Start With Jesus

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Did you start your day with Jesus today? For 21 days beginning 2 August I made it a point to set my alarm for 5 am MST to join Church of the Highlands(Alabama) live for their bi annual 21 Days of Prayer. It helped establish the habit of making Christ a first priority. 

It is very easy to let your day get away with you and realize whoops I forgot to pray and have a quiet time. If honest everyone can admit that happening. I have the You Version Bible App which is a great tool to get you going each day. It is free in the App Store. 

Do you need to get a prayer and Bible reading habit going? Also another good tool is Day Alone With God I learned living back in Arizona where you simply make a day or a morning and go somewhere safe without your cell phone and talk to God. I have gotten out of habit of this since leaving Alabama/Tennessee 6 years ago and need to start it up again. Anyway just make sure to get your priorities right. Now go enjoy your day. 

PRAYER: Today Lord help me pause to think of all my blessings and to trust you with my prayers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Note: To watch archived 21 Days of Prayer go to www.churchofthehighlands.com/21days

Be Still Mouth

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

Do you have issues with your mouth maybe butting in, lying, gossip, repeating confidential information, anger, trying to get the last word and on the list goes? If you can get your mouth under control your life would be easier and kinder. The mouth would also refer to  texting because that is the modern way of talking. 

Words can wound people, tear marriages and friendships apart, break up families. It is essential to think before you speak or text. You can look up many verses in the Bible referring to the words you speak or your tongue. 

If you have been victimized by someone’s words try to forgive and move on. Ask God to help you control your mouth if it is a problem. Above all use your words to spread joy, hope, and kindness. 

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have hurt others with things I say either intentionally or unintentionally. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Alone With Your Thoughts

 "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."Colossians 3:2

Jumping to conclusions, assumptions, speculating,  wrong thinking, judgments can all surface when you are alone with your thoughts. There is a TV reality show called ‘Alone’ where ten survival experts are dropped off on various remote locations usually in Artic and have to survive with limited things they are allowed to bring. 

This time of aloneness is a huge challenge as there are no other people, no cell phones, no electricity and they are allowed to bring one photo with them. That’s it. Could you do it? Find food, boil water, build a shelter and so forth. One of biggest challenges is loneliness. That is what causes some contestants to ‘tap out’ and go home. The winner is awarded $500,000. 

What do you do to keep your mind not wandering where it shouldn’t be? In order to have and maintain healthy relationships it is essential to keep your mind from bouncing all over the place. Try even a day of aloneness for practice. No cheating. Talk to God. Keep focused on above. 

PRAYER: Lord help me practice the discipline of a controlled and a peaceful mind, learning to let go of stinking thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Release Wrong 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 

It is pretty easy to start thinking wrong. You have control of your mind so turn off the wrong thinking faucet that keeps dripping unhealthy unproductive thoughts and start thinking about God.

Today’s verse says it in a nutshell. Think on things ‘above’ or in other words what the Almighty would be pleased with. Turn off sources of hate and anger in your life that may be causing you to get in a negative hateful mode. 

Use caution on social media. It is not the Bible and many people can spew all kinds of lies and filth on it that have no business in your thought life. 

PRAYER: I need your help every day Lord to get up and get going and put you at the head not the tail. Forgive me for times I neglect talking to you in prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Not Friendly

I get many of my devotion titles from license plates I see or things on tee shirts. This was on a tee shirt I saw on a recent visit to Kings island Amusement Park near Cincinnati. Wow why would someone want to put that on a shirt? 

Everyone is different and some may find humor in saying “leave me alone” but yet God wants us to be friendly and reach out to hurting and lonely people. Perhaps the young woman with that on hurt deep inside and that was her way of reaching out. 

Do you notice people around you or are you too busy in your own life things pass right by you?Take time today to pray for people you see while you are out and about. You never know what is burdening people so be kind. 

PRAYER: Lord help me blow things off instead of getting upset and I pray for hurting souls who just need Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Do You Know Where You Are Going?

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV Bible gateway 

Many people today don’t care to go to church as they don’t want to do ‘religious’ things they find dull or boring. Big trick of Satan to paint being a believer boring as when you truly are saved and ‘born again’ you want to find a dynamic church to worship in weekly. 

You can accept Christ as savior and then fall away for a time being tricked and tickled by cultures lies and misrepresentation's. It saddens me to see those raised in a dynamic church get sucked into the darkness this world offers them. Many times they trip in the darkness but still run away from all things Jesus. 

