BAD NEWS......BUT GOD!

There seemingly is a great deal of fear in many parts of the world today. I know here in these United States citizens are concerned about a government that is out of control and no longer listens to them and fears dictatorship on the horizon. "But we have a Constitution, that will never happen" the uninformed will utter. But this fear is real and is frightening many people. Our balance of power and system of checks and balances is no longer valid it seems.

There is a verse in God's word which I love. Psalm 118:11(NLT) says 'The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?' We know it is not people we are necessarily supposed to be angry with but realize we are in the midst of spiritual warfare. A battle of good versus evil. Satan is having a hey day. He is using people as his pawns to do his evil works and many deceived are falling right smack dab into the enemies trap.

There is so much deception today. People hear something and believe it is true. Only God's word is true, yet today it is being misused and twisted to justify sinful behavior. Hebrews 13:6 also reiterates the same thing as Psalm 118:6 by saying '......what can mere mortals do to me.'

We truly need to not fear and realize God is indeed still on the throne. He is King of kings and Lord of Lords. God has a plan behind all the chaos that is going on. Sometimes He let's humans have their own way and suffer a bit. We choose to not listen, to not acknowledge Him, not keep His word first, well then see what happens. Isaiah 55:8-9(KJV) says 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.' God is still God and is still over the entire universe. No king, prince, czar, ruler, dictator, or president controls Him.

Psalm 93:4(NIV) says 'Mightier than the thunder of great waters and mightier than the breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty.' Meditate on that verse for just a moment. There are things we need to do as well. 2 Chronicles 7:14 should be a very familiar scripture to those who have been praying for America to return to its' Christian roots. 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' Are we truly doing this? Are we taking so much for granted and so busy with our daily lives that we even bother?

Hard times may in fact be on the horizon. Just remember who indeed is on the throne. Psalm 95:3(NIV) says 'The Lord is a great God a great King above all gods.' There are those who live in countries where Christians are persecuted and have to read their Bible in secret or risk death. We need to cry out to God and repent and ask Him to bring revival.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for being in control. I realize when we do not listen to you sometimes we suffer the consequences. Lord I ask that you open the eyes of the blind and end the curse that is overtaking the United States. Bring revival to this great land. Turn evil men and women's hearts to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Please check out the following website where you can post prayers and read others prayers:

www.presidentialprayerteam.com

FEAR NOT

Today's world in the United States of America for many is full of fear of the unknown. We know and believe God is in fact in control and sometimes that includes letting bad situations play themselves out. Fear of a depression, fear of healthcare system collapsing, fear of financial ruin, fear of Communism, fear of homelessness, fear of losing a job, fear of bankruptcy, fear of the unknown. There are many who do not see these things and perhaps are not fearful.

Where does fear originate from? The answer is not God. Satan is the author of all the bad stuff. The evil in the world are from him. In John 10:10(HCSB) it says 'A thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it in abundance.' When we are not tuned into God it is easy to be led astray and believe lies of the enemy. Satan is a liar. He is evil. He is meaning to get us in his trap.

Some good news is found in Isaiah 41:10 (NIV). 'So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' You may have noticed I have referred to that verse in many devotions. It is good to try to commit that to memory. If you feel yourself becoming fearful you can read this verse out loud. Do not allow the enemy to get you in his trap.

Today start the day by saying "Thank you for this day. I will trust you Lord and not be afraid."

PRAYER: Lord there are many times I get anxious about things going on around me. I need to stay in your word and on my knees in prayer. You will protect us Lord and I have faith in you. Help me not to fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Assignment: Read Psalm 91

Click link below and listen to the words of the song.

http://youtu.be/oA0RZE-JAHg

FEAR MONSTER!!!

The news media seems to relish doom and gloom stories. Government shutdown, health scares, storm damage, airplane crashes, murder, robbery, assault, fires, weather issues, financial meltdown and on the list goes. I am not faulting these journalists but we need to start trying to stay informed yes, but to not saturate your life with horror stories and stay in a constant state fear.

This past week all we heard about in America was the looming government shutdown and what would happen if it occurred. The main thing we seem to forget in this equation is GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. Prayer is essential to our piece of mind.

Fear is not from God but is straight from the pit of hell. The enemy loves to get us all up in arms over bad things happening. What about good things? Can't we hear about them sometime? In order to stay cool,calm, and collected, first try turning off the television news. If it is bothering you then get away from it. Get on your knees and pray instead trying to cast your cares upon the Lord.

1 Peter 5:7(NIV) reminds us to 'Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.' There can be "storms" raging around you but when we look to God he is our source of strength.

Worry can consume you if you let it. Make up your mind you will let it go once and for all. "But I'm just a worrier" some folks say. I say, try not to be. When you worry you can not be powerful for the Lord.

Matthew 10:29 says 'Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.'

Today why not start anew and give God your fears. Psalm 112:6-7(ESV) is a good verse to conclude with. 'For the righteous will never be moved. He will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news, trusting in the Lord.'

