Focus On Joy

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

Galatians 5:22

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

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

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

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

Bright Faith, Bright Hope, Bright Love

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

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

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

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

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

The Peace Only God Can Give

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

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

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

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

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

No News Is Good News

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

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

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

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

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

Are You A ‘Crown Hoarder’?

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

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

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

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

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

Learn To Tell Yourself No

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

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

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

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

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

Many Will Come Few Will Enter

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

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

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

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

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

Truth Or Consequences

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

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

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

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

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

Live For Jesus Not The Culture

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

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

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

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

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

Stop Prying The Door Open

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

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

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

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

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

Fads

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

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

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

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

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

Dealing With Retirement?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trusting God Even In The Silence

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

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

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

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

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

You Are

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

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

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

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

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

Watch Out For Potholes

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

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

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

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

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

But You Don’t Know How I Am Feeling

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

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

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

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

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

WRLWND

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bible-Notification

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

control ultimately.

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

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

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

SNDHLP

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

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

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

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

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

Oh To Be Rich

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

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

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

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

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

Being Calm, Cool, And Collected

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

Someone trying to get you in a dispute? Best thing is to stay calm and not enter in to this and don’t fall for schemes to blame you for starting a fight. Be still. 

One of the hardest things to do is wait for something. You want to orchestrate things and take matters into your own hands and you feel like screaming. I know it is hard to wait but know God is working in you while you learn to be still. 

Breathe in, breathe out. Give thanks. Pray. Read your Bible. Be still. Now go have a great day. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to learn to trust your ways and not mine. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Doing Life Full Of The Spirit?

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Attitudes, judgments, ugliness, refusing to admit wrong, starting arguments and so forth can deplete your spirit filled life.

Do your spiritual fruits need to be pruned because too much of the world has seeped in or your pride has caused you to not want to make amends with a person in your life? It takes courage to admit wrong but to seek peace you have to be willing to do this.

Go into the second half of 2026 determined to walk in love and to make peace your aim. A good tip is to stay off the social media merry go round which can contribute to angst. Now go run hard after God.

PRAYER: Today Lord help me show kindness to others. Give me the ability to not troll on social media and to give thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Engulfed By Sin

The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.Jonah 2:5

The word engulfed is a good word picture for we folks who live in fire country out west. Literally a dry hillside can be engulfed in rapidly spreading flames in a matter of minutes. Sin is like that. 

If you don’t do what you need to do to keep your heart and mind pure you literally could be engulfed in a torrent of sin that will sweep over you until you cry out to God to release you and get you out. 

This sin doesn’t have to be obvious ones people see as sinful but it could be judgements towards people, jealousy, anger at political opponents,  gossip, hatred, and so much more. Often you might think you are pretty good because your life isn’t like so and so but then you catch yourself being high and mighty and elevating yourself or your perfect church which is sinful too. Today listen to God’s voice. If your attitude towards people is less than honorable seek to be more like Jesus. If you have judged someone wrongly remember it is not your job to point out wrong but simply to pray and show love. 

PRAYER: My heart aches for people who can’t forgive and move on. I pray for healing of hurts and I pray for God to take His rightful place in peoples lives. Set people free who are following the wrong path of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Are You Doing Life Full Of The Spirit?

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

Attitudes, judgments, ugliness, refusing to admit wrong, starting arguments and so forth can deplete your spirit filled life.

Do your spiritual fruits need to be pruned because too much of the world has seeped in or your pride has caused you to not want to make amends with a person in your life? It takes courage to admit wrong but to seek peace you have to be willing to do this. 

Go into the second half of 2026 determined to walk in love and to make peace your aim. A good tip is to stay off the social media merry go round which can contribute to angst. Now go run hard after God. 

PRAYER: Today Lord help me show kindness to others. Give me the ability to not troll on social media and to give thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Tongue Trouble

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

Do you suffer from ‘tongue trouble’ as I know I certainly am not proud of it but I do. This tongue trouble may not actually be when you are talking but could be texting or email as well as it seems most ‘talking’ nowadays goes to texting. I am not sure our younger generation growing up like this will be able to hold normal conversations. 

Tongue trouble could mean interrupting, boasting,  gossiping, trying to be center of attention, lying, and just a lack of patience in communicating with others. It is essential you get a grip on this area of life in order to be at peace with those around you. 

A friend of mine suggests the 24 hour rule for when you are not sure about communicating. Wait 24 hours and then see how you feel. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me get control of what comes out of my mouth. I want it to be full of grace and truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh What Needless Pain We Bear

 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

There is an old hymn entitled ‘Take It To The Lord In Prayer’ that one line says today’s title but adds all “because we do not take it to the Lord in prayer”. 

Think about that. Why do you stress needlessly over something you have no control over? I do it you probably do it too. Human nature right? But aren’t you and I supposed to be trusting God and letting things go? Why don’t we? 

So yes we are weak and heavy laden the hymn says. We don’t need to be heavy laden or burdened as it will only destroy you and your health. Don’t cave to fear and doubt but press into prayer and then go do something and get your mind renewed. 

PRAYER: Father thank you that you are in charge. Period. In Jesus’ name. Amen.