Friend do you know for sure if you dropped over dead today when you opened your eyes you would see Jesus? This world is nothing compared to what awaits you. If you gave not asked Christ into your heart why not do it right now. Get on your knees if able and cry out to the most Holy God to set you free from Satans lies, lures, and traps. Also pray for those you know who are blinded by Satans lies to come back to Jesus. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for hearing my prayer and setting me free. I pray for the list to encounter Christ and the back slidden to return. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus Who?

"Then beware lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage."Deuteronomy 6:12 

The state of Kentucky boasts many beautiful tourist sites and lots of history like Daniel Boone and Abraham Lincoln. Beautiful small mountains and rolling hills. The Bluegrass State. The state is known for distilleries and horse racing but is also the home to The Ark Encounter and Creation Museum. Part of the ‘Bible belt’ meaning lots of churches and so forth. 

As I observed mankind on my recent visit to Kentucky to spend time with my adult son Matthew I wondered how many people really knew or cared about a ‘walk with Jesus’ but were having so much earthly pleasure He had been written off. Actually I could be observing any of our 50 states and apply same scenario. How many people truly could care less about eternity. Sad to think I know. 

As you go about your day smile at people even those who are outwardly different and hold different views morally, politically and ethically. No one is won to Christ by being smacked over the head with a Bible. God is on the throne and rules and reigns even when it does not seem that way. Love people the way God would. Go places and share His love. Prayer walk areas when you can. Keep on keeping on for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Don’t be surprised. Be ready. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you each day to help me walk and talk wisely. Use me to help share Christ with a lost world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Side Effects

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Romans 6:23

When you take medicine it will usually list the side effects which sometimes are scarier than taking the prescription itself. All sorts of bad things listed that could happen to you probably listed just so you can not sue the pharmaceutical company when you might get something bad going on. 

In life there are side effects too of when you don’t follow Christ. Satan will tempt you to sin and lie to you. 

Your conscience will speak to you and that is the Holy Spirit. Deep down you know something is not right but feel compelled to keep on. Cry out to God and He will rescue you. 

PRAYER: Father you can redeem those who have fallen into sin. Convict hearts to turn back to you or to turn to you for the first time. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Little Turtle Trail

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

I was watching ‘The Last Song’ on a recent flight a film made on Tybee Island, Georgia several years ago. In one scene featured a raccoon scanning for turtles eggs as no momma was protecting them. When they hatched the newborn marched off to the vast Atlantic Ocean hoping to make it to adulthood hood but facing fierce challenges from predators much larger than them. 

Why am I talking about God’s creation the sea turtle in my devotion you ask? Because it gave me the idea of how believers and non believers go out into the world mostly unprepared for what lies ahead and the attacks the enemy will throw at you. If you pray, read God’s word, hang out with the right kind of people you have a better chance of making it safely to your Heavenly home after you first have asked Jesus to be Lord of your life   

If you were to take your last breath today do you know for sure you would wake up in Heaven? 

PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for your protection if I stay under your protective umbrella so to speak, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Lions, Tigers, And Bears Oh My!

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”Psalm 27:1

Have you watched any disaster movies lately? Well I happened across one ironically about a worldwide pandemic where the entire world minus one US Navy Battleship had been eradicated by this disease sweeping the world. The series was filmed in 2018 entitled ‘The Last Ship’ starring the late Eric Dane and albeit a little far fetched after our Covid 19 ordeal it made you think. 

First God is on the throne. Nothing happens to us He does not allow. He does not want us fearful biting our nails and reaching for handguns to commit suicide as one sailor did in this fictional series. You can decide what you choose to think about and what you take into your mind. I normally don’t veg out on corny disaster movies but it did give me an idea for my writing. 

Hollywood can churn out some real thrillers and blockbusters but the thing to remember is unless it says ‘based on a true story’ or ‘true story’ it is fake and is  there to reel in viewers,no pun intended,  wanting to be scared. Brother and sisters feed your mind on wholesome entertainment that makes you feel good. As Halloween approaches in just a couple months train yourself in godliness not a diet of horror films. Parents of small children be cautious of books they are allowed to fill their minds with in this approaching season of ghosts and witches. Keep your thoughts on things above. Now go have a good day. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me not hyper focus on the fear the culture tries to feed me but instead to read your word and trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

A Garment Of Praise For A Spirit of Heaviness

 To all who mourn in Israel he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory.Isaiah 61:3 TLB Bible Gateway

Have you ever just felt weighed down and sometimes you don’t know why? If honest you have to say yes. Sometimes the best thing to do is get out for exercise or better yet start thinking of things you can praise God for. 

