Deliver Me From Myself

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 6:12

Oh my goodness to be perfect and never make mistakes or hurt anyone. Wouldn't that be wonderful? No words said by accident. No texts sent without thinking that can't be rescinded. No getting hurt feelings. But sadly stuff does happen. I often think 'if only I could get myself out of the way'. You know what though? Don't beat yourself up. Stuff happens. The enemy wants us to beat ourselves up because he is the accuser of the brethren. 

Give your troubles and concerns to the Lord and tell Him to guide you in your weak areas. Don't think you are the worst person but learn from your faults and screw ups. Get control over your thoughts, words, and emotions. Satan tries to take advantage of weaknesses in your life and exploit them. Don't allow him to! 

Start today and take self off the throne. If you have messed up talk to God in prayer. Go to the throne and not the phone the saying goes. Remember you are important to God and He is your best friend and knows your heart. 

PRAYER: Thank you for loving me Lord even when I mess up. Thank you for teaching me through my mistakes. Guide me and direct my thoughts to stay on you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Password Required Again.....Geez!

But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

Oh my goodness, the last couple weeks have been a roller coaster ride trying to not let the fact that Google disabled my account for two days to include my Christian writing blog. They said I had violated their user policy. I am not real clear exactly what they mean. Consequently I was threatened with never getting access to my writing I had done for six years ever again. Here I am wondering what I did that my free speech was violated. 

Anyway when talking to God we are never ever shut out. He loves us. He does not like His people mistreated. The day this event occurred I had just had a quiet time on casting all my care on the Lord. Wow, now here was my test. Was this order by Google trying to tell me I could not talk about Jesus anymore or say a certain word or was it something else? Anyway I am grateful to live in a nation where supposedly we do have First Amendment rights. 

Even though yours truly, the devotion writer,  is a bit perplexed and kind of being extra careful to not get shut down again,  I am grateful for the United States of America and the ability, I think, to share God's word with others. 

PRAYER: I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ or of telling the truth. Our world is mixed up Lord and good is called evil and now in some cases maybe we can not even talk about the evil. You are in control Lord. To you be the glory. 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.

Ticks And Other Pests

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2

When you go to the woods or are around pets and their sleeping areas, it is necessary to be on the lookout for ticks. One surprised me recently as I was doing computer work. I quickly got rid of it and checked myself for more.

This incident made me think of sin and how it 'sucks' the life right out of us. There are two choices,  the first being follow the world and popular culture or to follow God. Everyone has sin and there is no worst sin category even though some like to think there must be. Sin is doing something you know displeases God and separates you from Him. Besides the word of God, only your heart can convict you. Satan is at his best deceiving many to think they are politically correct. The question is are they God correct?

Do you choose the worlds' ways which often lead to destruction or do you choose the narrow pathway to God?

PRAYER: Keep me from being blinded by the deceit, schemes, and trickery of Satan. He is working all over trying to pervert the truth. Help me and those in my family keep our eyes open to truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wishing and Hoping

And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Back in the 60's there was a catchy tune called 'Wishing and Hoping' that played on top 40's radio stations. I loved listening and singing along. Wishing and hoping are a good thing to do and we should never lose hope, ever. 

To hope is to know that God has a plan and He has not forgotten you or your loved ones. When you are in the waiting room of hoping for a miracle or a change in something keep on your knees in prayer and also pick up your Bible and study verses on hope. Keep it alive always.

What is it you are wishing and hoping for today? Have you talked to God yet today? Take some time right where you are and pray and ask God to give you the strength and patience you need as you trust Him with the areas in life you are waiting for change. He has a plan.

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for being our hope in a world of confusion and lies. Thanks that I know you hear  my prayers. I trust you to work in your time to take care of a situation in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

No More Mourning

  

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4

Death is not a fun thing for we humans here left behind. We grieve the unexplainable loss of babies, children, teens, young mothers and any death at all for that matter. No one likes to say goodbye and know they can not longer humanly talk with their loved ones. War takes soldiers. Old age takes our grandparents. So many things happen in life to have it cut short. The thing is for the believer it is not a sad thing but is a 'home going'.  Once they have left earth they are present with the Lord.(See 2 Corinthians 5:8). 

Only God knows a person's heart. Once a person has asked Jesus into their heart they will be in heaven with Him when their time on this earth is over. Children and babies will be there with Him as they have not reached the age of asking Christ to be Lord of their life. Heaven will be glorious and no man could even begin to describe how awesome it is. Even Hollywood can not fathom how wonderful it is.

Just imagine what awaits you in the heavenly kingdom and don't fear death unless that is that you don't know Jesus as savior. Now is the time to make sure He is Lord of your life. 

