Being Still When You Feel Like You’re Losing Control

 

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

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

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

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

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

God of the Possible

 

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

Nothing is impossible with God! That wandering child who wants nothing to do with God will come back and can come back.  God is Able to do all things.

It is so easy to dwell on bad things and lies of the enemy. As a believer we have to make ourselves think on what is good and perfect. God can change a seemingly unchangeable situation. Each and every day you need to wake up filled with hope not despair. Matthew 19:26 also tells us 'nothing is impossible with God".

Don’t put limits on God. A few years ago I heard this saying “Believe receive and doubt do without.” Whatever it is you are praying for and believing for keep on praying. Do not stop. God works in your heart as he works in the hearts of those you are praying for. Do not take matters in your own hands but have faith.

PRAYER: Lord at times I feel hopeless. I know that you hear me and love me. Help me Lord to keep running the race to win and holding on to hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I TRUST YOU LORD!!

 Do you trust the Lord or are you constantly fretting, worrying, unable to have peace?
Most the time the things we worry over never happen and even if they did happen what good did your worry do? Did it help you? Did it change the situation? The answer is no. It simply gave Satan a bit of fun knowing he has you, a child of God, upset.

Do you want to win this battle against Satan and relax and let go and Let God so to speak? You can you know. Why can't we pray and then relax and trust Him? What do we have to do to have peace? Perhaps a good dose of scripture or study on peace is in order.

Worry does not help you at all and takes you further way from God. When you constantly feed your mind with things of the world and tragedy and all the "what ifs" of life the you can become so consumed you are ineffective for the Lord. How many "tests" do we need before we can turn over this area to the Lord. Things in life are bound to happen but consistently focusing on things that may happen drags you down. Instead focus on what God can do.

Get up and say 'thank you Lord for putting angels around my children and protecting them. Thank you Lord that you are in control and you love me and my family. I have no need to fear. I trust you Lord.' Psalm 91:5(NIV) says 'You will not fear the terror or night or the arrow that flies by day.' Make the devil mad for a change. Say out loud ' Devil you are not going to steal my peace. I am covered by the blood of Jesus and nothing you can try to do will hurt me or my family. I am standing with Jesus so get behind me now Satan.' Sound fanatical? Try it and see if you do not feel better. Then do a study on peace and try to get up each day and say 'I will not allow fear to entire in my mind today.'

Now go and have a good day and know that Jesus is indeed Lord!

PRAYER: Dear Father God I thank you for your perfect peace and love. I choose today to walk in peace and not in fear and worry. I know when I do this I do not bring glory to you and am not a very good witness for you either. I choose to trust. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GOD WILL NOT FAIL YOU

Welcome to February!! The month of making resolutions or setting goals
is behind us although that does not mean to not to go after goals and
dreams in life. Before getting into a few devotions this month on
love, since this month is Valentine's Day, I want to concentrate on
letting you know God is for you. God loves you. If God had a
refrigerator your picture would be on it! Even if you have messed up
He does not kick you out or set you out with the trash like damaged
goods. He can and will forgive and he can and does use you for His
kingdom purposes. He forgives your sins and gives you a brand new

start. Only Satan condemns you and makes you feel worthless. You are
worth very much in the eyes of God. Always remember that!! 1
Corinthians 6:11(NIV) reminds us 'and that is what some of you were
but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.'

Each and every day of February and every day thereafter get up and say
out loud 'This is the day the Lord has made and I WILL rejoice and be
glad in it!' (Psalm 118:24). ' What if I am having a terrible day or
have a jerk as a boss at work, you still want me to sing praises to
God?' Yes, is the resounding answer. Sure life can, and will throw
some junk at us sometimes. Unexpected deaths, sicknesses, loss of
jobs, betrayal of friends, a church who turns their back on you for a
bad "sin". Many disappointments can happen while on this Earth.

In the book of James 1:2-4(NIV) it says the following 'Consider it
pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many
kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces
perseverance. Let perseverance finish its' work so you may be mature
and complete not lacking anything.'

Start February on a high note knowing you are special to God and He
wants you to come to Him with your joys and your sorrows. He is
waiting to hear from you.

