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. 

Cease Striving

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

I was pondering this one day exactly what it meant to cease striving. Maybe to  stop trying to figure things out and do things on own power. Perhaps stopping the treadmill of life trying to always be busy as you feel if you aren’t you may not be worthy. Maybe you want everyone to like you and when they don’t you have wasted brain cells trying to understand why. 

Let things go that are weighing your mind down. Things you have zero control over. Pray without ceasing. That is one thing to not cease from. 

Fill your mind with things above. Talk to God regularly. Don’t try to get everyone to like you. Mainly try to please God. 

PRAYER: Father God help me rest. Period. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

When Words Hurt

 “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18

Depending on your birth order or your personality harsh words or downright rejection can hurt really bad. I  am second born and feel like I am always wanting peace and harmony. 

If you claim to be a Christ follower it is essential you try to represent Christ even when speaking to others. If you screwed up humble yourself and go apologize. You may say “what I said was true” it still does not give you a license to be downright mean. Jesus certainly would not. 

Kindness leads to repentance it says in Romans 2:4. So you may have been hurt by people who claimed to love Jesus so let them go and pray for them. 

PRAYER: Words can bring joy or sorrow so Father help my words be few and help me be careful what I say or text. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into Temptation. Luke 11:4

Today’s Bible verse is part of the Lord’s Prayer. Every child should learn this prayer from an early age. It is powerful but especially this part about  forgiving people. 

Is there anyone in your life you need to extend an olive branch to and forgive and if so what is preventing you from doing it? Pride? 

Today stop what you are doing and pray for your enemies or anyone you are holding a grudge against. Harboring stuff in your heart and soul only will make you sick and won’t get you any closer to God. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord each and every day to help me to be kind and loving even if people don’t love back. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

While You Wait

 “The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD,” Lamentations 3:25-26

What are you waiting on? Why is waiting essential in healing and mending hearts? 

I am not sure what you are going through but our secular culture has a challenge awaiting us and that is to set your ‘devices’ aside.! Go for a walk. Call/not text a friend or family member. Learn to let things go and forgive. What does that have to do with waiting? 

Don’t pre occupy yourself with everyone’s life on social media. Stop comparing. Be still and don’t try to play Holy Spirit junior. Pray. Don’t dwell on what you are waiting on. You gave this person or situation to God so be still my friend. Put that Bible on the coffee table where you can easily read it. Sure the Bible on your phone is fine but it will soon lead to rabbit trails keeping you on your device. Give up anger run for truth. Mend those broken relationships. 

PRAYER: Lord my heart aches for people who need you but don’t think they do. Intervene and use me to help shine light. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Are Not The Holy Spirit

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."Colossians 3:13

Have you experienced problems in your life or had to confront maybe your own self being harsh on someone? First and foremost there is only one Holy Spirit. Period. 

You alone have to be convicted of things you may have done that stepped over boundaries and as hard as it is and as much as your human nature screams at you deep down you know God wants reconciliation and healing. 

You screwed up. You said words to someone you used to be close to that you had no business saying. Maybe you were angry but 

the words and hurt and blame still flowed from your mouth. Maybe now is the time to heal relationships. Humble yourself. Satan does not want you to he wants you to dig your heels in and stand your ground. What’s it gonna be my friend? Can you forgive and can you say I messed up? 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus there are people who need to reach out and be reconciled to those in their life who may have wounded them. I pray for anyone who needs to do this to humble themselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Grieving?

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.Matthew 5:4

When you hear the word grief probably automatically you think of physical death but grief can be more. It can be grief over loss of a relationship, grief over being misunderstood and shut out of someone’s life or a prolonged struggle to restore a relationship. 

Let God have your sorrows. He wants you to talk to Him and release your pain to Him. He bore unspeakable pain on the cross for you and me. He died for all of us even those who choose to mock Him and ridicule His followers. 

Continue to pray but find someone you can help with their grief and it helps take focus off your pain. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord. I know you are working in my life and the lives of those I pray for. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for a powerful song of worship:https://youtu.be/1I6fSCCpX_k

Upside Down Kingdom

"From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'" Matthew 4:17

Do you ever feel you are in a mixed up almost upside down kingdom meaning that you are a believer and you are running your race to win but the world seems topsy  turvy and seemingly doing their own thing ignoring God? 

My recommendation is to try to stay off social media and all the infighting between political issues as getting yourself wound up steals your peace and does not achieve anything. 

