The Perfect Sunflower

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.Ephesians 4:15 Summer has been brutal in much of the country. Even parts of the country normally getting milder temperatures have had a few heat waves. Rain is an essential ingredient to keep things lush, growing,blooming, and green especially in times of immense heat. My neighbor has a beautiful single tall sunflower growing. I noticed when we did not get rain for days it sort of looked droopy, then voila. After a couple of days of a good downpour it sprung back to life. Our spirits are like that. If we claim to know the Lord and call ourselves Christians we can not expect to 'grow and bloom' for the kingdom in 'drought like' conditions. By this I mean starving yourself of 'spiritual nourishment' you receive by 'feeding' and 'watering' your spiritual side daily. To 'grow' to be more like Christ you have to stay 'nourished'. Are you getting your spiritual food daily? If you think the Bible is just some ancient text reserved for preachers and priests, think again. It is life giving and has the answers to many of life's problems. If you have not made a habit of indulging yourself in God's word why not begin today by starting to read the 8th book of Proverbs since it is the 8th. The tomorrow read the 9th and so on. Soon you will feel yourself 'springing' to life again. PRAYER: Each day brings time management challenges. In planning my day help me Lord to not listen to voices that say I don't need you till Sunday. I choose to start now to grow up in Christ. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Dominate The Darkness

Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

We are living in dark times here in America. Not dark in the sense of the dark ages but dark in the sense lies are being passed off as truth and so many are falling for Satan's schemes and tricks. The Bible warns us about this deception. 

The schemes of the enemy are subtle at times and he even tricks people who claim to walk with Christ. We are indeed in spiritual warfare and we as believers need to be taking control and dominating the darkness of this present world. Some things we used to be able to speak up against we are now being called hateful or wrong. Laws are passed to make things legal but that does not make them right in the sight of God. This is why it is essential those who name the name of Jesus to know the truth found in the word of God. 

Isaiah 5:20 says "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Sometimes what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. Not sure where I heard that but it holds much truth. Stand up for the truth. Stand against the schemes of the enemy of our souls. 

Are you running with the side of Jesus or running away from Him? 

PRAYER: Lord help me know the truth for the truth does indeed set me free like your word says. Help me to recognize the lies of Satan and to speak out for the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Click link for an awesome praise song:

http://youtu.be/O4QOuGI3irI. 

Caution: Bridge Freezes Before Roadway

Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Winter is upon us here where I live. We in the south do not get the brunt of winter weather like folks do in my native state of Ohio or even in Iowa or Illinois  where I used to live. Never the less, when it comes in the form of frozen precipitation you need to slow down driving and stay off the roads entirely if possible during icy conditions. The familiar sign you see before crossing a bridge on the highway is the same as my title. Be careful. I have seen cars hit the bridge and spin out so it is not a joke. 

Our life has cautions and warnings too found in God's word if only we would be wise enough to become familiar with the Bible and heed His advice. He is all wise and tries to shelter us if only we were not so stubborn and wanted our own way all the time. Satan is real and he is roaming around trying to deceive and destroy us. His tricks and lies are many and he has subjects on earth that do his work for him some knowingly and others not so much. There is evil and there is good, period. Satan is evil and God is good. Satan lies and schemes and God is truthful. Who do you choose? We can not have our feet in both worlds. 

Today if you know deep down in your heart what is right and wrong then tell Satan to get behind you as you plan to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER: Lord you are good all the time. I know Satan is out there working in all facets of our lives from the school house to the White House. Help me be discerning of his tricks and stand on the promises of God. Help me not be led astray by the lies of the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen.