To Be Continued..........

  

Even before there is a word on my tongue,Behold, O Lord, You know it all.Psalm 139:4

Anyone who ever saw the Back To The Future movies may recall at end of each movie it said “to be continued”.  Your life may have some brokenness and heart ache in it right now or things are not working out so well but the story is far from over.

My suggestion is don’t dwell on the negative or the thing that has occurred in your life. God is still God and you are still praying hopefully so just believe good will be around the corner.

I don’t know how long or what circumstances will occur but if you have been diligently praying not succumbing to fear, hate, and what ifs God is still in control. Say things out loud when alone like “I thank you Lord that you hear me and I look forward to a miracle” and then try to stop dwelling on negative.

PRAYER: I need you Lord. As problems and situations in life weigh on my heart I need to believe good is going to happen. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Behold!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.Revelation 3:20 ESV

Do you know God loves you no matter what you have done or how you have ignored him through the years? Religion kills love so don’t be religious but be a follower of God yearning for His presence. 

Have you answered the knocking of God at your hearts’ door pursuing you to spend time with Him? Somehow you may be thinking you will live forever but one day you will breathe your last breath. It will happen and can come suddenly when you least expect it. 

Are you ready to gaze into the face of Jesus? 

PRAYER: Father I look forward to my heavenly kingdom. Help me share the truth with those who don’t know you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Exasperating, Pious, Self Righteous

 

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.Proverbs 12:18

These words are for sure not words of endearment to make you feel warm and cozy but instead invoke hurt, pain, and offense. Yours truly has been labeled at one time or another all three of these and then some. 

Have people called you names or labeled you something degrading and hurtful? Maybe slut, boozer, freak,easy, stupid, lazy, druggy, queer, wimp, you get the idea. Jesus would not be calling names but would instead be calling the wounded to his side. He loves you. 

Jesus came to set the captives free. I mention the movie ‘Redeeming Love’ a good deal and that is because it tells a fictional account of a girl sold into prostitution at age 8 but later as an adult redeemed by the unconditional love of a man who heard from God to marry her. Do not let labels identify you that may have been put on you by jealous, misled souls who were perhaps struggling in their own lives. Make a new path and follow it brushing off the hurts that stuck in you like arrows. 

PRAYER: Your love flows over me like an ocean. Your love knows no bounds no matter what is in my past. Help me show forgiveness and love even to those whose daggers have pierced my soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dweller Or A Drop-In?

 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Do you dwell in the house of the Lord or simply drop in? To dwell is to remain to drop in is more of a hurried casual thing almost an afterthought of sorts. 

Do you enjoy time with the Lord on Sunday or are you looking at your watch and can’t wait till it’s over? Perhaps your relationship with the Holy One is not where it should be. 

Does the Holy Spirit bring conviction upon you that your time with the Lord is lacking and not committed at all? Do you want God to be your dwelling place?

PRAYER: I seek your face Lord and choose to run from wickedness and evil. I realize Satan will come along and lie and deceive and even try to turn the truth of God into a lie to justify sin. I pray for those I know who are stuck and don’t know how to dwell to find Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

With God’s Help

But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18

In order to improve your self esteem you might make a list of your lifetime achievements not for everyone else to see but for yourself. In this equation of success is the G factor more than anything, yes I mean God! 

Parents raise you and train you but ultimately as an adult when you have achieved success do you remember to give glory to God above. It is He who has helped you gain talents and abilities and to Him you need to give glory. 

Instead of beating your chest like I witness most of the time on America Ninja Warrior indicating ‘whoa look at me’ why not take a knee and look up and point to God for the one who has helped you. 

PRAYER: I am very thankful for the things my parents instilled in me and am thankful for the opportunities I have had Lord. When I do something good help me not to suck up the glory but to remember  to give you you the praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Note: this was accidentally published again. Published earlier in the month.

Government On His Shoulders

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Burden Bearer, Chain Breaker, Ruler, King, lifter of our heads, light shiner are just a few or the names of God.Let God be God and his enemies be scattered. 

No matter how much tyrants try to rule and reign all over the world,  without the help of The Almighty God, no worries because  He is on the throne. No matter much politicians try to ignore Him and break his laws or ignore The Bible, He still reigns. 

