Our Fight Is Against Satan, Not Man

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12

The world we live in now is getting crazier and crazier. To many people they are unaware of the tragedy befalling this great country. Seduction by Satanic lies and spirits has gotten them numb to anything bad or immoral. Our job is to continue to pray and not to argue with people to convince them. Even those in power we are angry at we are supposed to be trying to love and to pray for. Tall order I realize. 

The verses above clearly indicate our battle is ultimately with the evil forces of darkness that do not like the light of Jesus. When people rush about their day and never give any time to the things of the Lord and are content being 'a Christian' and nothing more, then it is easy to possibly be blinded to things going on. Devotion to a political party can also captivate people that they can not see what is going on.

My friend do not be mad at people but be mad at Satan for trying to destroy the Christian fabric of this land and the minds of its' people. Keep praying and know that God is in control.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I pray for this great nation. I pray that Christians will not be blinded to the lies of Satan. I pray for revival in this great land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

No Lifetime Achievement Awards For Stay Home Moms

"Arise, cry aloud in the night At the beginning of the night watches; Pour out your heart like water Before the presence of the Lord; Lift up your hands to Him For the life of your little ones Who are faint because of hunger At the head of every street." Lamentations 2:19

Recently I attended my college Homecoming and Alumni Awards Luncheon.During this luncheon four graduates received Lifetime Achievement Awards and one received a Young Alumni Achievement Award. This got me to thinking I was never going to receive one as I did not go out and invent something or get my doctorate at Harvard. It did not bother me though at all. I just realized then, that a stay home mom would not ever be considered for a Lifetime Award from their alma mater. It does not seem important enough to the committees who make the final selection.

If you are a stay home mom now or used to be, do not put yourself down or wish you could be out in the corporate world so you keep up with your degree and can get rehired someday. If you are reading this and chose to return to work I am not trying to guilt you either. Everyone has their reasons. My point is that God gave women a role to fulfill as wife and to some mothers. It is not old fashioned or sexist in the least. I have been very fortunate to have tasted a bit of the career world. I got out of the Army by choice to start a family and hopefully be a stay home mom. I was blessed and fortunate to do so thanks to the hard work and support of my husband of nearly 38 years. At first I was thinking I had to go back to work but could not come to peace with it when I looked at my new born son. 

We are given our children only for a very short time although at times it seems like it is forever. Moms have the opportunity to impact their children and build their values into them. This does not mean everything always turns out perfect but it sure helps to know that you control their environment to some sort extent while they are under your roof.  If you are contemplating what to do about re entering the work force or quitting and coming back to raise your children, by all means pray and God will give you peace as your honor Him. 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for moms. Both moms who choose to work for pay and those who stay home, impact their child's world. Give wisdom to moms about who should raise their children and help families not put the woman to work just to live a more glamorous life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Resources for Moms:

Mothers of Preschoolers(MOPS) www.mops.org

Moms in Prayer International www.momsinprayerinternational.orgd

No Other Way!

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

To many people church is just some building or boring religious institution they want no part of. Some people say they go to church in the woods and worship nature and creation. We are not sent to judge or condemn those who have no desire for Christ or to fight back when mocked or ridiculed. Basically we are to pray for those who are lost and wander,  some of which may be within our own families. Many within the walls of the church don't really know Jesus. There is a saying "Going into church won't make you into a Christian anymore than going into a garage will make you into an automobile." Ponder that.

Many people may have been raised in the Christian faith but then they grew up and started being led astray by seducing and deceptive spirits and wrong 'voices'. Even the current craze over acceptance of Islam as a peaceful religion is scary. We are not to hate Muslims but their religion is not the religion of peace, love, joy, and Jesus Christ. We are to show the love of Jesus to everyone we encounter and pray even for strangers who may be around you who may not know Christ as their savior. But don't judge! Love and pray, period. 

There is good and evil. Evil is Satan's domain of captivating people and making them believe lies.  The truth is found in the word of God. Study it, not the morning news. Meditate upon it, not upon the morning show. If you feel far from God ask Him to relight that flame of passion for Him in your heart today. 