PRAYER: Lord I do thank you for the joy of the Lord which is my
strength. Thank you each new day is a chance for a new beginning.
Thanks for not remembering my sins and letting me have another chance.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a awesome praise song to lift your spirits.

http://youtu.be/PXsWAAhnGhc

BE SATURATED BY JESUS AND NOT YOUR PROBLEM

It is pretty easy to get down in the dumps and a real case of the blahs sometimes. When things are bothering you and you dwell on  them you can easily be drawn away from God and into a pattern of worry and despair. In order to walk in faith and not by sight(2 Corinthians 5:7) you have to be intentional about staying focused on the promises in God's word. Here are  just a few to lift you up today.
I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
I will never leave the righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread.  Psalm 37:25
 See the lilies of the field. They neither toil nor spin yet your heavenly father takes care of them. See Matthew 6:28-32
 My God shall supply all my need through his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phillipians  4:19
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  Phillipians 4:13
His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:23
Because he is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8
You are our shelter and strength a very resent help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
He will keep in perfect peace he whose mind is stayed on thee. Isaiah 26:3
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.   Proverbs 22:6
 Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteous and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to his purposes. Romans 8:28
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we think or ask ...Ephesians 3:20

You see if you stay focused on what God says in his word and less about the passing concerns of this world you will have a more joyful and fruitful life.

PRAYER: Lord help me resist listening to the enemy when he tries to get me down and discouraged. Help me Lord to run to you for you are my shelter and strength. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship God in song: http://youtu.be/B0oZ6BZlQWk

WHO ME? WORRY?

Yesterday, 28 July 2012, was a day when most freedom loving Americans ended up in despair and worry when 5 Supreme Court justices, to include one conservative, decided the government knew more than the private sector and voted to uphold the encroaching 2700 page healthcare takeover bill. It is an oppressive law passed amidst lies, deceit, trickery and bribery. 'We The People' spoke up loud and clear yet were ignored as the government tried to take a major step in controlling our lives by controlling our healthcare. Sad to say many became fearful and worried. I was traveling, and when this decision was flashed over the televisions at the airport, I watched as deplaning passengers saw the news and most appeared in stunned disbelief. Most expected it to be struck down. One friend told me she was really worried. I told her and a gentleman on the plane that God was still in charge and had a plan in all this. Kings are not in charge. Dictators are not in charge. Presidents are not in charge. Judges are not in charge. Tyrants are not in charge. It is God who sits on the throne and gets the final say! Maybe this is what he allowed to happen to get our attention, who knows. If this law is not overturned,and this decision will be fought, doctors will be controlled by the government, insurance by the government, health care will be limited and rationed, taxes will go up to pay or it and on it goes. It is enough to give you an ulcer or headache if you allow it to. This  bill was never about free healthcare but about domination, destruction, and control of the American people and the economy. What happened to limited government? This current situation can get one frightened as we know what happens when governments get too much power. We need to be daily praying and seeking God. God is working behind the  scenes in all this chaos. He is not fretting, but knows we will make it. God knows the big picture. We may be angry, scared, and feel powerless but we are not. We still have prayer and God on our side. The Bible says in Romans 8:31 "If God be for us who can be against us."  Another verse of hope is in Psalm 56:11 which says "I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? I am not afraid of what mere mortals can do to me."  Don't lose hope. Have courage because the end of the story has not happened yet.  Your  worries will get you no where so let them go. In Matthew 6:27 says "which of you by worrying can add a single cubit to his life?" it is useless. Focus on God and His goodness instead. Psalm 27:13 reminds us "I am still confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." PRAYER: Father help me trust in you and not fear a mere man. I know you delight in goodness and not evil so when freedoms you have given me are crushed and I am  oppressed it makes you sad.  Father God help me to be serious about praying for my country and it's leaders. Get rid of the oppressors who want to dominate us. Change their hearts from evil to good. Thank you that I have no fear because you are in fact walking beside me. In Jesus name. Amen. Further study: Psalm 37

SATAN THE GREAT DECEIVER

  In this world of ours we are dealing with good and evil, God and the devil. There are lots of attacks going on right now in America against the Judeo Christian values this nation was founded upon. A government official who places their hand on the word of God to take the oath of office is often times making a mockery of it when he or she does not even believe in what it says. What we are in is spiritual warfare for sure.   Often times Satan is looked at as a little red guy with a pitchfork. Even some well meaning Christian parents dress their little children up on Halloween in devil costumes not thinking anything about it. Satan is real. Scripture says in 1 Peter 5:8 that we need to "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Picture that, a roaring lion like most of us only see in a city zoo. They roar and tear things apart with their teeth and claws. That is how the enemy is described. He hates the children of God and wants us to be destroyed. He is at work overtime trying to get any mention of Jesus Christ out of these United States of America. Guess what? God is not going anywhere cause He is God.   Satan may use people to do his work who are captivated and deceived by Him because they do not know the truth. Proverbs 28:15 says "Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people." We need to be praying for evil wicked rulers as they are caught in Satan's grip to destroy and deceive mankind.  Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us our struggle is not against man when it says "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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."   John 10:10 says "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The enemy Satan is that thief. He is a liar from the get go and has many schemes to trick people. James 4:7 reminds us to "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."   PRAYER: Father I know the enemy is real and would like nothing better than to destroy me and my family. I resist him firm in my faith. He has no hold over me as I am a child of the living king and covered by the blood of Jesus. I thank you for your protection from the fiery darts he tries to throw at me. In Jesus name. Amen.     Note: Once again I have added a link with an appropriate praise song. Be blessed as you listen. http://youtu.be/O4QOuGI3irI