Don’t let mere men or women enrage you by their actions against this Christian nation or oppress people all over the world. God still holds the future so in that you have peace and confidence. Keep praying. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord you are beautiful and glorious and your face is all I seek. I lift up ‘haters’ to you who may call themselves believers but can’t let go of hate. Heal their wounded hearts. I also pray for many being led astray and those who need you as their savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wading Through The Piles Of Life

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Those of us blessed to be in America may have so many things that we really do not need. We get our 'stuff' and on top of that the mail, the books, the email, and on and on it goes and it seems we are wading in a sea of pile or being piled upon. 

Perhaps you can identify with my statement in some way. You either are under a mountain of stuff that needs to be organized or gotten rid of. The mail pile on your counter has gotten out of hand. The refrigerator contains 'biology experiments' as I like to affectionately call them, that need thrown into the garbage and then there is email, electronic trash. If you allow it to these things can really grate on you. A clutter free life is a more peaceful hectic life in my humble opinion, not saying I have 'arrived' yet but working on it. 

Maybe you have emotional clutter too that you need to go to the Lord about before it overwhelms you as well. This time of year can accentuate problems and issues. Try to keep things simple and not try to live up to everyone else's expectations and you indeed will feel better. Make it a daily point to get alone with the person whose birthday we are celebrating this month. You know, Jesus. 

PRAYER: Today I choose to wake up and get myself going. I choose to seek a peaceful life and not one filled with the clutter of life that is often unnecessary. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer Warriors

How could one man chase a thousand,or two put ten thousand to flight,unless their Rock had sold them,unless the Lord had given them up?Deuteronomy 32:30

Happy 239th Birthday America! Many sacrifices were made to get to the point of having this many years as a free democracy. Freedom is always under fire and presently under fire by some of our own leaders elected to serve the people. Power and control can become intoxicating such as in Germany with Hitler, many were mesmerized, yet blinded, to evil in their midst. This is why it is vital to not take freedom for granted and to stay on your knees praying for God to watch over us and this life we cherish and hold dear.

Our founding Fathers were men of prayer. Our First President George Washington, was a man of prayer. When I say prayer I mean to God our Heavenly Father. It is He who has blessed this great nation because we followed Him and revered Him. Lately we see Christians being scorned even by those in Washington. Deeply held convictions often times are under jeopardy because the laws the government forces upon us. It brings joy to my heart when I hear of many newly elected true believers who are not ashamed to profess their belief in the halls of Congress.

Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against evil spiritually dark forces trying to destroy this great land. This evil loves to deceive and trick. Be on your guard and stay in the word. Your 'war room' is the place you go pray. There you can do battle against the enemy and help reclaim this nation as 'One Nation Under God.' 

PRAYER: Today Lord I pray for the eyes of deceived people to wake up. I pray for all the freedoms we enjoy to stay intact. I pray for the power grabbers in our government to be reigned in. I pray for changed hearts. I pray for godly men and women to have high places of authority. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Link to 'War Room' movie:

Warroomthemovie.com coming 28 August to a theater near you. 

Click link for a familiar song of worship:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0ywDLpfBHg&sns=em

Lonely Epidemic

24 A man who has friends must show himself friendly,  and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

You don't have to go far to see lonely people. Some loneliness is visible and some is not. It is not just found in large cities like New York. The elderly, the poor, even the very rich and successful. It is caused by a host of things too involved for a short devotion. Question is, what to do if you are lonely or to help lonely people. 

We have probably all seen those who fit in this category and we ourselves if honest have been there at one time or another. Some loneliness is brought on by self pity. It could be someone sitting alone in a park, a coffee shop, a restaurant. We just never know. Don't be afraid to smile and say hello. If you have some free time visit a nursing home as I guarantee you there are lonely in there. If prison ministry is your calling many there are lonely.

Today whatever you are doing stop and think about someone who needs their spirit lifted. Maybe a friend or family member you could call. Write a letter to a friend or send a card. Be creative. Showing God's love is the best cure for loneliness. 

PRAYER: I need to be aware of those around me who may need a hug or a smile. Help me learn to put down my electronic devices and tune in to people for a change. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Waiting And Praying

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

What are you waiting for and believing for? Seems as if we are in a prayer waiting room of sorts. God has heard us but His plans and timing prevail. Our job is to have faith and hope. 

God is not a genie in a bottle or a magician. He wants to hear from you about whatever it is. A wayward child. Immense grief. Need of a job. Change of heart or attitude. Freedom from depression or suicidal thoughts. Renewal of a marriage on the brink.  Whatever your need He cares so let Him hear from you. 

There are those who mock prayer and the ability of God to act. He is God and His purposes prevail. He wants your heart and He wants you to love and trust Him. Do you? 

