Can You Forgive?

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

Are you able to forgive an offense even if person thinks they don’t need to ask forgiveness? Often times pride gets in the way of restoring relationships and doing the right thing. 

Even if a person is long gone out of your life they may have hurt you terribly. You need to be able to let things go and give the person and situation to God. 

Ask God to help release your heart from bitterness you have built up that is like iron bars keeping you away from doing the right thing. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for hearts that are wrought up in bitterness and pride be able to let you in to do a cleansing work. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Brand New Year-Let Things Go!

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

It has almost been two entire months since the new year was ushered in. How are those resolutions going? What about prayers for restoration of relationships? 

Instead of constantly hanging on to things you can not fix it may be necessary to totally surrender what has you downcast to God once and for all to simply let things go and let God work. 

Are you able to move forward totally trusting God with the details of the miracle you are waiting for? 

PRAYER: I give you my situation Lord and only you can bring about changes. Help me lean in and trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

O2C God!

No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 1 John  4:12

Oh to see God! Actually his glory will overwhelm you and you probably won’t be able to gaze on Him in all His glory. This was on a license plate a friend shared with me.

Oh to behold His awesome majesty. Oh to lay eyes upon His glory and splendor.

No one can even begin to imagine His awesomeness. Oh how can an atheist think all we see daily is a cosmic accident. God in all His glory and splendor is in Heaven and He created all things.

PRAYER: Father may you stir the hearts of those people who think everything is a big bang accident. Give them a hunger for more in their hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fix Your Eyes On Jesus

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us, looking to Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."Hebrews 12:1-2

What has your mind going in all directions? Whatever it is have you tried the mental exercise of saying “I give everything and everyone to you Lord”. That statement is found on the Pause Ap by John Eldredge. 

Mulling over situations you can do nothing about is not good for your physical or mental health. Try being still and giving stuff to the Lord. Read your Bible if you don’t have own private message me and I will mail you one. 

God’s word is key to your emotional well being. The world and culture we are living in doesn’t pay much attention to life with Jesus. In a recent interview prior to his impending death an actor was asked what was next after death and his reply, I will just cease to exist. That breaks my heart. Heaven and hell are real. Temptations are strong in our culture to deny God and live for personal pleasure but stand out in the crowd by praying for those struggling to believe. 

PRAYER: Help me not ever be haughty Father but instead bring people into my life who need your love. Help me respond and help others find the path to salvation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Is It Time For A Prayer Walk?

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.Colossians 3:2

Do you feel weighed down by the cares of this world basically things you have no control over? You say you will abandon the frivolity and nonsense of social media yet you someone gravitate toward it? 

Maybe it is time to put on those walking shoes and go prayer walking to help lighten your mental load. You can choose to walk through your community praying for various issues but particularly leadership. You can pray for revival. Walking past the various educational institutions pray for leaders and instructors. You get the idea. 

Prayer walking is not drawing attention to yourself but simply being ‘boots on the ground’ as you claim every step for Christ and pray for protection as you go along. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord my heart yearns for you. Help me stop slipping into the ways of this world by gobbling up junk on social media. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Help Me Be More Like Jesus

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."Galatians 5:22 

Ever had one of those days where you don’t really feel joyful or have a bad attitude about something? Probably we all have. 

You want to love like Jesus loves, forgive like He forgives, and just let Him take care of the problems of the people world as He didn’t make you the co-savior. The enemy would step in and taunt you into being self righteous and acting like Holy Spirit junior.

Today quiet your heart. Get rid of things causing distracting thoughts which could be anything plugged into electricity. Do not constantly feed your mind on news reports. You can’t stay peaceful doing that. Let God handle things and you pray. Don’t be like the men on the recent Progressive Insurance TV commercial trying to tell maintenance workers how to do their job.  God has things under control. Give him the steering wheel my friend. 

PRAYER: Lord help me calm my heart and learn to rest. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Disappointment

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

What are you waiting on? When you get your hopes up and your bubble is burst it hurts. Keeping your mind focused on something good helps. Dying to self so to speak. 

Everyone has disappointments in life things like friends who no longer want to be a friend. Loss of health. Not invited to an event. Losing a job. You can add to the list. 

Put on praise and worship music. Read your Bible start maybe in Psalms. Do something nice for someone. Send a card to a friend. Get outside and take a walk if physically able bundle up if it is cold. Find ways to bring joy to another. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to be still. I give my concerns or troubles to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Help With Your Thinking

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.Philippians 4:8 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you need help with wrong thinking or thought patterns that continue to plague you or stifle your ability to use the gifts God gave you? 