PRAYER: I look forward to your heavenly kingdom when I leave this temporary home. While I am here use me Lord for your purposes to spread your love and joy to others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Nothing Is Impossible With God

Jesus looked at them and said "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

There is no hope. But God. We are at the point of no return. But God. How will we get through this? But God. God sees the big picture and His ways are better than our ways or what we wish could happen. Breakthrough's and miracles still happen. Yes, seemingly bad things can happen to good people still and I do not know why that is. I do not that God loves you and He does work things out good or bad. Only believe. 

What is it you are facing or dealing with? A bad medical diagnosis? A painful divorce? Loss of a child? Maybe you are pretty mad at God for not making every thing just peachy for you. Keep on praying and keep on standing strong in your faith. Our enemy Satan loves to capitalize on Christians going through problems. Sometimes the bad junk has a way of opening the door to good things ahead. As we patiently endure and stay grounded in Christ He can do the impossible. 

My friend keep pressing on and knowing God has you in the palm of His hand. 

PRAYER: Lord show me how to minister to those enduring difficult situations in their life. Help me to not give up on prayer as I know you hear us. Strengthen us for the battles ahead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Love, Be Kind, Forgive

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 John 4:8

I used to have a hard time telling my friends I loved them. Not sure why but now it is done easily. It is simple to love when love is returned but difficult to do when you know the other person may not like you. Also it sometimes is hard to love an individual who is a tyrant, bully,  or just plain evil and mean. But the Bible tells us to love. 

An exercise in love would be to pray for your enemies and those who do evil and even curse you. It tells us that in Matthew 5:44. It is hard as I well know. Somehow when you do this you feel better. Maybe a hard relationship at work. Perhaps tension in a relationship married or otherwise. God has a way of setting you free when you are able to love, show kindness, and forgive. 

Whether you feel like it or not in your quiet time think of those people hard to love or those you need to forgive and release to God. 

PRAYER: Thank you for the power to love through you and in turn share kindness. It is hard so give me your strength. 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

Sunrise, Sunset.

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Matthew 24:36

When visiting the grave of a young friend recently I walked around and looked at a few other  graves. On one the tombstone read "Sunrise" for the birthdate and "Sunset" for the date of death. That is fitting as when we are born it is a new beginning and when we pass on the sun has set on our life. 

Are you making good use of the time in between sunrise and sunset? No one knows the time they will die. It could be today, tomorrow, or years from now. Live each day well and make it count for the kingdom. The earth we live on is so very temporary. We are supposed to be here to serve and glorify God. We do this as a mother, a father, a sibling,a co worker, a friend,an employee, and as a total stranger. Our light is to shine forth in the darkness of this present age to shine Christ's love to others. 

Are you living for the Lord in this present age or just here occupying space? When I say "living for the Lord" I do not mean just attending church but truly making Him Lord of your life. Give it some thought. What changes do you need to make to really give God the time He deserves everyday? 

PRAYER: At times Lord I have gotten consumed in my own little world and forget to even give you any quality time. Help me arrange my schedule so I never shut you out. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Passion For Christ

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.Revelation 3:15-16

What is the center of your life that gets most your attention? Your passion? Is it a hobby? A pet? A car? A sports team? An activity? Do you get excited about Sunday and look forward to worship? Perhaps you are a good person coasting through life who claims to know Christ but has no interest in spiritual things to get closer to Him.

For a person to truly 'know' and be passionate about Christ first they need a heart transplant of sorts. If you are just ho hum, so so, maybe it is time to ask God to renew your fire and zeal for Him. If you never had it in the first place perhaps now is the time to get it.  It is the Holy Spirit that convicts a person of their need for Jesus. The verse I gave today is pretty clear. If you are just living life without God except one hour Sunday that is like lukewarm food. Not very tasty.

What are you going to do about it my friend? Some priorities may need to be changed to fit God into each and every day. Spend time in His word, The Bible, for there you find your tools for getting through the challenges of life.

PRAYER: I ask forgiveness Lord for those days I have let something squeeze you out of my morning. You are more important than checking my Facebook status so I just need discipline to do what is truly important. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The Tax Man Cometh!!

Give to everyone what you owe them. If you owe taxes pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue, if respect, then respect.Romans 13:7

The dreaded day has arrived. Before the stroke of midnight tonight for those of you in the United States, you’d better make sure your 2015 income taxes are postmarked or filed electronically. Some of those in government who vote for unnecessary taxes may not be wise God fearing people but we still are to pay our taxes. We have a voice to speak up against unfair and unjust confiscation of our private bank accounts, but until something changes, we are still to pay or go to jail.Many in public office do support immoral things or wasteful spending and this trail goes all the way to the occupant of the Oval Office.

As a servant of the Lord we are to follow rules and regulations and set an example. If something is evil we have a responsibility to speak out in love to get things changed. As Christians we need to vote for God fearing men and women who will lead us according to the Constitution, the scriptures, and not lord over us like subjects of a king.　

Today be thankful for money to be able to pay what is due. In the meantime make sure your voice is heard when it comes to unjust actions by a tyrannical government trying to control us way too much.　