It’s okay to have slow or unproductive days every now and then. When you get like this stay off of social media as it is no cure for the ho hum sort of day. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself for blah days and give yourself permission to just kick back every now and then. Now go think of your blessings and be joyful. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to help me stay focused each day and to keep my eyes on the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

They’ve Got A Mom And A Dad And They All Have A Story

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 29:11

As I sat in the concourse of Louisville International Airport recently I was watching people. I thought to myself these people are all loved by God their creator and they all were born to a female mom and a male dad. Everybody has a story too. Some are happy people some are sad. All people are unique. 

Everyone who is born has a purpose some people find their purpose and others struggle due to various reasons to really know what it is. I hope you know your purpose and are not allowing the enemy to make you feel worthless because you are not! 

Everyone from a ditch digger to a banker is valuable to God. No matter your age you still have a purpose of you are breathing. Each day is a gift from God so rejoice and be glad. 

PRAYER: Father help anyone who is struggling with self worth to find their peace in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Ready

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Romans 10:9

Eat, drink, and be merry. Really. Are you preparing for your real home?Are you beyond a shadow of a doubt that if you were to breathe your last breath you would wake up in Heaven? 

No one knows the day nor the hour of their death or of Jesus’ return. You are born, you grow up live life and then you die. Hopefully time on this Earth was spent doing things for the kingdom of God. 

There are many things to keep you away from the kingdom as Satan who is the prince of darkness finds plenty of distractions to lure you away. Many a grandma and grandpa is on their knees praying for their grandchildren to find Jesus and serve Him. Where is your heart today? 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for giving us many chances to come to a personal relationship with you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Villain

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”. Ephesians 6:12

Vanity tags on motor vehicles throughout our country amaze me. Some are hard to understand and others you scratch your head and wonder what kind of person has a tag like that to tout themselves for others to see. Such is the one I recently saw that is today’s title. 

A villain is described as a character in a story, movie, play, etc., whose wicked or criminal actions or motives are important to the plot. A schemer or someone sinister. A villain then is evil and opposed to things of God. 

When I see tags like this I immediately feel led to pray for the person. They may mean nothing serious but still it burdens my heart that they probably don’t know Jesus and so make a mockery of evil. I pray today your heart is right with God and when you encounter ‘villains’ in life you remember to lift them in prayer. 

PRAYER: Today Lord help me stay humble so I too do not fall prey to sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Retired Not Expired

"The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away."Psalm 90:10

So if age is just a number why does the population over 50 years old seek the fountain of youth and dreads thinking about wrinkles, age spots, gout, shingles, neuropathy and so forth. The advertising industry goes nuts with wrinkle creams, belly fat removers, brain supplements and the list goes on. What is so hard about getting older? 

Life is a blessing. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit so you should want to take care of it. But to obsess over looking 40 when you are 80 probably is not the way to go in my humble opinion. Enjoy your life. Take care of yourself. Stay in shape for your own wellbeing. Try new things. Don’t just curl up in a ball saying you are too old. 

Live life to the fullest. Sure,  as you age some things will happen medically but still keep a mindset you want to be always learning and active as you can. The younger generations need to develop an attitude of courtesy and respect for those who have been around awhile. Don’t be haughty. Know God is not done with you yet. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for each year of life. Help me follow your word and use me to help others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

It’s Not About Me

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love.Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.Romans 12:9-13 NIV Bible gateway

It can be easy to become self centered and to think everything is all about you in sort of a narcissistic way without being a true narcissist. Get in a habit of thinking more of others needs than you do your own. 

Stop wallowing in self pity and really truly reach out to another person and help with their needs for a change. This world is structured almost on being self centered especially when it comes to social media and all the selfie culture. 

Start your day with prayer. Jesus first, others second and yourself last what I call the JOY principle. You may think you are the only person with problems. If you are reading this in America your problems are not at all like in the rest of the world. Get up, give thanks, be still and go help another person. 

PRAYER: Lord God give me ears to hear and eyes to see the hurt around me. Keep me from selfishness. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Everyone Needs A Little Jesus

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”John 14:6

In 2025-26 someone got the idea of making little one inch high replicas of Jesus smiling with arms outstretched so the theory being you could give them to people who ‘needed a little Jesus’. 

I love leaving these in places where I think someone will need a hug from the Almighty. This world certainly won’t give you love or a hug. If you are on social media too long you can run away screaming “get me out of here”. 

Stop what you are doing and look around you. What do you have to be grateful for. Instead of bemoaning your ‘plight’ in life find a way to be joyful and share joy with others. Now go smile! 

