He’s Still Working On Me And You

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

You are a work in progress even if you are what the world calls elderly, old, a senior, you still gave value and worth and your life and purpose is not over. Don’t just cave in and settle for death.

Yes someday we will all die but each day you will impact others around you in some way. Don’t feel like just because your calendar shows the days ticking away and thinking what possibly could you do to make an impact. You can do plenty. 

Shine for Jesus wherever you are and let go of wrong thinking that may be keeping you emotionally paralyzed. Decide today right now you will not let the enemy drag you into a pit where you feel incapacitated and worthless. You are valuable to God and to this world! 

PRAYER: Today Lord open up doors of opportunity for me to share truth with someone and protect me from devils lies. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Need A Friend- God Is Always There

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”Deuteronomy 31:8

Have you ever felt lost like you needed something or someone in your life? God has been pursuing you since you were born. You are not too far for God to reach you no matter what you have done. Even if you once were crazy in love with God and hungered for His word but somehow strayed off course God is there. 

You need to make a u turn and run back to God. If you have listened to wrong voices, pursued wrong relationships whatever took you away from God’s truth it is time to break the chains and come back. 

The enemy is relentless to try to con you into coming into his court. Don’t fall for lies of the enemy. You know in your heart what is true so tell the devil to take a seat and shut up. God is there. Call out to Him. 

PRAYER: Lord God I need you in my life. I pray for those who know what is the right thing to do but have just let the enemy run over them. I ask that curses be broken and people who need to return to Christ to run hard and fast after Him. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Christmas Memories

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."Isaiah 9:6

As I was unpacking my Christmas ornament boxes recently and as I am sure you know it can be very nostalgic and a flood of memories came over me. 

Christmas is way more than putting out decorations and filling stockings. As you go about your decorating and wrapping gifts stop and realize what this celebration is really all about. We don’t even need a Christmas tree really. A simple manger scene will do just fine. 

Take time to reflect on what Christmas is and as you watch your various Christmas movies and go to events make sure you remember what the real reason for the season is. 

PRAYER: Lord I don’t want to get so caught up in hoopla that I forget what I am celebrating. Help me stay focused on a babe born in a manger. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Joy Unspeakable

He must increase, but I must decrease.John 3:30 KJV Bible Gateway

Fifteen days til Christmas do you feel joyful? What exactly is joy anyway? I use the acronym with the three letters J.O.Y. Meaning Jesus first, others second, yourself last. 

Why allow the culture to dominate your Christmas. You don’t have to say yes to every party or get your cards out on time or even have your house cleaned. Relax my friend. 

Joy to the world the Lord has come that is what it is all about. Now go enjoy this season. 

PRAYER: Father I need you the world needs you my friends and family need you. Open closed hearts that have become dull and let the joy of your love resonate. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Click link and listen to a super version of Joy To The World-https://youtu.be/rqxMvvptf9I

Contending With A Mountain Of Electronic Gobbly Gook

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

 

Boy am I glad the internet and social media was not yet invented when I was a young mom. At night I think so many of the young moms might be tempted to be on their devices at the expense of a relationship with their children. 

It isn’t just social media but it is the sheer volume of things you have to wade through to get to real messages from family and friends. Maybe an electronic detox is what in order. Yes you can live life without your phone in your back pocket all the time. 

Do you want a peaceful life where you can really sit and be still? Try this. Paper Bible, notebook, pen and Jesus in a quiet place with no distractions. Put the phone away for a while. People can find you if they really need to. 

PRAYER: Help me Father as I seek to seek you more and the world less. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Forgetting The Baby Jesus

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel".Isaiah 7:14

Have you ever heard stories of people who leave a child behind in a restaurant or another place? Probably not. Well this is the season we celebrate because of Jesus’ birth yet so many towns and cities and families totally omit Him. Say what? 

All the merriment, holiday festivities, music but where is the real reason for the season? I have a difficult time being around all the joyous things when Jesus is no where to be found. 

Might I challenge you to seek out the real reason for the season and incorporate Him into the festivities. 

PRAYER: Lord my heart aches for the many people who don’t know the real reason for Christmas or maybe they do but just don’t celebrate it. Convict people to seek the real meaning. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Crazy Schedules In December-Peace On Earth?

If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Either way, Christ’s love controls us.Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.2 Corinthians 5:13-14 NLT Bible Gateway 

In December do you sometimes feel like your head is going to explode thinking of all the demands or things you think you have to do to have a holly jolly Christmas? Who says you have to fit into a cultural norm. Or you may thrive at this time with all the chaos. 

If you are stressed break out of your rut and change things up. First don’t forget your morning quiet times alone with God. It is essential to stay peaceful. Give your expectations and your schedules to God. Relax. 

Be yourself and enjoy the time to celebrate Jesus’ birthday even if the world seems they have forgotten him and glorified Santa. 

PRAYER: Lord thankyou for hearing me and helping me relax when I would rather pop a cork. In Jesus’ name. Amen.