Be Kind To Everyone? Really?

Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?Romans 2:4 NLT

 I often have heard those I know to be followers of Christ saying they can't stand someone, or worse yet say they hate them. Maybe they call them derogatory names. In this time of political unrest and breakdown of our countries laws you may be tempted to utter those words, that you hate someone but instead try to pray for them. This is very hard when a person intentionally is doing harm or evil.

Is there a difficult or mean spirited person in your life or do you have trouble showing love to those who perpetrate evil deeds? Try uttering a prayer for those whose hearts are bent on evil. Ask that they turn from darkness to light.

Don't talk ugly about your fellow man whether or not you feel endeared to them or not. Ask for the strength to love the unlovable.

 PRAYER: Only you Lord can help release hate from hearts that are prone to darkness and evil. Help me never stoop to the level of putting down others, making fun of them, or wishing evil on them. Instead help me humble myself and pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Just Be Nice....Try It!

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

 Most people can probably come up with a name or two of someone who has mistreated them, back stabbed them, betrayed them, called them ugly names. Sometimes it is hard to forget about it and anger and hurt wells up. You know in order to move on you have to let it go. There are a few people who have hurt me and mostly are not in my life anymore. Satan wants me to be angry back but that is not the right thing to do.

You are to trudge on, turn the other cheek, and not seek revenge. If it even crosses your mind to retaliate that is not from God.

So move on my friend. Pray for those who have hurt or misused you in any way. Above all show love.

PRAYER: Forgiveness is a trait I want to develop in all situations in my life. Help me to love regardless if someone loves me. In Jesus' name.Amen. 

But God 2

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

How many of you have prayed and prayed and prayed some more about a certain situation that has not changed? The enemy may make your mind wander and make you feel defeated. These feelings of defeat are not from your Father in Heaven. When things seem impossible just remember 'but God' and you may be able to get a better perspective on things. 

Job searches, medical bills, fear of the future, betrayal, prodigal children, stock market crash, shunned by who you thought were friends, threat of job loss, divorce, the list is endless. Where is God in all this? Many are quick to blame God on all their problems not knowing and realizing that His plan is more perfect than our plan. "Yeah God so why did you let my child die?" then you turn your back on God. This is when you need to embrace Him even more.

Imagine God is holding a rope and you are hanging on to the rope. He does not want you to let go. He loves you so much and you need to believe that and embrace that. Don't ever quit hoping and believing. 

PRAYER: You Lord are my strength and shield and I need you even when Satan tries to get me to turn my back on all things Christian. I look to you and I know your plan is perfect and I need to keep praying. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God's Bucket List

NOTE: Somehow this got missed This is devotion from Feb 21. 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

The older a person is the more he or she might start thinking about their 'bucket list' or those things they hope to do before the Lord calls them home to Heaven. I have accomplished a few on mine such as tandem skydiving, riding in an airboat in Everglades, hiking to the Hollywood sign, hot air balloon ride, going to the Rose Parade and I still have several to go. 

Have you ever thought about a 'bucket list for God'? I am not the original person to think of this idea. I heard it somewhere and thought it was very cool. A 'bucket list' is more of a self centered thing whereas a 'bucket list for God' would be things you want to do for the Kingdom. Each person would have to search their own hearts for what those things would be and once again not doing them to be noticed by others as if to say "Look at me. Aren't I great" but to do them out of your love for living for Jesus.

When you are having a quiet time with the Lord pray and ask God to show you ways you could impact the world for Christ not to bring you glory but so you can point others to Him. 

PRAYER: Each and every day is a gift from you. The money we have is actually yours. My time should be used for you too Lord. Help bring to mind those ways I can make a difference in the lives of others for your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Don't Let Satan Control Your Emotions

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

 I pride myself in being a pretty cheerful person but every now and then my mind may wander and get my moods in a funk and emotions messed up. I always feel this is the enemy messing with me as he knows that can be my weak area if only he can get me off course. You may have a similar problem. You convince yourself people don't like you or you conjure up scenarios of fear in your mind. That is why one of the best selling books by author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer is 'Battlefield of the Mind'.

Satan knows if he can get into your thought life he can wage his war. To combat this it is necessary to have a steady diet of scripture, prayer, and meditating on good things. Don't let your mind drift somewhere. Tell Satan to get behind you and quote some Scripture to him. Prayer and praise are valuable tools as well.

Keep your mind on good things by not letting bad things enter your mind. This could mean changing what you watch on TV, read, or listen to. It is your mind, so you choose do you want it filled with things of this world or heavenly things. Not a hard decision I wouldn't think.

