March Madness In A Different Way

 "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace."1 Corinthians 14:33

I grew up in a basketball home having a dad from Kentucky and he and my mom met in graduate school at a basketball powerhouse school University of Kentucky. Even though my March madness doesn’t refer to basketball it was a good attention getter. 

The madness I refer to could be spring fever, end of year exams for students, craziness of summer vacation planning or anything that mentally makes you almost tilt. Add to the mix mental turmoil of relationship issues and you may have a real firecracker on your hands. 

You have to purpose in your heart to stay calm and make time for morning quiet time with the Lord by reading His word the Bible. God wants you to be at peace not all wrought up. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for your perfect peace which I have when I keep my mind on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Holy Spirit What Are You Saying To Me?

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.Psalm 143:10

At Saturday morning prayer at my former church, Church of the Highlands in Alabama, about 15 minutes from the end of the hour they flash today’s title on the screen. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? 

Maybe be yourself stop comparing. Perhaps stop being negative and have more hope. Pray and believe God is working. Stop belittling. Stop judging. Stop condemning. Perhaps start welcoming, understanding, and loving more? 

What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today? Are you on social media or so ultra scheduled you have no time to really listen. Hmmm. 

PRAYER: Help me be still. I resist the enemy and he has to flee. Help me stay focused on above. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Never Tires Of Hearing From You

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

You may share over and over details of a prayer need and feel like you are overdoing it. My friend God cares and never tires of you crying out to Him. 

I have heard the theory of pray once God heard you don’t have to keep praying and begging Him but He is there and sometimes when you do fully trust your prayers have been heard and relax things begin to happen. That doesn’t mean you totally shut down your prayers for someone you have been lifting up. 

All you do is complain over things or so it seems or get fixated on something and people may grow weary but God does not. He knows your heart. Keep reaching out. 

PRAYER: Father help me as I seek to trust you and wait on you and not drive people nutty with same requests. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Control Your Mind

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”2 Corinthians 10:5

 

One of my favorite shows on the History Channel is called ‘Alone’ where ten wilderness experts are dropped off in remote locations ‘alone’ such as The Artic, Vancouver Island, or Patagonia  with just basic necessities,10 of their choosing, to see which one stays longest and wins 500,000 dollars. Loneliness is a major factor for ‘tapping out’ on their satellite phone more so sometimes than fear of bear attacks, hunger, or a medical emergency. 

When you are alone with your thoughts it is hard. If nothing else fills up the space your mind can go crazy. Right now if you are dealing with something in your life trying to let the Holy Spirit be the doorkeeper Satan will poke at you trying to get you imagining horrible things or trying to get you to step in and take control. Wrong choice by the way. 

You are in a battle between good and evil God and the devil. You need to pray daily to let God convict others and be still while you wait for breakthrough, it is not easy. 

PRAYER:Help me Lord to trust you and put my phone down and wait. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hatred And Unforgiveness

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.Matthew 6:14-15

Only the Holy Spirit can restore a relationship and when name calling and hatred is festering humanly it seems like a wedge has been drawn that can’t be pulled out mainly cause human pride has reared its’ ugly head. 

Unkind words, name calling, labeling a person are not really in God’s book of terms of endearment. Where did you as a human get a right to put one of God’s creatures down? So you say “but they sinned” and I say “So do you”. 

If you are living in a situation now where people are too stubborn to make up and say they are sorry perhaps it is time to break the ice that is if you want freedom from the ugliness and bitterness. Saying you are sorry is taking the high road then hey ask God to transform you from the inside out. 

PRAYER: No one made me the judge so help me not judge. I ask Lord you bring conviction on individual hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Hang On

 

But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'"Isaiah 40:31

What are you going through my friend? You may notice if you have followed me very long I have a recurring theme of pressing on and not giving up. Each of us have different issues. 

Different stages of life take different adjustments and not all people are alike The emotions you feel can be there because of a host of factors. 

Today what do you need to keep you going? Perhaps read the Psalms, take a walk, pray, but I encourage you to stay away from social media which at times exasperates issues. Live as if cell phones have not been invented and go enjoy your life. Keep praying God is there. 

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I seek to draw closer to you and further away from worry. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

My Heavy Heart

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

What has you burdened my friend? It could be a host of things and just because you are a follower of Christ does not make you immune to things. 

People can have strong beliefs and opinions  and these strong beliefs, whether scripture based or not,  can create tension amongst family members or friends  who don’t see eye to eye or don’t understand how you can possibly believe or think the way you do. One of the biggest areas is in politics. This past few years has caused immense family bickering and division all because someone does not believe like you and you are convinced you are right and they are wrong so you sort of ignore them and make believe you aren’t family or never had them for a friend. 

The only one winning is Satan. This is right out of his playbook. He comes to kill, steal, and destroy and destruction is what he has been up to lately causing so much heartache in families. If you are caught up in a dispute like this get on your knees and pray. If you are separated from a loved one due to politics keep praying for understanding and restoration. Just cause people don’t think like you doesn’t make them bad and certainly when it is family it is worth fighting for. 

PRAYER: Father help those people struggling to reconcile with loved ones because of political disagreements. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Have You Prayed? Then Lay It Down.

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

I don’t know what is troubling you today my friend but know this God does care that is all I can say. I have to remind myself too. 

When negative messages start playing in your head or things you think are real but are just conjured up mainly due to Satan playing with you run hard for Jesus. When self pity rears it’s ugly head remember you prayed so lay it down and leave it God heard you. 

All I can say is don’t allow Satan to make you believe lies and keep praying for whatever or whoever and believe for breakthrough. 

PRAYER: Today Lord I need your peace. I struggle with trust sometimes so please help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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.