PRAYER: Lord I want to be a Christian in my heart, in my heart. Those words were in a childhood song but they have such deep meaning. I love you Lord and don't want to be captivated by the lies of Satan. I choose to follow you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Under The Radar

"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44

Most all of us are probably familiar with the term 'under the radar' meaning sneaking in without detection. That reminds me of what Satan does in our lives and is even doing in our nation right now. If you are reading this from a country other than the United States please bear with me a moment. The enemy is Satan and his goal is pure, plain,and simple, destruction and deception.  He hates Christians and anything we stand for. He works through, at times,unsuspecting subjects who he has under his spell. Many are deceived and believe his lies. He weaves a web of deceit.

Thieves mostly come at night or when they think no one is home. They try to steal. At times a home security system catches them but not before they have run off with the loot. Satan is that thief sneaking in under the radar luring unsuspecting victims to his way of thinking through subtle and cunning tricks. We are not ignorant of his schemes. In 2 Corinthians 11:14 he is referred to as an 'angel of light'. So innocent that many fall into his trap. Many in the United States have wandered from the faith and believed the lies being spewed forth by those in Satan's trap. This is why it is ever so important to elect people into office who are honest, believe in the Bible, and know the truth. 

Pray that you will be alert to the schemes of the enemy and if you know people who are captivated under his spell pray for them to be set free. Pray for this nation to turn back to God. Pray for the hearts of the men and women who lead us to be set apart for Jesus. There is no God but Jehovah. 

PRAYER: I love the things of the Lord. I love the United States and what we have always stood for. I  pray you will break the bondage of those in power who are purposely trying to destroy the fabric of this great and blessed land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Pity Monster

And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23

Being able to control self means being able to keep the pity monster in check too. It isn't just about self control of eating, watching our words and other things. Making statements to yourself like "if I weren't here things would be better". You know the gist of it but the "whoa is me" martyr of self. I admit I have done it. If we are honest probably we all have. We throw a giant pity party but we are the only one in attendance. 

The way to not allow the pity monster into your life is to think more of others than yourself. Take your mind off yourself for a change and dwell on the goodness of the Lord. Think of ways you can be a blessing to others. Go out of your way to help someone. If you are blessed to still have one or both parents alive, sit down and write them an actual letter with a stamp. Buy an unexpected gift for a friend. Maybe do an anonymous gift to someone like paying for the guy behind you in a drive thru lane. Get rid of any wrong thinking that causes you envy, jealously, or makes you want to gossip. 

The pity monster loves disrupting loves and pity is pitiful. Don't allow yourself to fall victim to feeling sorry for yourself. There are always people worse off than you are. Go find one of them and bless their day. 

PRAYER: Lord there are many opportunities to share love, joy, and hope with those around me. Help me Lord to get my mind off myself and onto others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Jesus First, Facebook Second!

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.Colossians 3:1-2

What is the first thing you do after getting up each day? Many folks like to get a cup of java and sit down and check their Facebook friends. No one is faulting Facebook, but is finding out about your friend's lives really going to improve your day?The best thing I think for starting out your day right, and believe me it does take discipline, is opening up God's word and reading some scripture to hide in your heart for your busy day ahead. Often times morning news, the paper, or Facebook can squeeze God totally out of the picture. Ask yourself why it is necessary to know every detail of a life and check it later on during day if you are really compelled. 

A Christian life requires discipline. Similar to athletes who train to run races, we as believers have to train ourselves for the battles ahead in our own life. Our enemy Satan wants to make you believe listening to a Christian radio station on the way to work or going to church for one hour is enough but it is not. Well it is if you want to remain a babe in Christ and never seek maturity. 

I challenge my readers today if you have a problem with spending too much time on Facebook and very little time in God's word, make a plan to change that and ask God to help you. Use your Facebook as a tool to witness for Him as well. 

PRAYER: I confess to you many days I get up and run to social media when I know it does not matter anyway. Give me the strength to do important things first and more importantly give me the desire for reading your word. Help me resist Satan's attempts to get me off course. In Jesus' name. Amen.

