Offended?

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19

Taking offense, being hurt, getting angry and shutting someone out is not a characteristic of a believer. Being offended is earthly and only leads to hurt feelings, misunderstanding, and angry. 

Has someone ever offended you? Probably the answer is yes. Have you ever offended anyone either intentionally or unintentionally? Probably another yes reply. 

Just as today's Bible verse indicates, the offended person is very hard to win back. Very sad. The definition of offended is resentful. Not a fruit of the spirit obviously. So if you struggle with this ask God to help you. If you have offended someone go make peace. 

PRAYER: I thank you for forgiveness and mercy. Help me be extra careful that I don't cause offense. Help me to learn to let go of past offenses in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Mistaken Identity

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

Recently in our moms prayer group we were blessed with a new mom entering our fold. I had missed her first day there so did not get her name right. I thought it was this other lady with a name starting with the same letter so sent her an email to welcome her. She probably thought I was nuts. Anyway I found out my mistake when I finally met the new lady and said "whoops". 

Humanly we may forget names of people we have not seen in awhile or who we even just met.  God never forgets us or our name. We are special to Him. He formed us in our mother's womb it says in Psalm 139. Never does he drift off in a daze or zone out and forget about us or our name. We are vitally important to Him. Probably an important thing to try to develop is learning and remembering names. School teachers have to do it so there must be a good way to do so. Listening is good. Not zoning out is good,I am talking to myself here. 

Just know that God loves you my friend. He anxiously awaits hearing from you in prayer each day. Prayer is simply just having a chat with God. No formalities needed. You can pray while you drive but keep your eyes open if you do. You can pray wherever you go.  Let Him hear from you today. He already knows you. Do you know Him?

PRAYER: It says in your word that even the very hairs of our head are numbered. You care about each of us so much Lord and call us by name. Thanks for your unconditional love for me even when I may ignore you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Conforming To This World?

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. Romans 12:2

What is more important to you? Modern culture or being a follower of Christ? The culture certainly is not a God friendly place. Movies and TV attempt to desensitize us then good Christian people compromise deeply held beliefs by caving into pressure from the world. We are told times have changed and we need to 'tolerate' the new morality and things like the new definition of marriage. A teen girl, for instance,  even though she is in a growing dynamic church may feel she has to have the latest styles and like the current movies even if they compromise her values. Maybe she will say things don't bother her so she fits in. 

    We are to be lights in this world. I once heard if we were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict us. Ponder that for a moment. Do you allow culture to mold you? Are you able to walk away from things you know do not please God even though you may be mocked? Do you filter choices through God's eyes? There certainly is enough to drag us down and get us off the course God has planned for us.

Can you be a dynamic follower of Christ in a world that is anything but Christian? This week let your light shine brightly, not in a self righteous way, but in a loving way to those you meet. 

PRAYER: My prayer for myself and for my family is to break their hearts by what breaks yours Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

You're There!!

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. Psalm 92:12-15

I have many friends who are ten, twenty, even thirty years younger than me. Where does the time go? One day you are playing with toddlers and the next they are off on their own with professional jobs and families. Time truly does fly. As I age, I can tend to put myself down or think I do not have a chance working again and such negative thinking like that. There is good news! As we get older we have wisdom and experience, not just age spots and wrinkles. If you are pushing forty or older, do not dread it  but embrace life. Do not think life is just for younger folks even though television and magazine ads tend to glorify youth. 

Congratulations, you are there my friend. Do not mope around wanting to turn back the clock. The future is great and it can be bright. All of life prepares you for the next stage. We are not to stay continually in grade school. As a Christian also growth is important and moving beyond the pacifier stage. Our life can truly be wonderful and enriched if only we embrace all it has to offer. Maintain positive thinking and a can do attitude. Do not just talk about what could have been or all the joints you need to replace. 

Start today and think of the possibilities your life has to offer and what you as a person can offer to others. If you catch yourself thinking wrong thoughts just re read the Bible verse above and stay focused on Jesus. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for all the years of life you have blessed me with and the experiences and friendships during this journey. Help me as I seek to stay positive and motivated for all the days yet ahead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Are You A Quitter?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

It is easy to quit things. Let's say you are running a race and you just give up so you quit. Maybe you are trying to lose weight and you just haven't done very well so you bail out. Sometimes jobs are not easy to find so you decide to give up and file for unemployment. Many people start a painting project in their home and just get tired and quit. 

Things worth getting take time, patience, and perseverance. A student studying to be a doctor has a distinct goal in mind but a long road ahead. He or she has to keep moving ahead through tests, study, bills, residencies, more tests, more bills and so it goes. The rewards are good for those who do not cave in and give up cause it is too hard.

