all over again. God wants to help you but you have to want to be helped. What are you mulling over in your mind and why is it so hard to let God have it so you can indeed trust He is working. Go be at peace. Trust God. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for your constant protection over me yet when I fail to let you be totally in control I am restless. Help me trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

GV2Bless

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."Luke 6:38

I  am a huge fan of vanity tags particularly ones conveying a message of hope or comfort for people who see them. Today’s title is once again a vanity tag messaging to the reader ‘give to bless’ but I guess it could mean ‘give to be blessed’. Either is fine. 

You should not give in order to get but to be a blessing to someone. You never know what a person may be going through. Even those people we all see at intersections with their hand lettered cardboard signs, whether truthful or not, still need a touch from God. If you feel you are led to give the person is responsible to God for misrepresenting aka lying about any need they may have. If you did it out of love then you did the right thing. 

I often wonder about those who really need help. What do they do where do they go. One thing is when you give do t shout it from the rooftops but it should be between you and God. (See Matthew 10:27). Go find someone you can bless today. 

PRAYER: Today I need you Lord as I do daily. Stir the hearts of those who don’t pay attention to you anymore or never did. Bring children to the kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Too Much Information

 "Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler."1 Peter 4:15

Sometimes do you find out something and you wished you didn’t know cause you may feel left out and then maybe you wish you had not stuck your nose where it didn’t belong? 

I guess the thing is mind your own business. I think this may be more of a lady issue than a man maybe hormonal or something but never-the-less rejection of any sort hurts but the good news is God has not rejected you. He loves you and you are never an after thought with Him. 

Try to mind your own business and give your hurts and pains to God. He is the one who will lift you up. Whatever type of rejection whether simple like not being invited to a party or big like being shut out of a friend or family members life. Keep leaning in to God for deliverance and healing. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you this day for your love for me and for your understanding my hurts and pains. Help me move on and move closer to you and let things go. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wash My Feet

 “So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.”John‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭5‬

The example in scripture of Jesus’ washing his disciples feet is an act of humility and a way to die to self.

Most people don’t like people messing with their feet. Feet take the beating of the entire body with cracks, corns, blisters, hammer toes and so forth and many are ashamed of their feet.

To allow feet washing is a sign of humility. I have heard of weddings where the bride and groom wash each other’s feet as a way to die to self and serve the other. What about you, could you allow someone to wash your feet? Not a pedicure but truly be humble and let someone serve you in that way. In the faith based movie ‘Redeeming Love’ the character Michael played by actor Tom Lewis washes his brides Angel (Abigail Cowen) feet after she had run away yet again on the dusty road leading back to the brothel. (Check it out on Netflix).
Humble yourself and in due time you will be exalted. It’s just feet. 

PRAYER: Father help me not be so uptight about serving in areas that seem dirty and ugly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is Your Identity Your Idol?

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

I was thinking of this and came up with a few identities formerly or now for myself. Athlete, gym girl, runner, hiker, movie goer, Ohio girl, Army officer, energizer bunny, Superintendents kid, writer and so forth. Is your identity rooted in what you do and what you want people to know about you and admire or is it rooted in Christ?

Perhaps you were on fire for the Lord at one time but somehow got derailed by the culture who made you think you don’t need ‘religion’. Deep down if you once trusted Christ as your savior what caused that identity to be thrown in the recycle bin? 

You may need to have your spiritual fire relit and you may even need new friends. If your peers live more for the culture forgetting Christ it may be time for a re-set. Have you found a church home to build relationships in or is Sunday your play day? You need a place to go to worship Christ as King and one where God’s word is honored and taught. Start today and search your heart. Forgive yourself for mistakes and ask God to help you find your identity in Him. 

PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I have tossed my faith aside and let this culture and its lies and temptations shape me. I pray for anyone I know stuck in a rut who needs to run back to Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Can’t Force People To Like You

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."Proverbs 27:17

Not everyone is a people person and for those of us who are it is hard when you are shunned or belittled or hurt verbally in any way. If that happens you need to pray for the person being ugly as there may be underlying causes that made this behavior happen. 

The age of social media has hurt many for if you are blocked or unfriended it hurts but social media is not real, remember that. I challenge those on it to fast from it for a while. It may do you a world of good use the time you would scroll to pray. 

Just remember that God always loves you and he is a 24/7 friend. It is Satan who tries to get you distraught even for some to the point of taking their own life. Cry out to God and let Him hear your heart. 

PRAYER: Father I give you my life, my friends, my family, my concerns. I lay them all at the foot of the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

 

 

 

Honor Our Heroes

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends”Johnson 15:13

Today is a day set aside not to shop for a new mattress but to pay respects to those service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. 

Memorial Day originated as Decoration Day in 1868 to honor Union soldiers who died in the Civil War and has evolved into a national day of remembrance for all U.S. military personnel who died in service.(Pasted from Co pilot google search). Originally it was celebrated on 30 May but due to Monday’s being deemed holiday 3 day weekend days moved. 

Do you like your freedom? Remember those heroes who jumped on grenades, died on battlefields and by roadside bombs, and many other ways to secure our freedom. Those still alive have scars mental and physical. On Veteran’s Day in November we honor all veterans but today it is for the war dead. Remember the heart break of their families too and find a Veterans cemetery to go pay tribute. 

PRAYER: Here in America we are so blessed. Even though we have had attacks on our own shore most of the time we are safe due to men and women who answered the call to serve. Let us not forget this huge sacrifice. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Is A Birthday?

The day you were born regardless of the circumstances is pretty important. You were created by God for a distinct purpose whether you have discovered that purpose or not. 

A birthday is not something to dread but seemingly after someone hits 40 they start bemoaning their wrinkles, age spots, gray hairs. Give thanks for each day of life and celebrate whatever milestone you are at. 

The culture makes older people out to be helpless like ‘put them in a home’ so you aren’t bothered by their aging issues. Older people are to be honored and respected. Open doors for them. Help lift carry on bags into the overhead. You get the idea? Eat healthy food, watch your weight, and get exercise to take care of your ‘temple’ as lots of medical issues stem from not taking care of yourself properly. And give thanks for the gift of life. 

PRAYER: Father I ask you help me to show respect for all people and those who are older than me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Run To The Marvelous Light

 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Do you realize that God is not the author of confusion or pain? No matter what is going on in your life right now He is with you whether you feel it or not. 

Don’t base things on feelings but on faith. You have to believe that God has heard your prayers and is working things for your good and He knows the big picture so to speak.  

Lean in to God. Talk to Him daily just like He is right there sitting next to you on the sofa. No fancy King James language required. He loves you and wants you to love Him back. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord. Use me in lives of people you place in my path whether family, friends, or strangers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Sit Tight?

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Sit tight means to refrain from taking action or to be still. This takes self control which is a fruit of the Spirit. When you try to play Holy Spirit Junior you can make a real mess of things. 

What are you waiting on in your life? Waiting and ‘sitting tight’ takes discipline. When your human nature wants to take matters into its’ own hands trouble and chaos is knocking at the door. 

Our world does not like waiting. There is instant everything. No wonder you have a difficult time being still. I am dealing with something now and my fingers want to text or my mouth wants to open so I have to cry out to God. What do you need from God? 

PRAYER: Father in the big scheme of things are have things pretty good yet when I seemingly want more or try to orchestrate things it is not good. Help me remember to give all things to you and to smile when doing it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.