I know one of my struggles is this theory on aging and the enemy trying to make older people feel like they are quote unquote ‘elderly’ and really just need to take it easy in life. Yes some folks do decline and have issues in their later years but don’t assume everyone does and treat those older than you with kindness and respect. 

Put your focus instead on God’s blessings that is what I have to do. Be grateful for every year of life never mind the wrinkles and spots but give thanks in all things. 

PRAYER: I know Lord you have plans for every age of life. I pray for good health and many friendships of all ages. I pray those younger can respect those older than them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Have You Messed Up With Your Mouth?

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.James 3:5 NIV Bible Gateway

Do you have issues with your mouth being impulsive and just blurting things out that later backfire? There are many verses in the Bible about controlling what you say. 

Your words can make things happen for good or destroy you. Just like this verse implies they can set a forest on fire. 

If you have hurt someone with your words pray and then go apologize. Lately words are bashing people on social media mainly over political views. Why not steer clear and try to keep conversations kind and nice and not push your agenda on someone. What would Jesus say? Hmmm. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each day to guide me and my mouth. Help only edifying things come from my mouth or my texts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Better Not To Say Anything

 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Ephesians 4:29 NIV Bible Gateway

The mouth is a powerful tool God created for us. When it is used to bless others it is great but when it lies, gossips, belittles, or says hurtful things it is not the tool God designed it for. 

Do you use the 24 hour rule meaning if in doubt over what you are going to say stop and think for at least 24 hours? Is what you plan to say going to start a fight or hurt someone? 

Words are a powerful tool so be careful how you use them. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to think before speaking or texting. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Comparison Wreaks Havoc

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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."Philippians 4:11-13

Sometimes I wish social media had never been invented. Even though I use it I ask myself why is it necessary the whole world know my business yet I continue to post. Am I trying to prove something? Do you know what I mean? 

Comparison is a giant joy robber. Seeing others new house, their wonderful romantic married life, their perfect children and grandchildren, their exotic vacation often is draining. Why can’t I be like that Lord. What is wrong with me? 

You are to be content with what you have and where you are as well. Know God loves you and cares for you. Most who read this are from the United States and are blessed beyond compare even if not living in a high end area. Be at peace with yourself. Spend more time on things of the Lord and pray instead of dwelling on the things that divide. 

PRAYER: Help me Father to cast off anything in my life drawing me away from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Keep The Beans In Your Mouth

"A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul." Proverbs 18:7

Do you feel like you always have to be talking and it is awkward to have silence?In times like this thinking you have to be talking you could end up saying stupid things or talking about yourself too much. Don’t ‘spill the beans’ all the time keep them in your mouth. 

It’s okay to be still and not talk. Everybody doesn’t need to hear everything you have to say. And when you talk and don’t think, you may talk nonsense that ends up being hurtful even though you may not have intended that to be the case. Or guilting could come into play. 

So the moral to this devotion is to not say everything just because you can. 

PRAYER: Father help me truly learn to be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Your Words

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. Proverbs 15:1-2 NIV Bible Gateway

Your words can build up or tear down. You can choose to be kind or you can choose to be like a stubborn old mule and wreak havoc with your mouth saying ugly mean hurtful things then never asking for forgiveness. 

It is your choice. Choose to use the mouth God gave you to build others up or choose to use it to belittle, tear down, argue, insult and so forth. Even if another person hurts you with their words you don’t have to turn around and do the same thing. 

Use your mouth for kindness and pray for people who may have been hurt and are therefore hurting others. Be the bigger person and show love. 

PRAYER: Father help me to think before speaking and pause before saying anything. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Circumstances Are Almost Always Out Of Our Control

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.Romans 12:1 NIV Bible Gateway

Today’s title idea came from Craig Groeschel Bible App devotion ‘Winning the War In Your Mind’. Basically you and I can’t control circumstances even though we think we can but it is God who is at work in you. Even these world class athletes vying for a gold medal have no real control. Their training boils down to the aspect of what is God’s plan. 

Oh to be able to control the ‘chess players of life’ so to speak. To be able to figure it all out. But you can’t and I can’t. 

Continue praying never losing hope. Don’t overthink things because that is a waste of energy. Just trust and be still. 

PRAYER: Lord I can’t do anything without you. Oh how I long to see prayers answered. I know you are working. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

All You Need Is Love

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV Bible Gateway

Happy Valentines’ Day or as my now happily married younger son used to refer to it as ‘singles awareness day’.  I call it happy Hallmark  day. But let’s talk about love using the “love means never having to say you’re sorry” say what? 

