Being Still When You Feel Like You’re Losing Control

 

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7(NLT)

When do you have trouble being still? When you misplace something like your car keys? When you are waiting to see if you got selected for a job? Maybe you lost a credit card. Expecting to hear from a doctor on a recent visit. Add to the list. 

Human nature makes it hard to not be worried about stuff but as a follower of the most high God it is necessary to try to emulate Him. Another version of today’s verse says to “cast” or “throw your cares on God” but how many of us love holding on perhaps thinking it will help? It won’t.

So what to do, you might wonder. First everyone has had this issue so stop, take a breath, talk to God and simply ask yourself what good your unnecessary stressing is going to do except keep you tense,irritable, and unable to relax and if at night go to sleep. Truly purpose in your heart you will trust God with the issue and then get your mind going in a different direction. The more you practice this discipline the easier it becomes. Now go in peace and let God take your burdens. 

PRAYER: Oh how I want to trust you with issues that pile up in my life.Help me to keep my heart focused on above and let go of whatever it is that is trying to torment me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Jesus IS The Answer!

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

With the recent passing of evangelist Billy Graham, all of America, and the world, was focused on God whether they wanted to be or not. Billy preached for over 6 decades with the simple message of people need Jesus and at the revivals worldwide offered the opportunity to ask Jesus into your heart. 

Many,  if not all the problems our world faces today could be solved if only Jesus were part of the equation. The hatred, angry Facebook posts, murder of children in the womb, breakdown of the traditional family, living in sin, school shootings, lying, adultery, and much more. You take away prayer and try to get rid of the Bible and look out! Why are so many people not getting it? Because they don’t have Jesus in their heart and think the world holds the key to the problems. 

Satan wants to see America destroyed because of what we were founded on. He has confused the minds of many lots of times through higher educational institutions who many times claim to know more than God or parents. Also Satan uses the news media to trick people into believing certain things. Revival is needed. God is working though His people and His heart breaks for the evil and lies being perpetuated in our great land sometimes even sanctioned to appear ‘right’ due to being made a law. Brother and sister be in fervent prayer for those you may know being led astray and pray for a heart change for those in government trying to resist the elected government and create chaos. Above all pray for revival and awakening in this great nation. 

PRAYER: I know the truth sets people free and it is so easy to get led astray by the enemy if the word of God is not opened, read, and studied. Help me Lord be alert to evil spirits trying to tear apart our great land and pray for those who seek to undermine our President to come to know the truth and truth set them free.  Help people break away from Republican or Democrat and seek the truth in God’s word only!  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Three Cheers For Our Dads

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Without dads there would not be children yet so many time moms are made into the one and only super hero at the exclusion of the all important father. Sure there are dead beat fathers out there but there are neglectful mothers too. 

Fathers play such a vital role in the development of children as well as the nurture of them. A child needs to see the mans input as well as the ladies. God designed it that way. My heart goes out to children who through no fault of their own have been tossed aside or worse yet, aborted. Or those who grew up without a father's love. 

This Father's Day if you have a dad call him, hug him, and be sure to say thanks. Forgive him if he has hurt you. Perhaps your dad is incarcerated. Perhaps he divorced your mom. Keep praying for him. Don't hold a grudge as it only deepens your hurt. Remember your Heavenly Father loves you with a perfect love. If you are a dad raise your children to love and follow Jesus. Let them see you reading the Bible. Be an example of godliness. 

PRAYER: I thank you that we celebrate Father's Day. I thank you for giving me a wonderful dad. For those who hurt today because of father wounds heal them and set them free. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Further reading: Read Psalm 128

Sunrise, Sunset.

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Matthew 24:36

When visiting the grave of a young friend recently I walked around and looked at a few other  graves. On one the tombstone read "Sunrise" for the birthdate and "Sunset" for the date of death. That is fitting as when we are born it is a new beginning and when we pass on the sun has set on our life. 

Are you making good use of the time in between sunrise and sunset? No one knows the time they will die. It could be today, tomorrow, or years from now. Live each day well and make it count for the kingdom. The earth we live on is so very temporary. We are supposed to be here to serve and glorify God. We do this as a mother, a father, a sibling,a co worker, a friend,an employee, and as a total stranger. Our light is to shine forth in the darkness of this present age to shine Christ's love to others. 

Are you living for the Lord in this present age or just here occupying space? When I say "living for the Lord" I do not mean just attending church but truly making Him Lord of your life. Give it some thought. What changes do you need to make to really give God the time He deserves everyday? 

PRAYER: At times Lord I have gotten consumed in my own little world and forget to even give you any quality time. Help me arrange my schedule so I never shut you out. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Forest Fire

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5

My country, the United States of America, has its' share of forest fires, especially out West. These fires sometimes are caused by lightening strikes but often times by a careless person not putting out a campfire or throwing a cigarette butt on ground. Never the less the fires are destructive to property and lives.