How many people have quit on God? By this I mean He did not answer a prayer or you had a child die and got mad at God. Incurable cancer struck and once again the "why me" prayer is prayed. God never promised us a life free from problems but He can help you overcome them. Don't quit on Him as when you do you give the devil an opportunity to control your life. You are either for Him or against Him. Where do you stand?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus forgive me if I have ever gotten upset when a prayer is not answered. I know you do not give up and neither should I. I choose to press on. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Unsticking Yourself Part Two

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

After writing a devotion on getting unstuck this past week, a friend asked me an example of how I got unstuck. Now the word unstuck is not really proper English but gets my point across never the less. My Uncle, the English professor, would roll over in his grave no doubt. I have a few examples, but one recently, is the fact on worrying what others think or focusing on issues in life you can do nothing about. 

Dwelling on rejection by a friend was a huge topic for me in 2014. Most of those close to me know all about it and I am learning lessons from it even though hard. But when two of your very closest friends, neither of which lives here anymore, want nothing to do with you, you can not just sit and cry and beg them to come back, but you have to keep looking up and moving forward. Learn from this and do not hate or harbor ill feelings or resentment. Knowing God may have closed a door for a reason and not to try to keep shoving it open. To do this it is necessary to look at things "above' and praise God for the good in your life and the abundance of friends you do have and let the past issues go. 

If you have dealt with this type of rejection you know what I mean. Trying to figure things out and bugging people only drives the wedge further. You have to give it to Jesus and just forget it as hard as it is to do. Let God be the strength of your life as you journey on and forget the hurts and past and focus on good. 

PRAYER: Lord I need you in my life all the time. You are my source of joy and hope. When friends fail, you are there. You love me with an unconditional love and teach me to not hate. Help me to love others this perfectly. 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

Be His Light

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Psalm 89:15

When I was a child I loved to sing the song "This Little Light of Mine" and I still think it is a neat song I never outgrow. It paints such a  vivid word picture of what we as a believer are to do. Let your light shine and do not hide it and do not let Satan blow it out. 

Ask yourself if you are being a light for Jesus where you go each day. The workplace, your home, running errands, in school.  We are to be able to attest to the love of Jesus to anyone who may ask. 

Today Lord I want others to see you through me. Help me show love to those around me no matter how difficult it may be.

PRAYER: I am your sunbeam and your little light Lord. I want your light to shine bright through me so I can proclaim your love to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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. 

Eat or Starve! Once a Week??

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

How often do you eat every day? Normally this is three meals a day if you live in a prosperous country and are employed. There are those who eat way more than they need to and then those who starve themselves to try to lose weight. 

Imagine if you will, consuming only one tiny meal a day by choice. You would be very hungry for sure. Our spiritual body needs nourishment too or it will wither and die. By this I am referring to 'feeding' yourself the word of God on a daily basis. How do you expect to grow in Christ unless you take in His 'food' ,the Bible, each and every day. The opposition of course is Satan who will help you think of many excuses why you are too busy or worse yet, why the Bible is full of errors and is not for today so you do not bother with it at all. 

You need to read God's word daily if you expect to be able to grow. Plants need water to grow. We need food to grow. Do not neglect the most important thing for eternal life and that is feeding daily on His words. 

PRAYER: Lord I am sorry when I have put other things before you. I know it is vitally important to grow in Christ and I plan to stop allowing Satan to talk me out of studying the Bible each day. In Jesus' name. Amen.

One Boss

 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5

 How many church denominations are there in the Christian faith and why can't we all just get along? When we arrive in heaven some day we all will be one, finally! I am not sure how there ended up being so many differences within the Christian faith but thank goodness there will not be sections dividing us in heaven. We all basically are serving the same God, Jesus Christ. There is only one of Him. He is not Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and a host of others. So we have one boss so to speak, no disrespect intended.

On Earth we need to be learning to work together towards the common goal of defeating Satan and standing strong in the Lord. Satan is delighted when he can get one denomination feeling superior to others and then not even worrying about fighting spiritual warfare.  Also if the enemy can get us complacent and thinking we should not go to church as it is hypocritical then he wins again. Don't let him. My recommendation is to find a good non denominational church, and many exist in larger communities, and go and check them out. Now denominational readers do not get mad at me. Sometimes people need to go where they feel they are not being judged by a certain "religion".

No one church is better than the other. Our mission is to serve God, love God, get into the Bible, and run from Satan as he is the one causing all the division in the first place.

 PRAYER: I love you Lord and am thankful for the Christian church in the world. I thank you for being able to worship freely, at least here in America. Help me shine your love to helpless others to know you. 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.