Aside from goofy movie lines let’s just think about that. You mess up and know you are wrong so what do you do? Humble yourself and ask forgiveness. Do love God’s way and you will have smoother sailing. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you that you are the one example of sacrificial love in that you died on a cross for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Blessings-Count Them

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:19

I  am sitting relaxing thinking about God’s goodness trying to keep my mind clear and uncluttered from worldly issues and controversies. To do this I try to focus on my blessings. 

How about you? Are you focused more on social media controversies or the goodness of God? It is easy to get off course mentally and spiritually if you don’t tune into God each day. It doesn’t matter who is doing what on social media. Forget it and enjoy your day. 

Satan knows your weak points but God is greater. Lean in to God daily. Throw off weights that long to drag you into a pit and experience joy. 

PRAYER: Each day is a gift from you. Thanks for providing for my basic needs and even more. Help any struggling today to experience a blessing. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.“Philippians 2:3

When you do something outstanding resist the urge to tell everyone and let others praise you. 

 

In the Olympics you are seeing the best of the best of athletes and families who have sacrificed so much to get to the podium for the chance of a medal, hopefully a gold one. It would be tempting to beat your chest upon victory like saying “look at me” and maybe it is justified in this case because they are thrilled to be at that level and received their earthly reward. But it is God who gave them their abilities and stamina.

 

Believers who reach that level in achievement often give God the glory or point to the sky indicating ‘it is because of Him’. Remember to use the ‘J.O.Y.’ acronym meaning Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last and your life will truly have joy. 

PRAYER: Father help me stay humble whenever I am tempted to boast. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me-Who Are Your ‘gods’?

I am the Lord your God, have no other gods before me.Exodus 20:3

Is God truly first place in your life or have you exalted something else or someone else to first place? 

Could be a hobby, sport, habit, TV or computer usage, your church, your minister, a movement,  whatever if it is taking up most your waking hours it must be an idol of sorts and ‘god-like’ only you can determine that after searching your heart. 

Don’t allow anything to become more important than God. Start your day in prayer and end your day also talking to God. Find a method to make sure He is the priority of your waking hours.

Like I said this is not meant to bring condemnation upon you but to make you examine your heart. 

PRAYER: Lord when I get praise for something it is you who gets the glory. Guard my heart from a self centered life and forgive me when things in my life become more important than you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Internalizing God’s Truth

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Proverbs 30:5

Someone close to me told me my devotions were like me publishing my personal journal for the public to see. I don’t see it that way but instead sharing some things from my own life that maybe someone out there can identify with and know they are not alone and bring comfort. God can get you through anything. 

This world today is trying to make an alternate version of God’s truth and it is Satan trying to divide family, friends, communities and yes the nation. If only everyone would pick up their ‘paper Bible’ and just start the day reading Psalms asking God to keep them centered on Him for the day. When you use your phone as the Bible it is too tempting to be diverted and distracted from the truth going off on rabbit trails and pop ups.  

Are you struggling today? Are you being led astray by too much screen time be honest. Maybe today is the day to start being serious about hiding God’s truth in your heart. 

PRAYER: Lord help me put down my devices and give more time to prayer and knowing scripture. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

One Word

A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 15:1

One word can build people up or tear them down. Social media makes it easy to blast someone and crush them without face to face contact.

 

There are so many verses in scripture about the mouth, the tongue, and words. If you could master your tongue you could probably master a ship. Try to think before you speak and don’t be in a rush to get the last word.

 

Can you purpose in your heart to start paying attention to your words including texting and social media. Perhaps give social media a rest.

 

PRAYER: Father help me learn to think before I speak and choose my words wisely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For Two Weeks We Are All On Same Team

 "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you."1 Corinthians 15:58

 It is that time again.  Time for the Winter Olympics coming this year from Italy. It is a time for opposing sports fans in the US to join as one to root for America.No rivalries. No politics. 

On the world stage countries can be at peace for two weeks. Only God can bring true and lasting peace and sadly wars will still happen and divisions will still occur but for two weeks cheering is in unison. 

I pray you find joy in your spirit all the time not just for two weeks. You can marvel at the accomplishments of world class athletes who had a dream to become an Olympian. But do you truly want to be joyful then let go of burdens and let God have them. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for differences that we can celebrate and appreciate. Help me keep my eyes on you and not judge others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

An Air Brushed World

That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.Ephesians 4:22-24

Often people today are concerned about perfection. Getting older and looking older is not fun so remedies are concocted to make people into a different version of themselves. 