PRAYER: Lord thank you that any time day or night I can stop what I am doing and talk to you in prayer. You hear me and you indeed care. Keep me patient as I wait to see the answers to those prayers. 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.

Choose Wisely With God Guiding You

"The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war."  2 Chronicles 16:9

God is always with you and he knows what you are doing. He sees your every move. As the children's song goes "Be careful little feet where you go." Hebrews 4:13 says "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Be a friend to those who need a friend but do not go places or do things you know deep down are wrong. This means at work don't be tempted to cheat. Likewise be truthful to those you call your friends.  Be His witness, but be cautious in all you say and do. Go to God for wisdom. It is found in the word of God. Be the light that people want to run to then you won't have to worry so much about doing the wrong thing.

PRAYER: Father I know we are to be salt and light in the world. Today help me choose my activities wisely. Help me share your love for those in my world around me. Father I ask that you guide my steps so I do not wander into places that do not bring glory to God. Help my choices be pleasing unto you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Get Unstuck

 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire, He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2

Move on and don't camp out with your problems or your past. Dwelling on the things you have no control over is a dead end street. It is necessary to pull yourself out of the mire holding you down and taking you captive. It is as if you had fallen in a pit and are unable to free yourself.

The good news is God can free you and get you unstuck. You do not have to drag your feet and think there is no hope. Hope is alive because of Jesus!

Is there an area of your life you need freedom from? Run to God and he will lift you up.

PRAYER: You indeed Lord are my hope and my salvation. I trust in you so forgive me when I have let
the enemy keep me in bondage. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of hope:

http://youtu.be/6VqRlO3wa1A

Fly Like An Eagle

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

The eagle is such a majestic creature. When our family lived in the Mississippi River community of Bettendorf, Iowa, nearby Rock Island Arsenal, which is an island in the middle of the Mississippi River, was a winter habitat for hundreds of bald eagles. The dam there provided an excellent source of fish. These eagles would be waiting in the trees to swoop down and get a meal. I have seen Eagles in Alaska too but never willI forget the sight of them there on the river between Illinois and Iowa.

The eagle is a powerful bird. We are to be like the eagle according to this verse. The eagle can swoop and soar and never appear fatigued. It takes care of it's young back in the nest and trains them to eventually leave on go fly on their own.

Do you feel powerful like an eagle? Can you wait upon God and His timing in certain things or do you forge ahead without guidance? Waiting involves praying, trusting, and meditating on His words. Our hope never ends when we have the Lord on our side. Be strong like the eagle and run your race to win and never quit!

PRAYER: Help me Lord as I choose to soar like an eagle and not just stay in the safety of my 'nest'. I know your plans for me are good and perfect. I trust you Lord. Thank you for watching me and guiding me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

There is a familiar hymn about focusing on Jesus and the problems of the world seem to fade away that is the same title as my title today.  This is a very true statement. When you are hurt turn to Jesus. When you are joyful turn to Jesus. Keep looking to Him and not at issues that surround you. 

One of the ways to stay focused on positive things and to be able to 'look up' when you feel like 'looking down' is to stay positive. You can do this by saying affirming things out loud. Positive confessions spoken out loud help cure many ills. If you tune in to God the cares of the world seem to fade. What good does sitting around speculating about what might happen going to do? Answer. Nothing. So what is the alternative? Speaking God's word out loud and letting them get down in your spirit. I guarantee you if you do this you will feel better. No matter what the situation, turn it over to God.

Here are just a few good positive scriptures to read out loud.You may not be where you can speak out loud and if not still read them but later when alone read them out loud.


I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.  See 2 Corinthians 5:21
I am the head and not the tail. See  Deuteronomy 28:13
My children shall rise up and call me blessed(for moms)  See Proverbs 31:28
I am precious in God's sight.  See  Isaiah 43:4
I will run and not be weary. See Isaiah 40:31
 I will resist Satan and he has to flee. See James 4:7
God has a plan for my life. See Jeremiah 29:11
 My children will not depart from the godly training they received. See Proverbs 22:6
 I can do all things through him who gives me strength. See Philippians 4:13
 No weapon formed against me shall prosper. See Isaiah 54:17
 I will give God my worries as he cares for me. See 1 Peter 5:7
 He is my shelter in a storm. See Isaiah 25:4
 God is my help in times of trouble. See  Psalm 46:1
 God will direct my path. See Proverbs 3:5-6
 I am not afraid because God is with me. See Psalm 23
 I am not afraid of what mere man can do to me. Psalm 118:6

Saying things out loud helps. Try it.  When you know that you know that you know that God is in control and say so, what reason do you have to keep looking down?