Think Right

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything be excellent or praiseworthy-think on such things. Philippians 4:8

What you choose to think on can literally control you. If you get up and start worrying over something you have no control over, worry thoughts consume you. If you try to figure things out in your head, that type thinking can control you. Perhaps you obsess over issues and if so then obsessive thoughts control you. Satan is a master of trying to get your thoughts off God and things of the spirit and onto things that take you away from biblical thinking. Do not allow this to happen.

 Wake up and talk to yourself. Quote scriptures. Sing praise songs. Tell the devil he can not control you as you are a child of the living King. Say something like "Satan get away from me. I choose by the mighty power of Jesus to fill my mind with things of God. I will not allow you to drag me into your pit!"  After you do that you should feel better.

Thinking right is a discipline you need to practice daily. Get control of what you allow into your mind and work on having the mind of Christ.

 PRAYER: Lord I choose to keep my thoughts focused on you. Your meditations are my delight. 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. 

Wow! Wow! Wow!

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” the things God has prepared for those who love him— 1 Corinthians 2:9

Who doesn't ooh and ah at a beautiful humongous mansion? Perhaps those who live in them? As I drove through Brentwood, TN on the outskirts of Nashville recently I passed by gorgeous homes where I could not stop saying to myself "Wow, wow, wow"! It is not that I am ungrateful for my own home ,because indeed I am blessed, but these stunning 10,000 square foot plus homes looked  almost like miniature hotels.

Each of us living in the United States is blessed to live pretty adequately compared to most of the world. Even those in homeless camps have tents that are pretty nice. To covet someone's else's property is not what God desires. As I gazed at these beautiful homes my thoughts drifted to our heavenly kingdom that awaits us once we breathe our last breath on Earth. The time we spend on Earth is so very short in the big scheme of things. In James 4:14 we are told "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." We are to live well and seek God while we are on Earth. Not everyone will enter this heavenly kingdom. Those who reject Him need to accept Christ so they do not miss out. You never know when your last day will be so be ready.

Are you imagining what your mansion in heaven will be like? God has glorious things in store for those who know and love Him. 

PRAYER: Thank you dear Lord for the blessings I enjoy here on Earth. Thank you for my home and the other possessions you have blessed me with. Help me never put possessions before you. In Jesus name.Amen. 

Click link to worship God in song. 

http://youtu.be/K_OB7d-B1Vw

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

National Prayer Time

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Psalm 33:12

Today in the United States we are observing the National Day of Prayer. As much as atheists and others try to abolish God and prayer from this country we were founded on principles in God's word. This nation cannot survive without God's intervention. When men try to be more powerful than God it is a recipe for disaster. Making up our own rules for what is right and wrong, as is happening now with marriage,  is also not a good thing. The Bible is pretty clear on what is right and what is wrong and evil. 

Each and every day when you get up, in addition to other prayers you offer to God be sure to remember to pray for this nation. Some of those reading may not live in the United States so  pray for your own country and its' leaders. God is the one who gives us our freedom. It is not from mere men. He will only stand for man's arrogance for so long. 

If we continue to 'spit in God's face' so to speak, our blessings will not continue. When people wake up and get so busy they have no time for talking to God or reading their Bible then they are on a slippery slope of not being prepared for the days ahead when things will get rough. 

Today stop where you are and give thanks for this great land and what we have been blessed with, much we take for granted sad to say. Then pray for God to use you in a mighty way to help be a witness for Him. 

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for this country. I thank you for the Founding Fathers who acknowledged you and prayed to you as they founded this great land. We pray for revival in the hearts of men. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Your Mind Matters

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


I heard an advertisement once that said "a mind is a terrible thing to waste" and if you think about it, it is true. I believe if we are claiming to be Christians we should be careful what we allow into our minds. Our mind sort of controls us. You feed your mind on garbage such as pornography, movies with continual cursing, violent video games, music with unwholesome lyrics then after a while you could start being desensitized to messages within these.

 I am not perfect by any means and recently I saw a PG13 movie and ended up walking out of the theater half way through as it's content disturbed me. The little voice inside me said, "leave", and I did. It has delighted me that in the past couple months good movies such as 'Heaven is For Real' and 'God's Not Dead'  have been released. I am not saying just go to Christian movies but you need to be discerning. After all you are the temple of the living God and He is with you at all times.

The verse above is a good one to memorize. It can help you make decisions on what you should allow into your mind. Keep your mind daily in the word of God to be able to know the difference in right and wrong.

PRAYER: Lord guide me each day as I make decisions about what to read, watch, or participate in. Help me to run the other way when things are not of you. 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.