PRAYER:Father use me to help bring a little Jesus to someone’s world. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Thank-You For Guardrails

“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29-30

A great message in church this past Sunday gave me an idea for devotions today. Out here in the west we have many mountains and curvy treacherous roads and guardrails bring comfort and security. The roads that don’t have any frighten me. Guardrails keep you from plunging down a mountain side to your death. 

Guard rails are important in life too. Guard rails such as God’s words in the Bible giving you guidance for how to stay on the path that leads to Heaven. You need to follow guidelines in life to stay on the path and not careen into Satans ditches. 

So how are you today. Do you have guard rails protecting you? 

PRAYER: Lord I choose to stay within your guard rails and not allow the enemy to send me careening off a moral cliff. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Live Unoffended

 “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”Proverbs 19:11

Have you been offended by what someone did or had someone take offense at you? It is hurtful and not part of God’s plan to be closer to Him. It happens in friendships, marriages, neighborhoods, and even in churches. 

It is better to choose to be at peace and if someone has hurt you to let it go before it festers. Satan is the great divider and he chooses to divide all the groups I mentioned above. Offense has crippled churches and left them ineffective for fighting the schemes of the devil.  

Would you rather hold a grudge or would you rather be at peace? Your choice. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord in my life to guide my steps and help me guard wrong thinking as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

God Gives Second Chances

"He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him." Psalm 103:10-12

Do you have a person who doesn’t trust you because of something you did on the past and therefore they are afraid to share things with you? It hurts but that is the way humans are you mess up and that’s it no second chances. 

Aren’t you glad God forgives and redeems and gives second, third, and fourth chances? People will be people because they are human and fearful but God hears you and knows your heart and can break chains in your life that have caused this kind of mistrust. 

Maybe you are the one who has lost your trust if so ask God to restore it and continue to build a stable healthy relationship with whoever was the person you were keeping at arms length. If a person close to you doesn’t trust you keep praying for an open door to healing. 

PRAYER: Father God forgive me when I have done stupid stuff in the past and I know you have forgiven me so help those I freaked out to forgive me too. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Being Still Is So Hard

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him”. Lamentations 3:25

Not sure if you have that issue but being still and being able to wait are very difficult. It may be waiting for an invite, a job offer, a pay raise, a sign from God. 

Do you need to learn the skill of stillness and trying to relax and pray? Are you giving up your right to be in control and trusting God to work in areas you have prayed for? 

Today get involved in helping others. Make a meal for a shut in. Visit a friend in the hospital. Send cards to help bring joy. Be still because good things do come to those who wait. 

PRAYER: Lord you hear me when I call to you. Instead of fretting teach me to trust. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Who Do You Need To Forgive?

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

Is there a grudge you are bearing causing bitterness or a misunderstanding that caused you to cut someone off? Are you waiting for someone to ask for forgiveness? Maybe you are the person who needs to mend fences so to speak and reach out to a family member or friend you are not speaking to. 

The enemy loves it when people argue and try to get their own way. And he loves it even more when people try to insert themselves into the Holy Spirit’s roll. My friend have you been estranged from someone you were formerly close to? Don’t you realize God wants you to be free and wants you to heal your fractured relationship? 

Stop for a moment and get on your knees if you are able and pray to God for courage to do what is right. 

PRAYER: Lord guard my heart and open my eyes to anyone I need to reach out to. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Self Control-Just Try It

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

Wow the fruit of the Spirit of self control is a tricky one to master at least for me.  It encompasses your mouth, your feelings, your money, your actions and so much more. For the purposes of this devotion I will deal with words or what you say. 

Thinking things through before you blurt something out is a good practice to get into. Like before you share something ask yourself why it is necessary to share it and do you have the facts straight. When you just spill your guts without thinking it can have serious consequences. 

The 24 hour rule is a good one to practice especially before you open your mouth and regret it. This applies to texting too and social media posts. Ask yourself what you are trying to achieve before speaking and maybe you won’t say what you were going to. 

PRAYER: Lord the tongue is so hard to master. Give me strength to get it under control. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Be Carriers

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

I heard a sermon recently where the minister talked about being carriers of the good news of Jesus. Usually if you hear the word carrier you might think of a disease carrier. 

Do you carry Jesus words with you and share with others? Also do you ‘carry’ yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel? 

Be a carrier for Christ and let the joy of the Lord spill out to others. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to always carry myself in a manner worthy of you and carry your words to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me". John 14:1

What is bothering you? Have you gone to the Lord and shared your heart? 

You are not to worry about anything(See Philippians 4:6-7) but to pray about everything no matter how little or trivial you think it might be. 

