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.

Mean People Deserve Love Too

And the second is this. 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:39

Allot of you may think my title is ridiculous. "No way Becky. People who treat me mean do not deserve my love at all! Why should I love someone who talks down to me and acts like they can't stand me."  Why indeed! Maybe because God says to? Love covers a multitude of sins it says in 1 Peter 4:8. Love has a transcending power through cultures and generations. Showing love can break through the hardest exterior.

Sometimes even when you show love you may not instantly get love back but keep on showing love. Whether to an unloving and verbally abusive spouse, a arrogant clerk,a rude disrespectful child who was taught otherwise, or anyone you encounter who just seems less than joyful.

Love has the power to heal a wounded heart. Love is from God therefore when we see examples of the beheadings by the ISIS rebels we know there's no part of our Holy God Jehovah Jireh living in them.God can transform really evil people though as it happened in the Bible.

Who do you need to show love to? Sometimes it is necessary to overcome evil and bad behavior with good. That's in the Bible too.

 PRAYER: Lord I want to show your love to all those around me even when it is hard. Help me to remember to pray for the unloving and those around our world who are just plain evil. Help me love through you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a wonderful praise and worship song:
 http://youtu.be/AibBR6j2g54

If Only You Had Been Here God!

That you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.Matthew 5:45

Why is it that when a tragedy occurs, and especially results in an untimely death, often we hear, "where was God"? He has not gone anywhere. Wonder why folks don't get angry and shout at Satan and say "why did you cause that car wreck" or "why did you tempt him to drink"? Things happen in life and God knows the big picture because He is God.  People have free will and sometimes that free will creates accidents. You certainly don't want to go up to someone who has just had a death in family and say "all things work together for good you know" as that is not what they need to hear.

During the grieving process allow the person to show emotions. It is okay to cry. And cry they will often for months and possibly years to come. Trust that God will use everything for His intended purposes. We do not understand everything. Sometimes people turn their back on God, church, or religion because of the hurt and anger they feel after a prayer did not save  their loved one. When this happens only our enemy rejoices because he has this individual mad at God. 

Wherever you are at today in wondering why did someone die so young, why did God not save them just keep praying. Some day it will all be revealed. In the meantime reach out to others who hurt but do not turn your back on God.

PRAYER: I need you in my life. Sometimes I do not understand why a baby dies at birth or a teen gets killed in a wreck. These things are beyond my comprehension. Help me Lord to reach out to comfort those who are hurting. 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.

Respect

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband? Ephesians 5:33

Both Ephesians chapter 5 and 1 Peter Chapter 3 have allot to say about marriage between a husband and a wife. Not meaning to leave single people out, these chapters are good for all of us to read and take to heart. The foundations are love and respect among other things. But love and respect are also needed in our world in general.

Respect is defined by Bing online dictionary as "esteem: a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something."  Some husbands may not be kind verbally to their wives but with God's help those ladies can master respect. Always remember to love unconditionally. Respect will get you a long way. 

Your job today and everyday is to show love to others and be respectful regardless. Go change your world. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to show respect not only to my spouse but to those around me. I want your live to flow through me like a mighty ocean. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

God Really Does Care

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Things in life are going to happen both good and bad. No one is immune. Just this past week I know of two families struggling with the loss of a mom and wife, one was quite before the typical age we associate with dying. Tragedy happens sometimes unexpectedly as in the death of a baby or child. Why? I do not know but I know that God is bigger than any problem. There is a given in life and that is we all will die someday.

Do you feel God has abandoned you or do scream out in anger at Him over taking your loved one away from you? God loves you my friend. He has experienced every pain we have. Satan is the one who attempts to get you to scream and curse God. Don't do it my friend. Instead thank Him for the time you were blessed with the gift of the beloved one who has gone on to be with Him.

PRAYER: Lord I know you love me. Your love knows no bounds. Forgive me if I have ever doubted your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of praise to get your Sunday started.

http://youtu.be/BTi2-VIcaRw

Graduation Day

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

This time of year more than any other, graduations are taking place everywhere from kindergarten level to doctorate level. Thrilled parents and other family and friends excitedly gather in auditoriums or outdoor venues to honor those who achieve this milestone in their lives.

One day for believers the ultimate graduation day will come and that is passing from death unto life everlasting in heaven with God. Wow, that is something no one can imagine but can look forward to without fear.  Can't you just imagine the excitement in heaven when a sinner repents or a believer comes home to be with the Lord. What a day of rejoicing it will be indeed!

PRAYER: I am so excited for my graduation day into your heavenly kingdom. Help me continue to run the race to win. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Note: A song I truly love called 'I Can Only Imagine'. Click link below.
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Be Happy Everyday!

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Hopefully you woke up today in a good mood ready to face yet another day God has blessed you with here on Earth. We are not here to serve ourselves alone. We are here to serve the Lord and love people, all people.

Sometimes if you wake up feeling depressed, gloomy,sad, and alone, try saying out loud the verse above. Say it over and over if you have to. If you are away from things of the Lord and feeling sort of out of it, go get a Bible and open to the book of John in the New Testament and rejoice. Make a list of your blessings in life instead of dwelling on your problems. Pray for other people. Do something nice for someone, even a stranger. Purposely think on good things. 

Each and every day is a gift from God and a reason to be glad. If you are feeling down it is because Satan likes to get you to be this way. When you feel bad tell Satan to get behind you. Now go out and be happy!

PRAYER: I love you Lord and I choose this day to rejoice and make the enemy mad. Help me be kind today regardless of feelings. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Change My Heart Lord

Change My Heart Lord For  the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who perish; but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 Look around you. The world we live in is not God friendly or Christian friendly. The culture tells us to change with the times. The Bible is valid for all times and is still the best selling book of all time. Satan, the great deceiver, has gotten many to cave into his lies. The way to not let this happen is to be spending time regularly in His word so you will recognize when the enemy comes against you.  Evil forces always are at work trying to get rid of truth. We are seeing it today with traditional marriage  being attacked in name of tolerance and  to meet the "times". I am pretty certain marriage means one man and one woman. We have exchanged truth for lies. "Heart transplants" are needed in that even some believers are caught in the trap of listening to Satan more than God.The battle for good versus evil rages on.    When you truly love God you will hunger for His word which is truth. You won't entertain doubts or cave in to deception. PRAYER: I know I need to be alert because my enemy the devil is prowling around trying to change truth into a lie. Keep me discerning of the lies that come my way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Recovery Mode

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

The all too familiar phrase pops up occasionally on computer screens "Word Has Entered The Recovery Mode" and a grateful shout of "hallelujah" comes from the mouth of a very relieved writer who thought I had lost my work. There have been times I have done work and can not find it. When this occurs an outbreak of panic is not the answer but trying to remain calm in the midst of this. Often I just laugh because I believe it is spiritual warfare.

No matter what in life you are facing or what has upset your day God can restore you and give you his perfect peace. He is the all powerful mighty God and the best "recovery mode" ever. Do not let bad news, computers crashes, traffic jams, tax deadlines, or wayward children cause you to start fretting. You can run to Jesus and let Him take you and help you recover from whatever has gotten you down.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that you pick me up and help me recover from the setbacks in life. in Jesus' name. Amen.

What Do You Say?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Sometimes things happen in life to friends or family and there are not words to know how to respond or bring comfort. Recently a longtime friend of mine had the unspeakable happen which there's no need to elaborate on as God knows. In this time of her enormous grief and confusion what can you do to help? Flowers, cookie bouquet, note, phone call? Grief,tragedy,and pain are all part of life and can make us stronger. That makes some angry especially if they have lost a close friend in an accident or in war. Only time and prayer help the healing process.

Grief and trouble are all part of life. In the newly released Hollywood movie,"God's Not Dead" ,an atheist college professor has been hurt in the past and hates God and tries to get his students to do likewise. This movie is a must see in my humble opinion. I have seen it three times already.

What are you struggling to deal with in your own life?Run to God,not away from Him. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you. Forgive me if I have ever been mad or blamed you for my grief. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Breaking Through

God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:33(KJV) 

To get beyond a problem in your life you have to press on to other things and not dwell on the bad stuff. Consciously make your thoughts focus "above", staying positive and thinking about how much God loves you. I had to do this as a very special friend shut me out of her life. I wanted to dwell on it and try to fix things but realized that was beyond my ability. Only God could set things straight. Sometimes those bad things help us "break through" to better things that lie beyond the hurt and the pain.  

God alone is your strength. He gives you the power and ability to get through every day no matter how tough it may seem. Our enemy Satan, is the character who wants people to continually dwell on hurts, rejection, and pain. God can and does set us free from all the junk swirling around us and provides hope for a brighter tomorrow. You only need to let Him into your life. 

PRAYER: You have great things in store for me Lord and I choose to think about your mighty power and wonders instead of letting issues in life get me down. I choose to look to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Hurting?

Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4(NIV)

Everyone has hurt sometime in their lives either emotionally or physically. It is hard to know what people are going through. In church one Sunday  in front of me were two individuals who appeared to have hurts. One ended up sitting down, got on his phone,  then left ten minutes into the service. This person just looked lonely. The other was with their spouse and during altar prayer went forward. The spouse stayed behind sitting down praying. It is not just us that have bad days. We who call ourselves believers should reach out to and pray for those in despair as we have all been there. I have a mountain I like to go to and get alone with God. Even Jesus went alone to a quiet place and prayed. (See Luke 6:12-13). 

What creative things can you do to reach out to those in pain? We can pray. If it is a friend, you can send a note or a card. Perhaps you can visit lonely people in hospitals, prisons, or nursing homes. Just know you are not the only one who has ever hurt so go beyond yourself to help others.

PRAYER: Wherever life takes me today Lord help me be aware to give encouragement to others even through a smile. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Shout For Joy

 "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (NIV) Psalm 118:24

I love songs about joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength. There is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Joy to the world the Lord has come.I've got that joy, joy,joy, joy down in my heart. 

Joy is defined as "great happiness or being delighted." When you sing about the joy of the Lord do you feel joy and show it on your face? I absolutely love praise and worship music. I can't help but raise my hands in praise to the Lord. I do not imagine in heaven we are going to be just sitting there singing and not excited. If you sing a song that says "I lift my hands up" do you lift them up? I imagine up in heaven it is going to be one fantastic praise fest. I mean can you imagine coming face to face with the King of kings and Lord of lords!? You won't be able to contain your joy.

Are you missing that joy in your life? Many who are in churches feel church is enough and don't really feel joyful on Sunday. If this describes you maybe you need to ask Jesus to come into your heart and transform you. 

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want the joy only you can give. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Time For God?

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30(NIV) 

How does your day begin? Maybe grab the newspaper or turn on the news. Next hop in the shower, check Facebook, then eat and off you go. Is time alone with God in there anywhere? Why is it it is so easy to do everything else but the one thing to help us grow spiritually we neglect. Many are great church members but after that one or two hours each Sunday sort of put God on the shelf for the next six days. This makes Satan so gleeful as he can trick you into thinking Sunday is enough. Believe me, there are many people who go to church who are no different than the world. There are many in church who do not really know Jesus. Perhaps they have been tricked into believing Sunday church attendance is the thing to do. Oh my goodness, doing anything else is fanatical.

 I am happy to say I am a fanatic! I wasn't always. I too was like that. I thought my childhood baptism and joining church was enough. I found out otherwise and on 19 March 1975 became a "new creature" and born again. Do you want to grow closer to Christ! Spend time with Him. He is there waiting for you. 

PRAYER: I need you in my life not just on Sunday but 24/7 around the clock. Forgive me for making excuses. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Get Connected

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3(NIV)

A few days ago I was in a remote location with no Internet connection near me. Because of this I was unable to do email, use blogger, or connect to Facebook. At times not being connected can be a blessing but at times when we are used to it frustration can set in.

The good news is that you never had to be disconnected from Jesus. If you are 35,000 feet in the air on a plane and there is no Go Go Wi Fi, He is there. If you are taking an underground cave tour, He is there. If you are in an elevator, He is still there. No matter where you go, He is there. He is in Communist countries where the government does not want Him. No matter where life takes you, Jesus is there.

There may be moments in life where you feel God has left you. He never leaves you. The enemy wants you to feel this way. God is always only a prayer away. Believe in Him. Trust in Him. Read His word. You are always connected no matter where you are.

PRAYER: I am comforted to know you are only a prayer away. I know I am not alone. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Transforming Lives

Recently while waiting to board a plane to Chicago I see an advertisement for a local university which simply reads "Transforming Lives". What parent would not want to send their child where their life would be transformed? But wait. It did not specify "how" this transformation would take place. Would it be intellectual, situation, emotional, relational? 

As a believer I want my life transformed and that of my children but I want it transformed into the image of Christ. One of my favorite verses after recommitting  my life to Jesus back in 1975 was Romans 12:2(NIV) which says 'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.'  Transforming your mind requires getting into the word of God on a daily basis and reading it and studying it so your life will "conform" to His. The world's way is not God's way. This is not to say that we become monks and act holier than thou but it is necessary to make a deliberate effort to saturate your mind with the teaching of the Lord so when wrong stuff comes along you will recognize it.

Are you ready for that transformation today? 

PRAYER: My desire Lord is to have more of you in my life. I want your light to shine so others can know that you have transformed me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

CHARGE ON!!

I have enjoyed watching the Winter Olympic games both the set backs and the glory. It is agonizing to see a defending champion lose their crown and have to eat a bit of humble pie. Snow conditions were not ideal during the Half Pipe competition on 11 February and many stumbled. What a let down for athletes who have trained for this moment and on international television do not rise to the occasion.

Life is like an athletic competition in some ways. We lose or fall and have to get back up and keep on going. Struggles may overwhelm but in Gods word it says to press on, run the race to win, keep looking up. Persevere knowing who is there to help and what the prize is going to be.

Are you weighed down by something right now and sometimes feel like giving up? Keep looking straight ahead as if the finish line was right there and Jesus was waving at you. I guarantee you would run with all your might towards his open arms.

1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us 'Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.'

PRAYER: Lord I look to you Lord as my ultimate prize. Things in life may get me down but I know my hope is in you and not in people or situations. I choose to run to win. In Jesus' name. Amen.

LOVE DOES NOT JUDGE

Recently I saw the new Hollywood movie, Gimme Shelter, which has a decidedly pro life and Christian message which I found refreshing. In the movie a down and out pregnant unmarried teen was played by actress Vanessa Hudgens.

This movie made you want to stand up and cheer at the end because of the forgiveness displayed. The way this character looked with tattoos and body piercing she would have been wrongly judged and cast off by many. The compassion of a caring lady turned her life around.

There are "street people" everywhere. We do not know "their story" so it is not up to us to judge. Hebrews 13:2(NIV) says 'Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.' The beggar, the prostitute, the thief, the murderer, the alcoholic, the homeless, the dregs of society all are loved by God. We need to find a way to be kind to all people and show kindness. Not everyone can take a homeless pregnant teen in an change her life but all of us can do something.

PRAYER: Make me your humble servant Lord. I may not go to a faraway mission filed to meet needs but direct my path to people who are hurting here who need your love. Use me to help demonstrate it. In Jesus' name. Amen.