PRAYER: Today I choose to not let the world's problems consume me. You are God and you are still on the throne. I choose to let your light shine through me in a world that needs peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a wonderful worship song to start your Saturday.

http://youtu.be/bDYWOH-q-RI

SAFE FROM DANGER

 

Do you and can you really trust God to take care of you and your family? Prayers are said so it is at that point we need to let go and let faith kick in. Our arch enemy, Satan, loves to torment us with concern, fretting, fear, and worry. Do not allow him to steal your peace and faith in God. He is not worth the extra gray hairs.

There may be some readers who do not hear much about the concept of "spiritual warfare" but we indeed are in a battle of good and evil, right and wrong, and for our very souls. Scripture and prayer are powerful tools we have to use against Satan. Remember in John 10:10(NIV) we are told 'The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.'

Deception is rampant in our world today. Modern culture is even entrapping well meaning believers who are being captivated and deceived by him. Do not let it happen! Use the word of God as your greatest tool to stop him in his tracks! Tell him to get his stinking little hands off you and your family and be sure to say, "In Jesus name" as there is power in that name.

I thought today I would go over Psalm 91 as a way to sear it in your brain to recall when you tend to want to start fearing. The author of fear is not God. It is one of Satan's tools to try to defeat us. We have victory in Jesus Christ so remind Satan of that when he starts to come against you. Perhaps you need to maybe read it out loud and personalize it with a name to make it hit home.

Here goes!

'Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra you will trample the great lion and the serpent." Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him, I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.'

Try to recite those verses out loud and see if you don't feel a stronger faith inside of you.

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose to know and believe you are my strength and I have no reason to fear. I trust in you Lord and I have power because of you to defeat the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a powerful song of praise and worship.

http://youtu.be/O4QOuGI3irI

UNCERTAIN TIMES

Today is the big day here in the USA where "mere men" ,with too much
power, have put fear in us with a word called Sequestration. Here in
a military town this is especially causing stress not knowing whose
jobs will be safe or if the whole town will fold. Defense cuts affect
not just the military and their family and defense contractors, but the entire US and the

civilian town the military is near. But God is bigger than this crisis created by man. Remember
the verse in 1 Timothy 6:17(NIV) which says '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.' Elsewhere in
Proverbs 23:5(NIV) further drives this point home when it says 'Cast
but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout
wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.'

For those "awake" and paying attention to world events and things in
our own country,we are living in uncertain times. A country of
freedom, prosperity, and independence is slowly being controlled by a
domineering tyrannical government trying to seemingly take over all
aspects of our lives. Many people are frightened today because this day was hyped by the media so much as doomsday.

 

When and if doomsday does come, as a believer we are not to

trust in riches or man to help us or save us. Our hope is to be in the
Lord who made the heavens and the earth and who is in control of it
all. Sometimes He allows men to reap what they sow and has warned us
many times. In scripture it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14(NIV) 'if my
people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and
seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from
heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' Are we
truly humbling ourselves and seeking God's face or are we way too busy
to have time? Many may be so busy in their careers or at home that
they do not even realize what is happening in the world around them
especially not getting info from the right sources. Many are oblivious

to the impending economic, military, and moral downfall of America

around them. But once again we are not to be frightened by what "mere
men" can do to us as our trust is in God. (See Psalm 118:6 and Psalm
56:4).

Psalm 23(NIV) is often just thought of as a passage of scripture read
only at funerals but there is much more within the words of that
chapter. I have copied it here. Take a moment and read it over and
think about something other than the funeral context you often
probably hear it in.

'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down
in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my
soul.He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no
evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love
will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.'

Today do not be afraid and read out loud the following scripture from
John 14:17(NIV). It says '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." God will take care of us. Do not focus
on evil and bad around you but get into his word and let it transform
your heart and give you peace.

PRAYER: Lord we do not know what is happening. We in America have
always seemingly never had worries or fears like other countries and
have taken much for granted. Our morals have started to slide because
we chose back in 1963 to kick you out of our public schools. We did
not give heed to your precious lives you created and since 1973 have
killed millions of babies in the name of women's rights or choice. How
sad this makes me Lord. Please forgive our country for ignoring you
and turning its' back on you. Get us through the stormy days ahead
Lord and bring revival to this land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on the link below and please take a moment and be comforted by
the words of the attached song.
http://youtu.be/2ZuVtA7Vyk8

PROBLEMS OR PROMISES?

What are you thinking on? Are you worried about your health, your job,
your finances ? Why not start meditating on God's word and REALLY
trusting Him and do not let Satan capture your thought life. Bad
thoughts, fear, worry all come from the enemy.

Remember in John 14:27(NIV) it says '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.' Does being scared or worried
do one bit of good? The answer of course is NO. So why can't we let go

and let God? Does your worry change the situation? Once again the
answer of course is NO.

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV) is one of my absolute favorite scriptures and it
says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own
understanding and in all your ways submit to Him and He will make

your paths straight.' There is that word "Trust".

Psalm 119:165(NIV) says 'Great peace have they who love your law, and
nothing can make them stumble.' The law meaning the Bible. This is

why it is so important to keep the word of God an essential part of

every day life. The world has enough junk to throw at us to frighten
us. Tune out the bad stuff. For instance turn off the news if it makes

your fearful. Put on some Christian praise music which helps to lift

your burdens. This is why I often attach an appropriate worship song

to my devotions.