The enemy can cause you to stay fixated on some issue or person and you may not be able to break free because you constantly mull over things you can’t fix. You truly have to purpose in your heart to not be troubled. Period. Let things go and wait on God. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life to guide my every step. I don’t want to try to orchestrate my own life so help me stay on track. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus Walked Among Sinners

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”Matthew 9:10-11

When you think you are a pretty good person look out because all of us are sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory(See Romans 3:23). Jesus went to where people needed help not to huge church gatherings. Basically he walked among sinners. 

The world we live in is a broken place and many have wandered from the faith and had their ears tickled by teachings that justified their beliefs and sins. Deceiving spirits have caused many to believe lies and follow the world’s ways rather than God. 

Guess what? You need to not cave in but you do need to go out and share your faith with a broken world. When wrong is called right and evil is called good we are in trouble. My friend take time daily to read scripture and pray that you will not be led astray and tempted by Satan. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord to open my eyes to the truth. I pray for all those people who have never known you to have a Holy Spirit encounter and for those who have walked away to come back. In Jesus’ name. 

Waiting-Not Easy

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."Philippians 4:6

Waiting is a part of life and it is not fun nor easy. Whether waiting on medical news, return of a prodigal child, hearing news on a job or a host of other things at times you may want to help God and speed things along. Prayer shouldn’t be an ASAP thing but should be when God will it in His plan.

Is waiting an issue in your life? If you are honest I would say it probably is a part of everyone’s life story. 

Guard your heart. Keep your mouth closed. Be still. Pray. 

PRAYER: Father I get overwhelmed at times wanting things to be snappy but realize you are working. Keep me still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Look At Me!

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom"Proverbs 11:2

I admire those people I know who live a happy life without social media. It can be done. Social media can breed hurt and dissatisfaction as you compare yourself with another. Social media for sure doesn’t promote humility but promotes putting self on the throne. 

I use social media to put my devotions out and try to limit what I feel a need to post. Also try to not look at others stuff because you might find you were left out of something and feel hurt. I think social media is the devil’s playground but why not turn it into a ground for believers to reach out and comfort others. 

Today ask yourself why you feel a need to share everything with everyone. Talk to God and seek to put Him first above social media postings. Maybe fast from it for a while. Delete unnecessary apps like Tik Tok, Snap chat or Instagram. Go and enjoy your life and if you have to make a post make it one to lift up Jesus. 

PRAYER: Father thank you for giving me wisdom and for guiding my life. Help me get my boosts from you not from ‘likes’. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Maybe God Is Not Done With You Yet

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

 

Do you ever get discouraged and wonder what you possibly could be contributing to other people’s lives? The enemy is the one who brings discouragement and a host of other things. 

First don’t compare yourself with other people that too is a tool of the enemy. Count your blessings which you will find are many. Show love when you don’t feel like it. 

When you feel confused get busy doing something. Try to find someone to help. Send cards to people who need cheered up. God can use you all the years of your life. 

PRAYER: Father I know you love me and I know you have made each person unique. Help me embrace where you have me, stay off social media, and pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Well Done Good And Faithful Servant

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master’"Matthew 25:21

Do you believe God has a distinct calling on every believers life, a path you were predestined to follow to help bring the Kingdom of God to those without a personal relationship with Him?

Your job is to try to win souls to the kingdom of Heaven and help people steer clear of a culture dragging them the total opposite way without them even realizing it. You do your work not trying to win pats on the back or material rewards but simply because God has called you. 

Do you feel a call of God upon your life? Does your heart break for those straying from the truth or those with no interest in heavenly things. It should. Don’t live for yourself but live to try to help everyone come to Jesus. Make Heaven crowded. 

PRAYER: My heart aches for those people I know and love who simply turn their backs on you and live like today is all there is. Use me Father to help draw others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Why Is Saying Sorry So Hard?

 "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." James 5:16

You’ve messed up and you know it but yet why not tell whoever you hurt you are sorry. Humans make mistakes. Only God can redeem us and set us free. 

Admitting you were wrong is sometimes difficult and it is humbling to have to admit your mistakes. I have been hurt by people who eventually came back and apologized and then I have some people in my life who never apologized at all. Regardless you have to choose to forgive even if they never personally came to you seeking reconciliation. 

It’s take a big person to admit they may have been wrong or they may have said things that wounded. The Holy Spirit has to convict so continue to move forward in life and let God work. If there are friends  who have hurt you give them to God. 

PRAYER: Lord I seek your face today and choose to be joyful. Help me be still. In Jesus’ name. Amen.