You'll Never, You Can't! Oh Yeah!

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

I am very blessed that I grew up in a very affirming atmosphere where my parents encouraged me to be all I could be and not be a quitter. They did not put me down and tell me I would never amount to anything. Sadly, I know not everyone has this same experience. They might have been told they were worthless, an accident, or would never amount to anything. How very sad.

Guess what. You can be who you want to be and do all you want with God's help. Especially if you live in America the land of freedom and opportunity. The sky is the limit. You are not washed up. You are not a loser. There is hope. There is a new tomorrow. Start affirming yourself through Christ. He has a purpose for your life. No matter how you got here you are here for a reason. Don't quit and never give up. 

God loves you and has a plan for you so run your race with your head held high. 

PRAYER: Lord I am very thankful for the promises in your word that keep me moving forward when I may feel like quitting. I will not allow Satan to lie to me and get me to be a quitter. I am special to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Trust. Don't Freak Out!

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Recently  I got the idea for this title and subsequent devotion when a praying friend said she was trying to trust God and not freak out when it came to waiting for a certain medical test result to come back. Waiting on news such as this can humanly make us conjure up all sorts of scenarios that don't necessarily tend to bring peace and comfort. Even if they do turn out bad in earthly terms does not mean the outcome is going to be bad. God has ways of using things to turn situations around. 

So what do you do if you lose your job, find out you have cancer, or end up getting sued by someone? Human nature says to get scared and worry. Those two reactions are not on God's agenda of things to entertain. As hard as it is, the first thing to do is to talk to God in prayer. Confess your fear and ask Him to help you trust Him no matter what. Don't start feeding your mind with worse case scenarios. Get into the word of God which should be a daily habit anyway and search scriptures to bring you peace. God is a God of comfort and He will see you through.

Just like the word 'through' we know this is not a permanent thing. God will in fact be watching over the situation for His purposes. 

PRAYER: Lord God no one likes to get bad news that devastates their life but if we only hang on we can maybe see the bigger purposes in all that is going on. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Yikes! Look At The Dow Jones!

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor 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

The past couple weeks the New York Stock Exchange has gone haywire plunging to record lows several days in a row. Our reaction, for those of us blessed enough to have 401k and retirement funds, has probably been one of fear and concern for the future. Riches and wealth are only temporary. We are not to trust in our money, for one stock market plunge or depression could send it right into the toilet so to speak. 

God is our source of being able to attain wealth and even maintain it. When we are blessed with abundance we are not to forget to help others too. Not in a socialistic government grab  but we should want to in our hearts. The government is not God nor should they play God. Every person has to decide on their own what and how to give. Scripture tells us those who give are also blessed. Do a word search on money, giving and other similar words in the Bible and you will find a host of valuable promises. 

In the meantime do not sit around worrying or bury your money underneath your house. Continue to give to the kingdom of God and to share when you are able and God will take care of you. It tells us that in Matthew 6:30-32. Give it a read.

PRAYER: Thank you for the abundance in my life. I know it is humanly easy to fear when we see savings accounts going down the tubes but I know in fact my hope and trust is ultimately in you, not in money. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Extremist? For God, For Sure!

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Here in the United States we are called 'United' but the past almost 7 years we have had a sitting President trying his best to divide us. It saddens me. Our media also divides us. If we are those people who stand for truth, the Bible, the flag, patriotism, and the Constitution we are labeled as extremist. The word 'hate' is thrown out so much to try to brainwash those who hear it to think maybe yeah if we disagree we are extreme and we do hate. 

I beg to differ. Christians who stand up for truth and stand for our country remaining the land of liberty are doing what the Founding Fathers intended. We are a nation founded one nation under God. There is a standard of truth for Christians and that is the Holy Bible. There is not supposed to be a Democrat Bible, a Republican Bible, or a Independent  Bible, but just the word of God, period.  Our government was constructed using the Word of God as a standard too. Satan and his evil forces do not like Americans and  what we stand for and are working through people to destroy us. We believers are to love, pray, speak the truth in love. When you get angry at being called extreme simply pray for those who think that. 