PRAYER: I need to make sure I am not daydreaming about wrong things and I need your help Lord to stay focused on positive uplifting thoughts. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Watch What You Say

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29

Your speech reflects the kind of person you are and is also an indicator of what your store up in your heart. If you are around positive cheerful people you will probably tend to be more like that. But if you hang out with those who swear and are angry it may eventually come back to haunt you in the form of ugliness spewing forth from your mouth.

The Bible is filled with scripture on speech, words, the tongue and our mouth. It is critical for a person who claims to know Jesus to be careful of what comes out of their mouth. You've heard the saying "If you can't say anything good then don't say anything at all?" There is much truth in that. 

Today why not be kind with your words even when someone may not deserve it or be kind to you. Let your speech reflect the character of Christ inside of you. 

PRAYER: It is so easy if angry to say something we may regret later. Loose misspoken words can deeply wound another individual and destroy relationships. Help me always think before I speak, text, or email. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Does It Take A Whale?

The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Jonah 1:1-3

Have you ever had the experience that you felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to do something but instead ran from it? The excuse could be someone else will speak out or someone else will take care of this need. Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, the person set aside to do this was you? It is impossible to hide from God, as He is all knowing,  after all. Excuses often don't cut it with the Almighty. 

In modern times we may laugh off the notion of a giant fish swallowing a person for not obeying God's orders. I would not laugh if I were you. The task may not be as large as telling an entire city they need to repent or perish, but something much smaller. Nothing God asks you to do is 'small' in the big scheme of things.

What is God speaking to your heart about today? Maybe sharing Christ with a friend or even a stranger? Volunteering at a place where you can be a witness for Him?  Speaking up for injustice at a university or even to our own government. The Lord is your guide and you are to be His witnesses and sometimes that means speaking up in love.

PRAYER: Help me Father to open my mouth with Holy boldness and in love when sharing your truths with others. Protect me from evil along the way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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.

Life Is Not Staged

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

 Recently as I sat in a local credit union waiting my turn, I was watching a commercial on the television provided for customers.  It struck me how that even in television shows, movies, or yes commercials, life is not real. Actors, stunt men, stand ins, and extras are used to get the effect the producer and director want to achieve." Some "families" are not families at all in the commercial but were put together by the talent agency to make them look related. I know that from a personal experience back in 1992.

Life can seem perfect at the movies, on commercials, or on television but the real story often is behind the scenes. I like how Hollywood is now producing many'based on true story' movies or actual 'true stories' such as last years block buster 'Unbroken' and this weekends release of 'Woodlawn'. Point being, do not base your life on what you see actors and characters doing. This talented person you idolize also are much different when they are not portraying their character. Be yourself. Don't desire someone else's life. Be content with who you are and don't try to mirror an airbrushed Hollywood model.

Every person has gifts God has given them. Some people are blessed to be multi talented and if so do not be jealous of them. Others have gifts no one really sees and is more behind the scenes sort of like the make up artists and prop masters who work in tinsel town. Be happy in the skin God has given you and nurture the gifts He has blessed you with.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for making me just the way I am. If I get noticed for a talent help me remain humble and give you the glory. Help me not compare myself to others but to rejoice just where I am. In Jesus' name.Amen.    

Are You Ready?

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

A friend of mine used to have a bumper sticker on her car that said 'R U E' and the E was the color red so meaning 'ready'. A great conversation starter for someone when they ask what it means and a fantastic time to be able to witness about life after death. So many naysayers think this Earth is all it is. There were those who mocked the recent 'blood moon' as being from 'end timers' or quacks. 

There are many signs of His coming today. But like today's verse states no one but God knows the day nor hour. We do have to be ready and to goof around and think it is never going to happen may cause you to be 'left behind' when the Lord does come back. Everyone has a choice to live for Jesus or to reject Him. Now this living for Jesus does not mean joining a church or being a certain denomination. It means being truly 'sold out' to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Here in the United States we used to acknowledge God and follow His ways in the government but years ago when we took prayer from the public schools, took down the Ten Commandments, made abortion legal and now allow same sex couples to marry we went against what God's word says. Also when our President cuddles up to terrorist nations but ridicules the nation of Israel look out. That is not a good thing. 

Stop and take a look at your life. Are you sure if today was the day when Jesus came back you would be with Him? Your heart has to be right with the Lord and you have to ask Him into your heart. Don't delay because you may not have another chance. Also be sure to repent of your sins and ask God to renew your mind. He loves you my friend and He wants you to be in Heaven too. 