Your concern should not be with the outward appearance but with your inner self and your mind and attitudes. Have you taken your medicine today meaning have you sat down with a cup of coffee and tuned into God in your ‘paper Bible’ where pop ups don’t try to steal you away. 

Is Christ at home in your heart? Does He really take first place? Have you let go of inner turmoils and worries dragging you down? It’s up to you. It is the Bible makeover. Go for it. 

PRAYER: Father I need you daily to stay focused and on track. I trust you and ask you help anyone struggling to find joy only you can bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Fuss Free, Effortless, Simple

 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."Philippians 4:4

All these are buzz words in my title help the lives of busy people of all ages but there is not always going to be an easy way some things take brain power and effort to accomplish a desired end. When you feel overwhelmed like say with planning a dinner you like effortless answers. 

What about in relationships? They take more prayer, more patience, more work, more really trusting God. Are you hoping right now for a miracle in a relationship matter? It is not easy to wait. You know ‘God is at the wheel’ but somehow can’t relax and let things progress. 

Take it from me trying to jump in and orchestrate things does not work and only can cause misunderstanding and confusion in addition to potential heart break. Just keep talking to God. Don’t run to the phone run to the ‘throne’ to tell God what you are anxious about. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for my brain and how it works sometimes a tad overactive. You know my concerns and you are working so help me trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mind Your Own Business

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1Thessalonians 4:11

Today’s world leaves followers of Christ in a quandary when it comes to spending time with the Lord or diving into the meaningless world of social media which adds nothing to your life if I might add except maybe heart break in comparing yourself to others on Facebook. 

To raise a child in this selfie obsessed all about me generation is a challenge. You do pretty good while the little ones are at home but when you put them out there beyond your protective walls watch out. I tried the 21 day fast from social media but you really have to discipline yourself in staying off of it. In raising children insure you are giving them personal time apart from devices. 

Truly you do have to mind your own business. Junk on social media isn’t accurate most of the time. You can think you are an expert by sharing must read medical advice but you don’t know it is true. Perhaps the pink jello challenge for weight loss which takes you on an endless quest where there is no real answer. Are you able to get up without your phone and do a devotion and perhaps read the Psalms and then ask yourself why all that celebrity gobbly gook matters anyway? Have a Blessed day. 

PRAYER: Father I need you and I need discipline to guard my heart from the lies of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Need To Laugh?

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.Proverbs 17:22

I was recently watching the best Super Bowl commercials. Most of them are comical and a few pull at your heart strings. Laughing for sure helps lifts anyone’s spirit. 

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like to laugh. Humor helps healing just like the verse indicates. If you are in a constant state of doom and gloom and allowing Satan to drag you in a pit you will have a hard time escaping. But alas laughter is the best medicine. 

I don’t know what you are dealing with now but having laughter of some form in your life will help set you free from the darkest pit. Let God work. 

PRAYER: Lord God thank you for the gift of laughter. Use me Lord to help someone smile. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

 

Assumptions Can Get You Into Trouble

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.Proverbs 18:2

Do you ever assume something but you really don’t know for sure something is true? I am sorry to say I have done it many times. When you do that you are burdening yourself with information you don’t need to even know or sticking your nose into someone’s business that is not yours. 

Want to start a ‘fire of words’ then start judging or assuming when you don’t know the facts. To keep the peace be still. 

Guard your heart as being careful what you read or listen to is so important. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me not automatically assume something to be fact when I don’t know. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Foolish? Who Me?

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent and discerning if they hold their tongues. Proverbs 17:28

Do you ever feel like a fool? There are many incidents in God’s word of foolish people and none of us want to be called a fool. Kind of like in the old school Highlights For Children magazine ‘Goofus and Gallant’. 

A fool doesn’t think things through. A fool speaks before thinking how it will affect others. Foolish people can make tragic mistake's. 

Do you want to keep away from being labeled foolish? Then slow down, listen, pray and let God direct your steps. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each and every day to watch my words and actions and represent the kingdom well. In Jesus’ name.Amen. 

Under Construction

“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

No matter what your age in the big scheme of things you are under construction in God’s scheme of things. 

Don’t give up on life and try to fit yourself into the world’s mold of at a certain age you have no use or purpose. That is a lie from Satan. Your body may look older and wrinkled but inside you are being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

One thing to make sure you keep renewing is your mind and your thinking. No pity parties. No nursing past hurts. No imagining scenarios that don’t exist such as people not liking you. To renew your mind you have to stay in the word of God. Everyone does that in a different way. There is not a set formula to hiding God’s word in your heart. 

PRAYER: Help me Father to cast off wrong thinking and to keep looking up. In Jesus’ name. Amen.