We have to stand together for truth or we will fall. A nation divided can not remain. Now is the time to be 'extreme' for what the Bible says and start living it out in our world. 

PRAYER: I love you Lord. I confess my anger at those who try to destroy this great nation. I pray for those who are blinded and do not see it happening mainly due to a political persuasion. I pray for revival in this great land. I pray for the truth of Jesus to be spread throughout the world and no weapon formed against us shall ever prosper as it says in Isaiah 54:17. I pray for unity among the races as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Make A Difference

"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16

What have you done recently to make a difference in someone's life? Think on that for awhile.  We are meant to be able to not be self centered but to be God and others centered. Of course this world we live in does nothing through advertising to make you think that but it is all about me, myself, and I. When you can go beyond self for a change and help someone in need it is a good feeling. When you do something there is no need to boast about it as God knows and He is only one who matters.

Look around you and see what needs are out there that you are able to help with. Perhaps just a listening ear or making time for a friend. Treating someone to coffee or lunch. Sending a note or card to an elderly relative. Praying for your enemies is a good one and does not require much. Donate money to a friend in need. Help with someone's medical bills. Give a gift for no reason. Visit a nursing home. Volunteer to help someone pack up if they are moving and seek help. Volunteer time at a shelter. Do hospital or prison ministry if this is an area you are drawn to. Make a meal for someone who has had death in family or just needs a friend. Remember to help widows especially if they have no family around. 

When you do things do not expect rewards for it but do it because you truly want to. Resist the urge to tell others as well. God is your true rewarder. 

PRAYER: Lord make me aware of needs around me. Thank you for providing things in my life so I in turn can bless someone else. Help me never be selfish with my money or my time. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Evil In Our Midst!

The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes. Proverbs 21:10

There is good and evil. Right and wrong. Wicked, bad, wrong, and immoral is how the dictionary defines the word evil. Satan is evil. God is good. You are either for God or against Him. You are either doing God's work or being sucked into the world's system. Satan is called the 'prince of the power of the air' in Ephesians 2:2. Many people may be serving him and assisting him without being aware of it because he is sneaky, deceiving, and subtle. And oh yes, did I mention, evil?

In these United States right now evil seems to be winning out when a government tries to dictate rules and behaviors to its' formerly freedom loving people. Guess what? God is still on the throne.  Psalm 37:1 reminds us not to fret because of evil doers and we in fact should not. We as believers need to pray we are not taken captive slowly by things of the world that can get us believing wrong or acting wrong. Stay in God's word and do not change it to be politically correct but instead insure it is 'God correct'.  Because of immoral laws passed by a Supreme Court who is only supposed to interpret laws we as Christians stand up against a society accepting of evil practices and may soon find ourselves ostracized for standing up for the truth.

Do not fear but make it your daily aim to get into God's word and know right from wrong. God and His laws and truth will win out over any evil in the end.

PRAYER: I am very thankful for my Bible. Many countries believers can be jailed or killed for speaking out for Christ. May we never get to that point here. Help those I know stand on guard against deception often masquerading as something that is okay. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Help My Unbelief

 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

I know of people who doubt God or Jesus because their prayers weren't answered. Perhaps a friend or family member died. Maybe a prayer has still not been answered. Whatever the case, because of a situation, a person may choose to not follow God at all or barely at all. To me this is sad because you are either for God or against Him, no halfway.

Jesus wants us to pray and not stop. Some may find this quite foolish, but the alternative is to follow the world and the ways of the enemy, which is Satan. Yes Satan is not a cartoon character. He is the power of evil and darkness of this present world we live in.  When we do not follow or believe God we give him a foothold in our life.

I don't know about you but I choose to believe and keep on believing as I know sometime I will see the glory of the Lord and for that I can not wait.  Who do you choose?