GIVE IT UP AND LET IT GO

Have you ever had a situation where a friend hurt you? Perhaps you had a misunderstanding and tried to get back into this persons life but they wanted nothing to do with you. They say they forgave you but do not want to ever hang out with you any more. You are supposed to 'shake the dust from your feet'  but it takes practice cause rejection hurts.   Maybe it was not a friend but a family member or spouse? That kind hurts worse sometimes.  What do you do? Do you keep stoking the argument that is brewing by debating back and forth or do you just simply let it go and move on? I  know what God would do. As hard as it is he would choose to move on, let it go and not try to win the battle so to speak. What good will it do? You need to pray for the person and try to let it go and go on with your life and your day.you may feel rejection but God still loves you.   Misunderstandings occur for  the stupidest reasons sometimes and once some words are 'out there' they can not be taken back and thus the conflicts begin. Oh Satan loves this human stuff of ours we get ourselves into. If only we could wind back the tape so to speak and start over. We sure do learn from our mistakes. If only the person would just hug you and forgive and move on like God wants them to. There is that big 'if only'. The Bible says in Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." As much as you may feel angry or hurt it is best to remember you are to love even those who do not love you. It is hard when someone snubs you, talks about you, makes fun of you, blocks you on Facebook or is just plain rude and ugly. Human nature wants to just tell them off. That is not the 'God way' to handle things. Relationship issues are a touchy thing. Luke 6:35 is a good verse to try to memorize for when hard times come and you feel so angry. It says "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." It is a process to be able to let hurt go. But love has to do that. Continuing to go on and on and debate things or reason them out in your head will get you nowhere. Maybe some of the folks who hurt you do not even realize it due to their selfish nature or they just do not care. Still you have to forgive and move on. Colossians 3:13 reminds us "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." So there you have it. Do not nurse a hurt or a grudge but let it go and love people with the love of Jesus. Sometimes that is the only way. PRAYER: Father I know in the past I have nursed hurts and it got me no where. Certainly it did not get me closer to you. I truly want to love those who are unlovable so help me through you do this. In Jesus Name. Amen. Note: Once again I have added a praise song to help you get your morning started off right. Click on link below. http://youtu.be/hjrpfgJs6Tw   For a complete list of devotions go to www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com

GOD IS ALWAYS THERE AND HE LOVES YOU!!

If you go up to heaven He is there but he is here too in our midst and he will never leave you nor forsake you. You can not hide from God. He will find you. You can not run from sin. It will find you. God is not some mean person out to get you in trouble but is a loving merciful father who we call Abba Father or daddy. He loves you, if you ask forgiveness he forgives you. He knows your hurt, your confusion, your anxiety and your pain and he is ready to heal you and set you free.

Psalm 139 is a wonderful Psalm often used for pro life to let women considering ending their babies life that each child is special and it can apply to adults as well. YOU ARE SPECIAL TO GOD! Verses 7-12 of this chapter say "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.  If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
   if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me  and the light become night around me,”  even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."

Isaiah 43:2 says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." So when those trials of life are pressing down on you God is there to see you through. Through, my friend, You WILL NOT be there forever. God is there in the good times and bad times and will work things out.

A favorite verse for many Christians is Romans 8:28 which says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Deuteronomy 31:8 says "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Hang on because God is there and he will see you through your storm!

God has a plan. Try to be patient. Try not to go by how you feel. Try not to jump to conclusions. Try not to second guess. Try not to listen to the lies of the enemy Satan, who is NOT on your side. I am so glad God's plans and purposes are better than mine, aren't you? I am glad he restores me when I mess up. Remember, NOTHING can separate you from the love of God!(See Romans 8:38-39).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for the wonderful plan you have for me. Thank you that you can restore and redeem. Thank you for forgiveness. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link for a wonderful praise song to get your day started off right!
http://youtu.be/X_2qG22SPwU



Note to Devotion subscribers: I was in AZ for about 5 days so some of you did not receive this devotion then, for that I apologize. I did not have access on my IPAD to my address book. If you want to see the Devotions you missed Log onto www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com
Once again I thank you for being a blessing in my life and for taking the time to let what God inspires me to write to bless you.