PRAYER: Father I want to lean on you for freedom from doubt and worry. Help me not listen to wrong or negative messages but to fill my head with good and positive thoughts and Bible verses. I am thankful you are in control. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click link for wonderful song to start your Monday:

http://youtu.be/nO4uIyz_d90

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.

Let Go and Let God Work

"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 Got any control freaks reading today?I know sometimes I have been. You just want your plan to be adhered to or want to be in charge. Perhaps you try to manipulate the outcome of a situation. Trust me, stay out of it. Others will lose their trust in you if you try to orchestrate plans.

When it comes to change in a loved one we have been praying for, our hands are off the controls. God has a plan and we have to realize we can pray but then step aside and let God work.  God's plan is way better than the one we may devise. There may be some pain and problems involved but He is the one in charge and it will work out great in the end.

Waiting for a breakthrough? Let go and give the controls to God.

PRAYER: I trust you have my times in your hands. I need not fear the future as your plan will be fulfilled. In Jesus' name. Amen.

New Friends, Old Friends!

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

If you do not speak up to strangers you may never make friends. I have found this to be true that someone has to make the first move to speak up. For instance, in the locker room at Redstone Arsenal recently I said hi to a young lady and ended up talking fifteen minutes and found out she was new to the post and her husband was active duty. Basically no friends or connections yet. I gave her my card(even if you do not have a job you can have cards made up) and talked to her about Moms in Prayer since I found out she had children at home. I look forward to hopefully hearing from her.

If you feel lonely sometimes you have to take the initiative to be first in calling someone or sending a card.  Don't always wait for others to contact you. There is a saying "Make new friends and keep the old one is silver and the other gold!" That is so true. Don't get cliquish and not include others. Look for hurting or lonely people because they are everywhere. Sometimes a smile is all it takes to brighten someone's day. 

Show God's love wherever you are today. Open a door for someone at a store. Let someone in front of you in line. Pay it forward perhaps in a drive thru. Give an unexpected gift to a friend. Call your mom if she is still alive, or your dad. Send a card to someone. Now go spread friendliness!

PRAYER: Thanks so very much Lord for helping me show your love to others. Thank for helping me love even the unlovable. I choose to be kind and nice and do it because it makes you happy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Behind Closed Doors

 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Our enemy Satan is very subtle. He works in the shadows to deceive people and plants lie after lie using often unsuspecting human subjects to trick us and take us off course. His mission is to kill, steal, and destroy according to John 10:10. He is not interested in the truth and will try to get even believers caught up and so busy they have little time to study the Bible. It is by reading and the study of God's word we have the weapons to defeat him. 

We can become so interested in doing 'good' that we forget to devour God's word. Sunday worship time is super but it does a person little good if there is no life change and no desire to go beyond that one hour on Sunday. It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict others, not ours, so if you live with a person like this, shhhh,not your job. 

Make sure you are not ignorant of the enemies schemes. Many people get uncomfortable talking about the enemy but he is puny, tricky, and REAL, but God is bigger and more powerful. Run to Him today!

PRAYER: I want to not get caught up in religion and forget to have a relationship with you Lord. I choose to resist the enemy and let him hear me praising you. I will run to you and flee Satan's traps. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

How's My Driving?

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

On my travels down the interstate I often see semi-trucks displaying a placard on the back which reads "How's My Driving?Call 000-000-000". This is a way the trucking company can keep tabs on their drivers to insure they are being courteous drivers and obeying posted traffic laws. There was a time I actually called a number when a truck was speeding.What if we believers had a sign on our back that said "How is my 'walk'" and it provided a number for those who came in contact with us daily to report if we were being less than a Christian?Do you suppose a sign would change our behavior? Each of us should be aware we are examples for the Lord. You represent Him. Just because Sunday may be behind you does not mean your Christian life is packed up until the following week. Our job is to witness for Him daily.

Are you doing your part to be a good representative for the Lord or is someone going to have to report you? Obviously no one is really going to call and it is between you and Jesus how you behave but why not purpose in your heart you will live each day as if you could be turned in?

PRAYER: Guide my steps daily Lord as I seek to do and say only that which builds up the kingdom. This means at work and at home and everywhere else. I want to shine for you  and forgive me when I have not been a faithful representative. In Jesus' name. Amen.