Talk Them Off The Ledge

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

Discouragement and depression are real and serious conditions sometimes needing professional medical help to help a person improve. Often times a situation can seem overwhelming to someone. Servicemen going through  PTSD is no laughing matter and needs professional help. But perhaps you know of someone who is not quite so serious but may need a friend to talk to. Your listening ear could sometimes be the difference in life or death. It is not necessary to hold a degree in counseling to be a friend. 

Satan is the great deceiver. He can keep a person down in the dumps and make them believe a lie that they are not worth anything and life would be better if they were not here. If you yourself have ever had feelings like that first of all talk to a trusted friend. Above all pray. Run to God. If you feel far from God it is not He who has gone anywhere. Psalm 51:10 says "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." 

God loves you my friend. Through the ups and downs this life brings He is only a prayer away. 

PRAYER: Help me be aware of those in my life who may need a touch from a friend or from you Lord. Give me the words to say should I encounter a person in crisis. When I am lonely help me remember to run to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.


NOTE: If you feel lonely or even suicidal PLEASE call this hotline number now: 1-800-273-TALK
For 24 hour prayer contact : 1-800-4PRAYER

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

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.

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.

Money Has Wings

 Command those who are rich in this present world to not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

 It is very easy to trust in our money. In these uncertain times or at any time, riches could disappear. Proverbs 23:5 says they could "sprout wings". No one should trust in their wealth. Paydays are nice but a financial default could send everyone's bank account plummeting. Would you be happy if you did not have money to rely on?  Even the poorest person in America is rich compared to many parts of the world. We are blessed then we can bless others.

Many of our grandparents and parents went through The Great Depression beginning in 1929 and those folks can tell you what it is like to do without. We have it so good now. Never take God's blessings for granted, and find ways you can help others not so fortunate. God is the one who gave us the ability to gain wealth and we are to be good stewards of what he entrusts to us.

Take time today to thank God for the abundance He has blessed you with. Never assume it will always be there. Trust in God and He will take care of you.

 PRAYER: Lord you are good and you provide us with so many things. Forgive me if I have ever been stingy with your blessings. 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.

Simply Amazing!

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

It boggles my mind to think of all that Jesus died for. All the junk we have done and all the times we ignored him and did what we wanted to even when we knew the consequences would not be good. Our free will and sin nature got in the way. Without acknowledging God we went our own way and then show up on the doorsteps of church Sunday. It is good to be in church but we need more than Sunday.  Jesus died a horrible death on the cross so we could be set free. 

Do you love Jesus and is He the Lord of your life or are you in the church club where you simply are on the rolls somewhere or grew up in a denomination because that is what your family did? Perhaps you go off each Sunday but get nothing from it and can't wait for the hour to be up. God is amazing for sure. Even though He is ignored and treated so poorly by us He still loves us. He is the God of second chances and even third and fourth chances. 

If you have not already done so why not ask Him to be Lord of your life today and change you from the inside out. 

PRAYER: Lord you are worthy to receive glory, and honor, and power. Your name is above all names. I praise you forever and ever. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link before to worship the Lord in praise. 

http://youtu.be/XFRjr_x-yxU

I've Got Your Card

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.Galatians 1:10

In my many times being in coffee shops writing, I often can not help but hear others dialogue when little groups come in for meetings. After one recently, the group asked each other for their business cards. This little card sure seems to hold status. I know I have a card for my writing and often am able to give it out if necessary. 

It just struck me though that this tiny item can hold so much power or status like 'I've arrived'. Sort of gets your foot in the door in some places or makes you seem more professional. I wondered if Jesus had a business card what would it say?  Perhaps it would read "JESUS The Almighty, Healer, Teacher, Counselor, Willing Listener. Call on me." 

We do not need a business card to be accepted by Christ. He loves us with or without a card and with or without Earthly importance. Just run to Him. He is waiting for you. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for loving me and accepting me just like I am. I know you love me and I thank you I know I can run to you at any time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Pure Snow

"Come now and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

Many parts of the country may still be experiencing snow, in the higher elevations particularly. Those who love winter are not bothered by it at all. The freshness of a new snowfall is so very nice. I remember when living in Iowa in the mid 90's the winters would be harsh but yet after a winter storm things would be glistening and so beautiful. It was also very quiet outside as there was hardly any traffic.  Fresh snow is beautiful.

In God's word we are told our sins can be made as "white as snow."  Think of the picture of the snowfall so perfect and pure once it has just fallen and not disturbed by children building snowmen. It is so pretty.  That is how we can be once we confess our sins to Jesus. We let them go and do not keep bringing them back up. He promises to make us whiter than snow.

PRAYER: Thank you that you remember our sins no more and once we confess them to you you make us white as snow with a clean slate. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Got Friends?