Our words are like forest fires. It is critical to be very careful what we say. A misspoken word can wreak havoc and even break up relationships. I am sure I have had burning 'embers' that may have started a small blaze a few times. If we are honest, probably we all have. It is essential to be very wise in the use of our words. Words can build up but can also tear down and destroy.

Are there any 'forest fires' in your own life you need to throw the water of love and grace on before the turn into a raging blaze?

PRAYER: Help me Lord be wise in the use of the words that come out of my mouth. Also help me with my thought life to show love and not be dragging people down even in my thoughts. Help the words I say only bring glory to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Saint Or Sinner?

Saint Or Sinner?

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:10-11

It might surprise you to know we are all sinners. Have you lied? That is a sin. Have your lusted over someone other than a spouse even in a movie? That too is a sin. Have you had hatred in your heart for another human? Bingo! You get the idea. 

Be a witness. Talk to the hurting, the prisoner, those who the world would not have anything to do with. They need the love of God. "We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23). Romans 5:6-8 says "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Christ was not mad at the sinner. He simply said "Go and sin no more." 

There are many temptations in this world. The temptation to lie, cheat, steal, are around us all the time. Keep looking to the cross and to Jesus to keep on the straight and narrow path which leads to salvation and eternal life with Him. 

PRAYER: I know temptations are around me daily Lord but I also know you offer a way out. Help me be consumed by your word and not the world and its' issues and problems. Keep my heart pure and free from sin. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link and be prepared to praise God in song:

http://youtu.be/ipwEtvWL_3c?list=RDipwEtvWL_3c

My Prayer List Post Christmas

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

How many of us have been well intentioned when someone asks us to pray for them and if we do not do it right then totally forget? I have to admit I have done this I am ashamed to say.  

Have you ever thought of using the Christmas  cards you receive as a prayer tool. Leave them out just a while and each day select two or three to pray for in your prayer time. Everyone has needs and concerns but only the Lord knows what each person is dealing with. Make Christmas season continue past December 25 by putting those cards to good use. Even better when there is a photo on the card so you put a face with a name.

Remember just as today's very short verse says,we are to pray all the time. You can actually talk to God in prayer even when you are driving your car. I often turn off my radio and just pray at that time in the quiet and comfort of my car.  Whatever you choose, just do not stop praying.

PRAYER: Dear Lord I thank you for every chance I get to pray. I thank you that I happen to live in a country where I can do this in most places. Help me not forget when someone requests prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hate God? Hate Church?

Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.Hebrews 10:25

Many people do hate God. Some people who once were on fire for the Lord have turned their backs on God. Maybe they started listening to wrong voices. Guess where wrong voices are from? The enemy. Maybe you are reading this today and you have justified why you are not involved in a growing church or a small group Bible study. Maybe a life experience soured you on things of Christ. Friend, the enemy is out to get your souls. Many a Christian parent languishes over children they raised for the Lord who do not love Him with their whole heart anymore.

Wherever you are at today, the Lord understands and He is waiting to be truly first place in your life for the first time or welcomed back if you turned your back on Him.

If you are not active in a church right now or living for the Lord because of whatever reason go to this link below and listen to their messages. In the meantime search your heart and ask yourself why you are so mad at God and why you think you can do what you want to on Sunday.
http://live.churchofthehighlands.com/

PRAYER: Oh Lord restore to me the joy of my salvation. Help me resist to temptations to do my own things on your day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of praise and worship:
http://youtu.be/JiD0_Krgbo4

Pray, Pray, and Pray Some More

Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and never give up. Luke 18:1

Ever have a day when it is just hard to get going? That was me on Friday. I had tons of energy,just no motivation for some reason. Everything I seemed to read on email that day from various ministries was about persistence in prayer. Even when we do not feel like it, we have to get up and get going and keep praying.

God will give you the strength. Satan is the one who tries to zap your strength, disable you, and keep you lethargic. After all,  if you feel all blah and trust your feelings over faith,then our enemy is overjoyed. He loves to have Christians feeling weak and powerless. You have to take control of your feelings and charge on.

The joy of the Lord is your strength and will always pull you through. Cry out to God and praise His name.

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for your love for me and your patience with me. Help me get up and get going for the Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Stop Your Murmuring, Christian!

 Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Philippians 2:14

Murmuring, gossip, and complaining are not a good thing for believers. It is so easy to fall into that trap though. How many of us maybe go to church, sing the hymns, pray the prayers and feel all holy, then walk out the door and complain about traffic getting out of the church parking lot? Perhaps we grumble at the local restaurant when not served in a timely manner?  Yikes but we may even say something unflattering about the pastor?

Today is the day to stop this very bad habit. If you are honest with yourself we probably all have done it. Satan rejoices over complaining, grumbling believers as it is sure not a very good witness or a way to get closer to God.

If you know this is you ask God to transfer you into His image to include His speech. Try your best, with God's help, to start off right controlling the words that spew forth from the mouth that is supposed to be spiritual.

PRAYER: I have been at fault in this area Lord and I ask forgiveness. I know Satan is joyful when I fall into his trap of doing this. I choose to let my words bring glory not shame. Help me. In Jesus'  name. Amen.

My Appointment With God

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

What is on your calendar or to do list for today? If it is like most people it is very crowded with activities. On this list of things that need to be accomplished did you remember to put 'have a quiet time' or is there absolutely no time for that? I know the days I make time for sitting and being still with God first, the day goes much better.

I heard once that the word 'busy' could be turned into an acronym 'Being Under Satan's Yoke' and oh isn't that the truth? If Satan keeps you so busy with what we feel is so urgent. before you know it God is pushed aside. 

Do you desire to be with God each morning? If you do not perhaps pray and ask God to help you desire Him more. We need Jesus in our lives each and every day. The closer we are to God the less the struggles of daily life will weigh us down. 

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for my time alone with you. I know it breaks your heart when I rush into my day and do not give you any time. Forgive me and help me not judge others but only concern myself for my quiet time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Scab Picker

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

When you have a scab on your body if you continue to pick at it, it will never heal and may even become infected. With relationship hurts, if we keep 'picking' and talking about the issues and do not move past them, it is like a scab that will never heal. Don't keep fighting and picking at each other but learn to let things go and let them heal.

Is there something in your life you have been picking at that you know you need to let go and let God heal it? Trust Him and cry out to Him. Don't allow problems to fester and become so major that they are out of control.

Release your problem to the Lord. He can and does heal those 'emotional scabs' we continually can not let go of. 

PRAYER: There are times I can not seem to let things go and just keep picking and picking at them.  Help me Lord as I seek to let go and trust you to heal wounds in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Dig Deep

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

Forgiveness is a hard thing to do. Sometimes it is necessary to forgive people even when they are unaware they have hurt you or are at fault. You can dwell on issues and things that have been done to you or you can choose to move on and open your heart and allow God to transform you. It is hard to not forgive and to walk with the Lord at the same time. 

In order to truly forgive you have to purpose in your heart that you will not allow past problems to fester and if a person does not even know they are wrong forgive them in your heart anyway. Ask God to help you mend relationships and not harbor bad feelings.  You have to move on beyond hurts and pains and let Jesus have them.

Today whatever it is that has been bothering you first pray and ask God to help you release this person to Him and let you move beyond resentment and ill will.

PRAYER: I have been hurt by people, sometimes people very close to me who do not even realize it. I need to get beyond the feelings of anger and hatred to showing love and forgiveness regardless.Teach me your ways Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

To Share Or Not To Share

 Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured unto you. Luke 6:38

Recently I bought a container of breath mints that had two openings on the lid. One a small opening said "to share" and the other larger opening said "not to Share". This struck me as funny in a society that tends to be all about me, me ,me. This implies take more for yourself and do not give them away.

 Many places in God's word we are told about sharing and giving to others. Reaping and sowing so to speak. We should not share to get things but we should share because we know as Christians that is the right thing to do.

Is your heart stingy or is it giving? Remember the things we have are all God's anyway. Now go share something.

PRAYER: Help me open my heart to those in need and even to those not in need just because I want to. I pray for people who are recipients of gifts to be grateful for them and realize it is a blessing from God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Under Construction

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

A few years ago there was a saying "Please be patient. God is not finished with me yet." A few days ago as I ran past a construction site, a big sign on their fence said "Under Construction." When something is being built we often wait with anticipation for what is to come. As a believer I am constantly under construction. I guess when I am finished or when God is finished then I will enter heaven.

 Your life is constantly being built and changed too. I for one am glad we do not stay the same age and do the same things. When you feel all is lost or are facing some challenge in life, know that  if you love Jesus He is there with you and will see you through to what lies beyond. One of the biggest things for being "built" in Christ is knowing that trials help to shape you. It says that in James 1:2-4. Take a moment and read it.

 Go back out in your 'construction zone' and know the 'master builder' is shaping you into just what He wants you to be.

PRAYER: Thank you for working on me and making me just what you need for your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Freedom. You Gotta Love It!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Freedom is a gift from God never to be taken for granted. Here in these United States we could become complacent and then be attacked. Remember September 11, 2001 and recent attacks at military bases and the Boston Marathon? 

With freedom comes responsibility. Responsibility to vote first of all. Responsibility to speak up against injustices or lawlessness.  Responsibility to pray for our nation and it's' leaders. 