Do what you need each day to seek peace and continually pursue your walk with God. Pray for those who are taking a path that leads away from the kingdom of God and pray for revival. 

PRAYER: Help me live in such a way that others will ask for my reason of hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Shake Off Self Pity-Get Your Joy Back

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."Psalm 34:18

If you don’t keep your mind on Christ you can go a thousand different ways conjuring up scenarios in your mind that will never happen. Plus you will make things all about you, I know as I have done it. 

To get your joy back you have to maintain a clear head. Do that by fasting from social media thinking everyone is better than you. Social media is a killer. 

Self pity also can kill friendships and cause you to guilt people and that is a big no no. Get your mind off of yourself  and think of others. Someone out there really is worse off than you. 

PRAYER: Father you know the things I have lifted up in prayer. Help me to focus on others to get mind off of myself. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link for song of worship. https://youtu.be/OP-00EwLdiU

This song was bridal march in my great nieces recent wedding. 

Who Is Your Master?

 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do," emphasizing that we serve God rather than human masters.Romans 6:23-24

What or who do you owe allegiance to? What do you spend the most time doing? Is your Bible still important in your life or is it collecting dust somewhere on a shelf ? Do you take time daily to spend time in prayer? 

A Bible that is falling apart is usually owned by someone who is not. Think about that for a while. Some faiths may teach you to not even read it or not write in it but it is your guidebook through life and must be used. 

How can you defeat the enemy if you don’t know scriptures to do it with? Be in a church that teaches you how to do spiritual warfare. Your life has a purpose so don’t squander it dabbling in lies if the devil. Stand strong and run your race to win. 

PRAYER: Father use me to help draw others to you. Forgive me when I have ignored you or spent more time in the world than with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Anxiety Disables You

 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."John 14:27

Is something heavy on your heart right now and you can’t seem to shake it? It is a horrible feeling to not have a settled mind and to not have peace. 

No matter what is weighing on you it is essential you release it to God, believe me easier said than done. Anxiety is not from God. 

Whatever is troubling you today my friend cry out to God and release it to him cause your worry does nothing thing but perhaps make you sick. Press in to pursue God’s peace. 

PRAYER: Lord help me truly let go of garbage in my mind pulling me away from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

I’ve Got This-Leave It!

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 What are you waiting on my friend? It is hard to be still and wait. Your heart is hurting and you have cried out to God trying to not orchestrate things yourself. There is only one Holy Spirit so let Him do His job. Today trust Him with your burdens and needs. Trust Him with that family member you have been crying out for. Trust Him to work. But it is so hard to wait Lord you may say. Yes waiting is difficult especially when you see nothing happening. God hears you just be still. PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me trust you and know you are in control. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Moms Out There How You Doing?

"Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." Psalm 127:3 So who invented Mother’s Day anyway? Not every mom today is jumping for joy as her heart aches over things in her life. There are even incarcerated moms longing for connection with their children. So if you are giddy and jumping up and down today remember there are moms with broken hearts with pain too deep to explain. Things like estrangement, broken marriages, broken homes, unforgiving spirits, suicide or death of a child can all affect moms today. If you know of someone dealing with Mother’s Day pain do something kind today. Children indeed are a gift from the Lord each and every baby boy or baby girl who came into this world has a purpose and if you are a mom be thankful that God chose you to be their mom. PRAYER: Father thank you for the gift of motherhood which some ladies never get to enjoy or experience. Be with those whose hearts are wounded today. Get them through this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Seeking Peace

 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

How do you seek after peace? How do you recognize if something is from God or a fleeting emotion? 

In life it is best to pursue things that do keep you peaceful and not tense. Perhaps you are dealing with mixed up emotions due to family issues and you are trying to figure out what to do. 

Whatever it is remember God is not the author of confusion it says in 1 Corinthians 14:33. Keep looking up and keep seeking God through it all. Put down the phone and go to the ‘throne’. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you daily to be my shepherd and lead me through confusion and turmoil of life. Help use me to help another. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Confused?

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Ever have a day where you couldn’t seem to get it together? All of us have emotions and high days and low days and it is knowing how to handle them.

Continue to press into joy and anything that has caused feelings you care not to deal with keep running to joy. How you might say? 

You have to purpose in your heart to cast off any wrong thinking or as Bible teacher Joyce Meyer says ‘stinking thinking’ it is a conscious effort to be closer to Jesus and away from works of darkness. 

PRAYER: Father help me daily put others before me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

National Day Of Prayer

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.2 Chronicles 7:14

Today is That day when all over America cities and states will have National Day of Prayer events calling our nation back to God. 