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.Proverbs 18:24

Friends are extremely important to me. In my 30 years moving around with the United States Army many of our fellow military and civilian friends have become like a second family to us. We have shared holiday meals and done many things together. I am blessed with a very  large Christmas card list. There have been losses of friends though too, some to early death and some who just were tired of being my friend. Those hurt.

If you have ever been jilted by a dear friend it is very painful and confusing. Nothing you can say or do matters so it is best to let it go and shake the dust off your feet so to speak. Concentrate on the friends who do appreciate you with all the quirks that come with you. Don't force anyone to like you. Only God can change a heart. 

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the blessing of friendship. Thank you for the way. You have brought people into my life and the lessons I learned from those who "unfriended" me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Quality Time

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 There is a saying called "having quality time over quantity of time." Many people have lives that are so filled with busy activities they barely have time to sit down and just rest. Seems it is easy to commit to too many things to the point you may become overwhelmed. Even a stay home mom can be guilty of this trying to be on committees and commit to different activities that you can become wiped out and no good to anyone. Especially disheartening is to see well meaning parents who put their child in multiple activities and no down time at all.   During all this rush to please everyone do you try to please God? By this I am referring to giving Him more than a "God is great" prayer. He wants your time and he wants you to rest in Him.  Instead of running all over the place  you need to make sure you run to Jesus. Why not start today and spend some good time with Jesus. Trust in Him, submit your activities to Him. He is waiting for that quality time with you. PRAYER: I need you in my life on a daily basis. Help me Lord as I seek to truly make you number one and cente my activities around you. In  Jesus' name. Amen.

Service Unavailable

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

An error message  appeared on my Blogger account one day that said "service unavailable" when trying to post something to Facebook. It was very frustrating to have glitches in trying to get my writing done. Occasionally things happen that cause stuff to be out of order and it can cause frustration or panic. It is how we handle ourselves during this time that matters. In the big scheme of things it is fairly small even though it is maddening.

Getting mad, throwing things, and having a tantrum won't change things so you may just as well seek peace in the midst of this down time. Go one to something else. Get your mind off your trouble. Stuff breaks, friends disappoint, people hurt you, promotions don't come, bills pile up and all sorts of other things. In times when things aren't as they should be trust in God for His peace to see you through.

PRAYER: This is the day you have made and no matter what comes my way Lord help me react in a kind positive way. In Jesus' name. Amen.
       

God Has Not Abandoned You

 

But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.Psalm 10:14(NIV)

Every day is a day with things different happening. Bad news or good news may be just around the corner. It is how we react to this news that matters. Some of the news can be worse than others and harder to cope with. For instance the news you may have a terminal illness. Maybe a family member passes away unexpectedly. Life does have both ups and downs.

No matter what happens you can run to God. Do not be mad at Him shouting "If you really loved me you would have let my mother live" or "if you really loved me Lord my dog would not have been hit by a car". God is not the one that made them die. Things in life happen. We all will die someday and the thing is to be ready as we do not know when Just know God is there to comfort you.

PRAYER: I thank you for the blessing of another day. When I feel sad Lord help me to learn to reach out to others in my pain. In Jesus' name. Amen.

THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

Where are you at in your journey of life? Do you feel like there is something you are missing? Do you long for more of Jesus in your life? 

Depending on where you live and how busy you are you may have little or no desire for things of God in your life. My asking these questions today is not meant to point the finger at you but to only ask you do you feel okay with God and think all is well in your little corner of the universe? Is Christianity, in your opinion, a bunch of rules to be followed or else someone will get you?

I have news for you dear friend. No matter where you are in life or what you have done God is a god of grace, compassion and mercy. Often times churches bearing his name lack those qualities but instead are all about doctrine, rules, and judgment. I am here today to say "Jesus loves you this I know for my Bible tells me so." Is He a vital part of your life and is He truly number one? 

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20(ESV) Do you want to die to self and live for Him? 

PRAYER: I want more of you in my life. I want to die to being judgmental, mean, unloving, or self righteous. I want your love in my life so I can love others unconditionally. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

DREAM BIG!

Do you have a half full or half empty approach to life? Do you look at every problem coming your way and get overwhelmed? Does your attitude need an adjustment? Do you look at a task and think it is impossible?

In a nearby community in Tennessee I was thrilled to see a new coffee shop open where another one had apparently not succeeded. I told the owner I was very happy and hope they did well. I said I loved seeing small businesses start up and be successful. He responded to me, "I do not plan to be small for long". What a tremendous positive outlook!. He did not respond "I hope we make it but I fear this economy" but instead was positive. That is the attitude all of us need to develop.