PRAYER: Father there are so many lies Satan is spreading not only in the United States but throughout the world. We know you are on the throne and are not going anywhere. We need not fear when terror comes because you have the final word. I pray for those who have not asked you into their hearts to do so and to also repent. I ask you keep my own heart from being led astray and those in my family as well. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

I Don't Like Waiting Mommy

He says, Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.Psalm 46:10

I don't know of anyone who really likes to wait. It actually is a good disciplineto teach children while they are small though. In my travels I was at an airport waiting for a flight delayed three times. I was not bothered but this young girl waiting to get on a flight next to mine said to her mom "I don't like waiting mommy". Children can be brutally honest and that is why they are so special.

We are in an instant society. We rush about and want immediate gratification for so many things. To be able to just sit and be still is indeed a skill that needs to be developed to have a successful life. If we go about all the time demanding everyone to hurry, not only is our own peace robbed but we are not setting a good example for the kingdom of God. When we pray often we wait years for answers. God is not a genie in a bottle found on the beach. He is patient, loving, and kind and so too should we be likewise.

What do you need to do today to gain peace and learn to be still? Maybe it involves trusting God more and learning to ignore little inconveniences.

PRAYER: Today no matter what happens Lord help me to react with stillness, peace, and patience and oh yes, love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Forget About It!

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:6

Have you heard the phrase "Don't sweat the small stuff?" It is very true. Many minor things in life can put us in a tail spin as we hyper focus on them. In the big scheme of things so many tiny issues do not matter anyway.  

In my devotion time recently I was listening to the audio stream on the app called 'Abide' and was told to breathe in God's goodness. Do that right now. Stop what you are doing for a moment and thank God for this day. Next ask Him to use you to make a difference. Next breathe out concerns on your heart and give them to God. He has your back. So much that we think is important really is not. 

So today right now ask God to take the controls of your life and give your cares no matter how big or small to Him. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for thinking anything I can do will change something. I know you are in control of the 'big picture' and all the little things I let bother me are not that important. I trust you Lord to guide my steps today. 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.

Not Just About Sunday

 "If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot From doing your own pleasure on My holy day, And call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, And honor it, desisting from your own ways, From seeking your own pleasure And speaking your own word, Then you will take delight in the LORD, And I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; And I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Welcome to Sunday! A day of rest for many. The day traditionally to go to church. Mind you, not to punch an attendance card, but to go out of love and devotion for the Lord. We are not under the 'law' anymore but those who love Jesus should want to attend worship this day. If you have been in a rut over church because you just don't like going there, then ask God to open the door to a new vibrant church where God's word comes alive to you. Also ask Him to change your heart and your attitude. 

Once Sunday has passed and Monday rolls around it is not time to put away anything related to Jesus. We need to keep the 'armor of God' on each and every day because our enemy, Satan,  is not taking a vacation the other six days. (Read Ephesians 6:10-18). If you are not prepared for spiritual battle by studying and meditating on God's word daily how will you stand up to the enemy? In physical combat soldiers train ahead of time before they meet their enemy. We too as believers need to be doing likewise. 

Does Christ hold first place in your life? I I am not saying this to bring guilt or condemnation but only to ask you to search your heart. Maybe it is time to have your spirit renewed and come alive again. 

PRAYER: I desire to delight myself in you. I know the sprit of complacency and disinterest is not from you Lord. Give me a renewed sense of joy each and every day and not just on Sundays. Convict those Lord who do not care to spend anytime with you of their need for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Pray First And Always

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 Are you believing for something in your life? Maybe in the natural people may say it is impossible. Perhaps you are faced with a seemingly difficult stressful situation. What is your normal response when under pressure? The answer should not be "freak out" but it should be to pray and keep praying. Nay sayers, maybe some even close to you, may say it is useless or there is no hope.

No matter what situation you are up against the natural man wants to fret, worry, stress, and lose control. The godly man chooses to think it through and let God be the guide. When letting the natural man be in control ultimately Satan is the winner as he has you not trusting God and not believing in miracles.I don't know about you, but I want to let God help me control my emotions under pressure. Humanly it is easy to just lose it under certain circumstances but why not practice crying out to God when you feel like doing otherwise.

PRAYER: I love you Lord and thank you for the perfect peace that I experience when I go to you in prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Note: Today is the last day of 21 Days of Prayer from Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL.

 To view it go to http://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/service/

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.