Many people don’t realize America was established on prayer and the Bible. When a community or a state starts to get away from those godly and moral principles set forth by our founding fathers it is not a good thing. 

You may not be able to attend an event in person and if not you can see check out resources at link below. 

PRAYER: Father thanks for freedom which is from you. Thanks for this nation where we can enjoy praying without threat of being jailed. Help us be vigilant to stay that way. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Www.nationaldayofprayer.org 

Escaping Negativity

“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

Negativity is all around us especially on nightly news broadcasts. This constant stream of junk can really affect your mood and outlook on life and you can put a stop to it. You might have negativity with people in your life too. Pray for them. 

Social media can be quite negative too and if you can fast from it. Why do you need to know all that junk anyway. 

Keep uplifted by tuning into God and tuning out of the world and culture trying to depress and agitate you. A servant of the Lord must try to stay joyful so do away with ugliness in your life that robs your joy and lift up those you know who need freedom in this area. 

PRAYER: Lord guard me from malicious ugliness and help me stay uplifted. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Alternate Universe Feeling-But God

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.Romans 12:2

God places His followers all over the globe and sometimes you might find yourself in an alternate universe of sorts feeling totally out of place. I have been in a couple situations recently where it qualified for really bizarre feeling of smile and don’t judge Becky. 

Often times if believers comment on a sin or sinful lifestyle the word hater comes up so in dealing with those who don’t quite see the light of the Kingdom yet go easy be kind. 

Don’t let the world suck you in but be gracious and truthful and prayerful.  Prayer walk wherever and whenever you are able. Prayer walking should not be done at schools while in session but go back later. National Day of Prayer is coming up perhaps prayer walk in your community. 

PRAYER: Father I know Satan tries to make me feel I don’t have a reason to be useful but I know I do so place me where people need a touch from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

It’s Not About You- It’s God

“If we’re still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."Galatians 1:10

Do you pray about things then ever try to take control back from God? First let God have the wheel so to speak stop trying to back seat drive. 

You can not have true peace til you totally surrender to the Lord thank goodness for big sisters and close friends who can be honest and tell you that. 

Today stop what you are doing or obsessing or overthinking about. Breathe in. Breathe out. Let God take control. He is better at it. 

PRAYER: Father I need you to help me each day stay focused on the cross of Jesus Christ and not worldly issues. I am sick of trying to control things. Help me let go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Mind Is Your Control Center

 "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 day I woke up super obsessed with unnatural fear of something I care not to share but after I snapped out of it realized what was happening. The enemy was punching my buttons trying to get me disabled with unnatural unhealthy fear so that would be all I could think about. 

Have you been there with something where you can’t seem to shake it? At that point recognize it is not a fruit of the Spirit and ask God to intervene and help you think right thoughts.

Fear is crippling. You have to gain control of it and one of best ways is to start the day with God. There are many fine Apps out there to have a quiet time with or simply pick up a good old fashioned paper Bible and read Psalms and Proverbs for a start. Go enjoy your day. Shake off the chains holding you down. 

PRAYER: Father I need you daily in this battle between good and evil right versus wrong. Guide me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Keep Your Focus On Him

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."Colossians 3:2

If you can make it a point to keep your focus on ‘above’ meaning Jesus then you won’t be entertaining negativity in your life or at least you shouldn’t. 

Examples are things like you start to judge or condemn. Stop it now that is not your job. Try to replace ugly judging thoughts with prayers for a person. Every body has some defect in their life and how would you like if people were saying bad stuff about you?

Next do you need to forgive somebody for something you did or said? Then go make it happen as relationships are more important than trying to play Holy Spirit Junior. Don’t be so prideful you can’t humble yourself to go take care of the matter. Only the devil likes hatred and division. 

PRAYER: Lord thanks for helping me keep my eyes on the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

The Less Said The Better

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

Your mouth is the vehicle by which you communicate and sometimes wanting to say everything you are thinking can be a disaster and bring you to ruin. The thing is to try to be still and wait and it is so hard.

You can think things but you don’t always have to open your mouth. If you feel like saying something to someone think it through and better to maybe talk to God instead. 

Whatever you are dealing with in a relationship with someone God knows your heart and He knows your pain.  Being still is the key. Praying for those who have hurt you is another important thing to do. Your story is still being written. 

PRAYER: Father I thank you for the ability to speak but help me be still and wait on your timing this includes speaking through texts too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.