PRAYER: Help me to be patient when I pray Lord and know your ways are beyond my understanding and you have a plan better than any I could dream up. Comfort those who have a hard time believing. Let them feel your presence in their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Like/Love/Be Kind

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. James 4:11

There are different personalities. Some may rub us the wrong way but we are still commanded to love one another. Talking ugly about people doesn't make for a loving relationship. This ugliness could be in the form of passing judgment on someone when that is not our job. For instance constantly talking bad about obese people,prisoners, unwed parents, drunks, homosexuals, homeless people, those who talk on their cell phones in public places, or someone we do not see eye to eye with is plain wrong. When we comment on others it makes us sound like we are somehow superior. God is the one who is the judge,not us. Ugly comments about people only make those who say them 'little' and when you claim to know Jesus it does not say much for your 'love meter'. This is not to say something may not be wrong but the point being it is up to us to love, not judge and be unkind. Read Romans 2:4 where it says that "kindness leads to repentance".

So if someone is ugly to you do not be ugly in return but show the love of Jesus to your friends and to your enemies. You will make God smile!

PRAYER: Love is what lifts people from the pit of despair. Use me Lord to show that kind of love to hurting people even in the form of a simple smile. Forgive me if I have ever passed judgement on someone as that is not my responsibility. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Say What?

But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8

Do you ever open your mouth at inappropriate times and say the wrong thing? Maybe you are trying to extend comfort and it backfires. Sometimes we may say things that seem appropriate but to the receiver they come out all wrong. Words can be taken the right way or totally be misunderstood. With our computer generation it is easy to be have things misinterpreted on emails and texts. 

Our mouth can certainly be our downfall. With it we can bless people or turn around and beat them down with words. We can cause joy or pain. It is so important for us to be careful what we say and if in doubt to not utter certain things. 

When you go about your day today try to bless people and not cause them pain. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord how I desire to not stumble with my words. It is a battle. Guide me as I speak to make up my mind to only bless. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Problem Solver

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

A new business sprang up in my town with a sign the same as my title. It does not indicate it is a counseling service but simply has a phone number to call. Interesting approach to being an entrepreneur. But what kind of problems do you suppose people will call in with? Leaky faucet? Disobedient children? Abusive spouse? Problem weeds? Out of control pets? Mechanical problems? I am not sure and I certainly hope the person on the other end of the line is prepared to do referrals.

All of us have problems in life. They may not occur daily but things are bound to occur that will be put in the 'problem' category. It is how we deal with problems that matters. Do we melt down or do we realize 'this to shall pass'?  God can and will see you through if you cry out to Him. First thing to ask is if you are living  for Him or do you just give Him lip service and one hour on Sunday? You can handle things better when you have been equipped by studying  God's manual for life, The Bible. If you have not made a regular habit of reading God's word for whatever reason, why not change that today. If you are uncertain where to begin just start in the book of John. Also Psalms and Proverbs  and ideal places to read. The whole Bible is ideal but saying "I will read through the Bible" may not necessarily be the best method as you have a worthy goal but may be just doing it for a goal. Do a subject study. Just ask God to give you a hunger to know Him better. When you keep away from God's word you are making Satan so happy.

Today start calling out to God not just in problem times but all the time. 

PRAYER: You are my Lord and my God. I thirst for you in this dry and hungry land. Father I know you can give peace in the midst of problems. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Unconditional Love...Just Live It!

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:7

It is so easy to love people when they are nice to us, but when we are mistreated by someone, sometimes even a family member, it is difficult to act Christlike. But guess what? We are supposed to do just that.  Sometimes when I am confronted with a situation that requires unconditional love I think to myself 'be kind Becky and overcome evil with good.' Then there is the standard 'what would Jesus do' response which is often helpful as well. 

Make up your mind that you are going to love like Jesus' loves. If you catch yourself thinking mean or revengeful thoughts pause and pray and ask for God's strength to show His love to those you are dealing with.  This could be co workers, your children, your spouse, a friend, or a total stranger.  

God's way is always the way of love. 

PRAYER: When I feel upset or angry Lord I know you understand but I know you want me to be loving and be a good example and not fuel the fires of meanness. Give me strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.