Refuse to allow the enemy, Satan,to put worry and fear in your head.
Cast off works of darkness and let Jesus' light shine out. When you
are praising Jesus it is often very hard to worry.

So which is it going to be? Will you mediate on God's promises or will
you cave in to doubt, fear and your problems?

PRAYER: Lord I love the word of God. I know if I make an effort each
day to not forget to get in to the word I will have lots less worry
weighing me down. Help me resist the enemies attacks on my thought
life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a wonderful song to add to this devotion.
http://youtu.be/XkljgA5SQc8

LOOK TO GOD, NOT CIRCUMSTANCES

Oh, by the way, did you know  it's "fiscal cliff" time? Many, to
include myself, wonder what is going to happen here in these wonderful
United States of America. Some may be reading this from other
countries so this does not apply to you  but regardless of what is
going on, good or bad, in your life you are to look to God as the
source of your strength. You can not trust in princes and governments
and mere men. They can not save you. Money can not save you. Your
house or possessions can not save you. a title or position can not
save you. A degree from college can not save you. Only Jesus can save
you and rescue you. Some even who have asked Jesus into their hearts
may be especially fearful of what the government has planned for us in
the coming days. Some see it as intentional and others just say it is
part of what is going on. Once again if you fear a financial collapse
and takeover it could be very frightening. The Bible says in 1 Peter
5:7(NIV) to 'cast ALL your cares on HIM for He cares for you.' Do you
believe that because it is true?

Psalm 91:5(NLT) says 'You will not fear the terror of night, nor the
arrow that flies by day.'  Psalm 23:4(NIV) often saved for funerals
but good for all of life says 'Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your
rod and your staff, they comfort me.' Say this out loud. Go ahead
right now. Read that verse out loud.

Remember the story of Job in the Old Testament? Now there was a man
whose faith was tested. In Job 5:19(NIV) it says 'From six calamities
he will rescue you; in seven no harm will befall you.' Do you believe
if you have trusted in Jesus and given your heart to Him that he is
there to help you? He wants you to not worry. He is God. Don't you
think He is bigger than the problems man creates down here on earth?
Job 5:21(NIV) says 'You will be protected from the lash of the tongue,
and need not fear when destruction comes.' Let that sink into your
heart why don't you? God is not wanting you to live down here in
constant worry, distress, anger, and fear.

Psalm 20:7(NIV) says 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but
we trust in the name of the LORD our God.' Who is your trust in? What
is it you fear? Do you not know that fear comes from the enemy, Satan?
If Satan can get your eyes off of God by causing you constant turmoil
and concern then he is partly victorious. Do you want to make Satan
victorious? The answer I am sure is NO! Then start today and ask Jesus
into your heart if you have not done that already. Next allow Him to
control your thoughts. To do this you need to make it a habit daily to
get into the word of God and pray.

Your church can't save you. Baptism alone can not save you. Church
membership does not save you. Going to church on Christmas and Easter
do not save you. Only asking Jesus to take control and be Lord of your
life. Trust in Him then you will be able to confidently say 'I am not
afraid what MERE men can do unto me.' (Psalm 56:4).

PRAYER; Lord Jesus when things are out of control around us we need to
trust you. But we should not wait til this happens. We should run to
you all the time. Many run to you only when they fear a tragedy.
Forgive me Lord if I have done this. I know you have a plan for my
life and I know you control the universe. Help me learn to relax and
enjoy peace in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Be blessed by  the following song of comfort:

http://youtu.be/MvpjxfWrjzY

BEST OF TIMES/WORST OF TIMES

If you are reading this and live in America you are pretty blessed. We have freedom to read our Bibles here. We have freedom of speech. We have a democracy, at least for now. Many times if people become complacent forces may "sneak" in and trick people to believe lies and destroy things. Many today are fearful we are on the brink of the worst financial crash ever, to include the weakening of our military strength. Spiritual blindness and deception has settled in primarily due to loyalty to a political party or a certain race. Many are in bubbles of protection thinking all is well. This is a recipe for disaster.

Recently I heard a couple of sermons on TV that said that God sometimes does His best work when times are hard and look hopeless. He does not want us to fear men but to trust in Him. When things look bleak, do not fear, but look to God.

There is a hymn, "This is my Father's World" and onc stanza says "and oh the wrong seems oft so strong God is the ruler yet." This says to me to not fear the tyrant, the dictator, the bully, the arrogant leader who gains pleasure from dividing the people he is to lead, but look to God. He is King of Kings and Lord of lords. We are to keep praying for our leaders whether we feel like it or not.

What is troubling you today? What are you afraid of? Can you and will you let Jesus be on the throne where He should be and cast your cares on Him?God is still on His throne ruling over all.

Psalm 46:1(KJV) says 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.'

PRAYER: You oh Lord are mighty, Holy, powerful, and in charge. I realize that the enemy is the one who causes me to fear. Help me Lord as I seek to focus on you and not the fears of the world. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click on link below and listen and watch the video accompanying this praise song to be strengthened and blessed.

http://youtu.be/nAUIkDoD1QQ