Remember God has blessed this great nation when we followed Him and were moral. Today we need to stand strong for righteousness and speak up in love when evil tries to creep in. 

Thank God for freedom and oh by the way, Happy Birthday America! 

PRAYER: I love celebrations Lord and July 4th is one of the best. A party for celebrating America's independence. I thank you Lord for all we enjoy. Help us work and pray to protect it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Shhhh!

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Psalm 34:13

How many readers would say they think they have a trouble controlling their mouth? This could be as simple as lying, yes even white lies, or gossip? Our mouths can get us into major trouble and even wreck relationships if we are not careful. It is essential to think before we engage our mouths and speak. Wanting to share  opinions sometimes is unnecessary and indeed can backfire. The less said the better is often the key. 

Let's say you are in a room with Jesus and someone is arguing with Him. Do you suppose He would continue on? First of all, He would not be verbally battling someone. We as His  followers are to set an example in words and deeds. Often it is easy to let situations make us get upset or even something someone has said to hurt us. Best to overlook an offense and be at peace than to try to start a war of words. 

Try something if you will. Make a list of people you feel angry at and ask God to help your speech and thoughts towards them be kind and pure. 

PRAYER: Today and every day Lord help me live a life pleasing to you in the things that I say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I Blew It! Not With God!

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.  Psalm 103:12

What have you done that you are really not proud of? Perhaps treated a stranger poorly such as a waitress at a restaurant or a clerk at a store. Maybe you hurt a family member or are dealing with resentment after being hurt. Anger might have gotten the best of you and you broke something or said something to someone you wish you could retract?  

Whatever it is that has you ashamed and concerned,God gives you a do over and a second chance. If you have been wronged even when the person who hurt you never asks to be forgiven you can still choose to let it go,move on, and forgive. If you spewed forth angry words you now regret, that too, can be forgiven. We beat up on ourselves so much when forgiveness is a prayer away. 

       Today's assignment is to trust that God has forgiven you and learn to forgive others and      have a pure heart. 

PRAYER: Your love for me is so very great. Satan wants me to condemn myself when I know your grace has set me free. I want to say thanks. In Jesus' name. Amen.

     

Little Baby Steps

          Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

          When I rededicated my life to Christ and became 'born again' on March 19, 1975 I did not become a spiritual giant all at once nor am I one now. Sometimes I have been kidded, since my passion is to write devotions, that I should go to seminary. Well I do not plan to go that route. I am simply being obedient to what I feel God called me to do. I did not instantly know scriptures but I am every thankful to The Navigators ministry who discipled me in Anniston, Alabama while I was assigned to Ft McClellan awaiting assignment  to Fort Lee, Virginia. It was through a wonderful book entitled 'Disciples Are Made Not Born' that I really started to learn to grow. I had a rough period when I kind of fell away a few months in Virginia until arriving at Fort Ord, California where I got involved with Officer's Christian Fellowship. 

When you accept Christ you have to stay connected to other believer's and try to find a good Bible study and a growing church. If you stagnate and compromise you can easily be led down the wrong path.  There is a verse in Colossians 2:8 which says "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ."  Stay grounded in the word and it will be easier to be caught off guard by Satan. 

Take those little baby steps as they are important in growing but do not expect to know everything and take time growing in Christ on the journey He has you on.

PRAYER: Thank you that each and every day is a new challenge and new opportunities to grow in Christ and serve you Lord. Help me go out in love and know you are with me and will sustain me. Protect me from evil. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Links to the two ministries I mentioned are listed below:

http://www.navigators.org/Ministries

http://www.ocfusa.org/

 http://www.christianbook.com/disciples-are-made-not-born/walter-henrichsen/9780781438834/pd/61442

End Times

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. Matthew 24:12

Ungratefulness, unholiness, being led astray, strange weather patterns, wars and rumors of wars, and complacency  about sin are just a few of the signs of the return of our Lord. There is nothing to fear if you are a believer and following Jesus. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that  "the Lord Himself will come down with a loud command". Many may see this as frightening. Others anticipate it with joy and hope to see it in their lifetime. 

There have always been those people trying to predict the end of the world, doom and gloom. Many signs point to the fact we are getting closer but it says in Matthew 24:36 that "But about that day no one knows not even the angels  in heaven or the Son, but only the Father." Predicting the apocalypse sells many books and makes a great movie, but it can also create a  tremendous panic.

Do not be afraid my friend. Fear and worry about an event that has not even happened is wasted energy. Instead make sure you are ready for His return. Be loving, caring, kind, and be ready. Have you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life? If not why not do it  today. 

PRAYER: Lord oh Lord how majestic is your name in all the Earth. I fear no terror. I know you are coming back one day and look forward to that. Help those who do not know you to be ready. In Jesus' name. Amen.