PRAYER: Lord I thank you so very much for all you have blessed me with. I am honest therefore I pay taxes. Help me in whatever I do to shine for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Very Special Birthday

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3

Today marks 40 years since I asked Jesus Christ into my heart as my Lord and Savior and became born again. My sister and I share the same day. We both had been baptized as children in about the 6th grade and were good church going kids but lacked the fire and understanding of making Jesus come alive and be real in our lives. Our parents did the right thing and laid the foundation as we did for our sons but each person must come to the Lord on their own timing and by the own choice. You need to ask the Lord to come into your heart.

Church membership does not mean Jesus is in your heart, nor does baptism, nor does baby dedication. To receive Christ you have to say something like this. "Jesus I am a sinner. I need you in my life. I want to give you my old self and start a brand new life living for you. Come into my heart. " Once that happens, at least for me, I had a hunger for the word of God. I wanted to read the Bible. I wanted to listen to Christian music. I wanted to go to Bible study.

Once Christ lives in your heart 2nd Corinthians 5:17 takes on new meaning. It says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here." Do you want a spiritual birthday?

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for making yourself real to me. I know the enemy has made attempts to deceive me and pulled me off course a couple times but I thank you that you pulled me out of the pit and made me new. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and prepare to worship the Lord:

https://youtu.be/-TzDO7yt-Zo

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.

Saint Or Sinner?

Saint Or Sinner?

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:10-11

It might surprise you to know we are all sinners. Have you lied? That is a sin. Have your lusted over someone other than a spouse even in a movie? That too is a sin. Have you had hatred in your heart for another human? Bingo! You get the idea. 

Be a witness. Talk to the hurting, the prisoner, those who the world would not have anything to do with. They need the love of God. "We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23). Romans 5:6-8 says "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Christ was not mad at the sinner. He simply said "Go and sin no more." 

There are many temptations in this world. The temptation to lie, cheat, steal, are around us all the time. Keep looking to the cross and to Jesus to keep on the straight and narrow path which leads to salvation and eternal life with Him. 

PRAYER: I know temptations are around me daily Lord but I also know you offer a way out. Help me be consumed by your word and not the world and its' issues and problems. Keep my heart pure and free from sin. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link and be prepared to praise God in song:

http://youtu.be/ipwEtvWL_3c?list=RDipwEtvWL_3c

More Than A Snippet

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2

Do you rush through your time alone with the Lord daily or not have one at all? I know it is a challenge for nearly all people to make this a priority in  life. When asked the question "Is Jesus' first place in your life?" many may respond "Yes" simply because they are associated with a church, denomination or go to church once a week. Let me ask you this, "Does spending one hour with the things of the Lord once a week prioritize it?" I  think the answer would probably be no. Not saying this to judge or condemn as I have been guilty of squeezing Him out of my day too. 

We delight ourselves in many things. Hobbies, sports, your pets, The Super Bowl, Facebook, membership in a club, going to the gym, friends, favorite television shows, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a spouse, our children, reading a favorite book, and many things can really be ahead of God if you consider the time you put in to them. Jesus wants to be 'more than a snippet' in our lives. He does not like being an after thought. He wants to be the center of your life that everything else revolves around. He wants you to get to know Him through daily studying and reading His word in the Bible. 

Somehow the enemy puts a majority of people into a complacent stupor where the Bible is buried under magazines, put up on the shelf, or can't be found at all. What if you had to search for the remote control. I am pretty sure it is right there for most folks who love TV. Why not continue in the 2nd month of 2015 by TRULY igniting a passion for Christ!

PRAYER: Lord I talk big but often times I know I am not striving to be close to you. I get lazy and put off studying the word of God. Other things squeeze it out and I know Satan jumps for joy. I choose from hereon to make the devil mad by getting excited about you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click the following link and worship God with all your heart:

http://youtu.be/b-oZbBS_OhM

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.

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.

Code of Conduct

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27

I served in the United States Army and we had a Uniformed Code Of Military Justice known as the UCMJ and a Code of Conduct to abide by. Military members are under strict discipline and must adhere to certain standards of conduct in order to protect this nation from enemies both foreign and domestic.

Life has a Code of Conduct too and that is called The Holy Bible.  If we read it and do what it says we can stay out of trouble. The problem is too many do their own thing and go their own way.  If you adhere to the guidelines set up by our Heavenly Father life will be much better. Testing the waters and getting involved in a sinful existence only takes you away from God and closer to Satan. Many do not want to hear that name but he is not a Halloween character in a little red suit but is roaming the earth with his demons seeking to destroy, deceive, kill, and steal. He is a master liar and loves to weave a web of deceit and captures many people to go right along with his cunning schemes.

Don't be fooled. Open you Bible and read it daily. Know what is right and wrong and stay on the path that is narrow as broad is the path that leads to destruction. 

PRAYER: Lord I love you word and it is my desire to know it and follow you. Help me be alert to the enemy schemes and avoid them. In Jesus' name. Amen.