Now I do not know where this owner stands with Christ or even if he was a believer but he sure had a can do attitude and was full of hope and a good outlook on things. All of us could learn a lesson in that. For me as a writer wanting to have a book someday I need to know I can and will do it and not doubt. entertaining wrong thinking only brings a person down and makes the enemy happy because he has you paralyzed that you are incapable.

Let me leave you with Philippians 4:13(NIV) which says 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength.'

PRAYER: I thank you for hopes and dreams you have placed in my heart Lord. I thank you that with your help I can succeed. I thank you Lord that I have the mind of Christ and choose to stop doubting and look to you as my strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.

THE CHAMPIONS

Today marks the beginning of the Winter Olympics. I always look forward to these games. I love to downhill ski and ice skate and am pretty much a winter girl at heart. It thrills me to see the tremendous skill of all the athletes in both the winter and the summer games. They all are hoping for an opportunity to stand on the podium and medal for their country. In the eyes of millions this makes them a true champion.

A true champion can be an athlete who wins a medal but there are many types of champions. In my opinion a real champion is one who allows Jesus to be Lord of their life and lives for Him in every area of life. There are athletes that have indeed given the glory to God in front of millions of TV viewers and this always warms my heart. Athletes in Action has a prayer ministry during the Olympics to pray for the athletes. Go to link below for more on this ministry.

In the meantime are you a champion for Jesus? 1 Corinthians 15:58(NIV) reminds us 'But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus.'

PRAYER: I know I am a true champion and have victory when I follow steadfastly after you and not the ways of the world. Help me to remember true champions live for Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

http://olympics.athletesinaction.org/prayer-strategy/

ARE YOU HIS HANDS AND FEET?

What have you done for Jesus today? Think about that for a moment. When you accept Christ as your savior you are His hands and feet in the lost and hurting world around you. An ambassador of sorts. Have you only done things for your own pleasure or have you made a difference in someone's life? The Bible does not use the words hands and feet but it tells us to go and share his love and make disciples in Matthew 28:19. 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'. When a person loves Jesus they should want to share that love with those around them even with something as simple as a smile.

The theme of love has been discussed the past few devotions. Certainly being the "hands and feet" of Jesus to a hurting world is a love gift. Jesus certainly always put people before himself. We are to emulate that when we go about our day as well. It is not normal for a person to think of other people first. Self centeredness is the norm most the time. Going beyond the call of duty and truly being a disciple of Jesus is something the world is not used to encountering.

PRAYER: As I go about my day Lord help me be aware of those around me who need a touch of God's love in their life. Guide me when to speak and give me the words to say. Help me to be a good loving representative of you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WELCOME! NO TRESPASSING!!

 

February is considered the "love month' by many so I have been writing on the subject of love. Recently I saw a yard nearby displaying two distinct signs. The first was a little garden flag that read "Welcome" and just beyond that tacked to the side of the home was a sign that read "No Trespassing". It made me smile because the two are nothing alike.

First of all saying "welcome" shows love and hospitality and usually indicates you have a friendly personality. But to also have a sign telling folks to keep off your property is a contradiction of sorts. This does not show love at all.

What does it really mean to love and be kind anyway? Do we say we have love but then no action follows it? Romans 13:8 reminds us ' Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.' There may be well meaning Christians who have a church magnet on their car or a Jesus Loves Me bumper sticker but their actions behind the wheel are anything but loving.

Do you really display the love of Jesus? Just something to think about.

PRAYER: Love is a word often thrown around flippantly. I want to have the kind of love in my live where others can tell something is different and maybe be able to tell about Jesus as a result. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BIND US TOGETHER IN LOVE

Are you a lover or a hater? Do you often find yourself judging others, talking behind someone's back, giving hand gestures driving, or talking bad about politicians?

How can we say we are "lovers" when we act hateful towards people? We may not agree with someone but our job is to pray for them. Being a "lover" is also being a light in the darkness and salt and light to the unsaved world around us. The mouth sometimes is a great indicator or our love walk. What things have spewed forth from your mouth lately?

If you have a problem in this area God can strengthen you, heal you, and set you free. Do you think Jesus ran around hating all those who disagreed with Him or hated Him? Of course not. He mainly said things like "Father forgive them for they know not what they do" in Luke 23:34.

Challenge yourself today to take an inventory of your thoughts and speech and see what is reflected in them. If there is hatred or ill will why not ask God to deliver you. Above all keep praying!

Colossians 3:13-14(NIV) reminds us 'Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.'

PRAYER: Jesus I know things make you sad in this world when people go against your word and hurt others. Also when man tries to change your Holy word to justify sin that breaks your heart. But still you do not hate. Help me to continue to pray and to be delivered from the desire to want to be ugly. Help me walk with a Christian attitude towards the vile and unlovely. In Jesus' name. Amen.