GOD IS GREAT! GOD IS GOOD!

Most people probably are familiar with the children's mealtime prayer which says ' God is Great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food.' Let's pause for a moment and focus on the goodness of God. Instead of your worries, concerns and fears stop what you are doing and just think about how good God really is. He is awesome, powerful, mighty and in control. He is sovereign. He is Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords. He loves us. He gave His only son that we might have life. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is gracious and full of compassion. His love never fails. He is our strength when we are weak.

Instead of being all caught up in the day ahead of you, which is probably getting more hectic as Christmas gets closer, just take time out today and think on God. Get your Bible and turn to Psalm 4 and Proverbs 4 and read them simply because this is the fourth of December and it is a good way to do your Bible reading sometimes when you do not know where to start.

Lord you are good and your mercies endure forever. Praise be to God!

Psalm 31:19(ESV) says 'Oh how abundant is your goodness which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind.'

PRAYER: Thank you for your goodness to me Lord sometimes when I really do not deserve it. You have blessed me so very much. I stop today to say thank you and give you praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for an awesome song to lift you up and start your day.

http://youtu.be/gn5CMSSAx_c

KEEP FOCUSED ON THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD!

 Much is happening in the world and our own country to make one scared about tomorrow. We wonder if we are nearing the end of time. Perhaps we are falling into a dictatorship. If you sit around thinking of these scenarios instead of trusting God for each day of course you would be fretful. But God is the true 'Master of the Universe' and He is the one who lets kingdoms rise or fall. Many verses talk about evil kings and evil rulers and how we are to put our hope and trust in God and God alone. Government can not save us. A mere man can not save us. A horoscope can not save you. A four leaf clover will not save you. A government bureaucracy can not save us. Only the King of Kings and Lord of Lords can save us and deliver us from evil!!

Instead of not being able to get to sleep at night because of the 'what ifs' of the government and what a tiny 'mere man' can do instead start focusing in what God CAN do, not the enemy. We are in a battle of good and evil in the world. Satan is a deceiver. He can deceive the most unknowing of people to believe lies from the pit of hell. That is why it is important to stay focused on the word of God which is the truth and can give you peace for the days ahead no matter what happens. This is not about a political party but this is about freedoms being under fire in this Godly nation like never before. If Satan can keep you clinging to a political party because you always have, then he has won half the battle. Focus on God and His righteousness!

There are people that read this blog from foreign countries and the issues facing you may be in fact much worse than what we face here. The thing to remember is that God can set us free and put us above our enemies. Have faith brothers and sisters. Jesus loves us this I know for my Bible tells me so. The enemy can even get you to change what the Bible means to justify what you think or do.. John 10:10 says " The thief(Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

So today let Jesus set you free from your fears and tune in to Him and away from news reports that make you fearful. Psalm 71:5 says "You have been my hope O Sovereign God. My confidence since my youth." Believe that today! Do not allow the lies of the enemy to make you be in fear. Psalm 39:7 says "Oh Lord in what do I look for?My hope is in you."

PRAYER: Father you are in control of the earth. You let the sun rise on evil people and on good. Thanks so much for being the one I trust in. Help me not to look to man to bring comfort. And Lord give me strength to turn off the TV if it is causing me fear and worry. In you I trust. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click link below and worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness.

http://youtu.be/ePPL0I2CyNk

TURN OFF THE DISTRACTIONS

This title came to me as I was sitting in a normally quiet coffee shop trying to do my writing when a group of very chatty women with babies came in and occupied three tables right beside me. They got stares from working people trying to do work on their laptops but they had a right to be there as much as others did. It was extremely distracting and I tried my best to tune them out in a polite way so I could concentrate on writing. This particular coffee shop has orchestra music playing in the background and it was drowned out by the loud conversation.


This made me think of distractions in the world each day that Christians have to contend with to stay on the path God intended for them. Temptations are all around us each and every day. The temptation to cheat, lie, steal and lust are ever present. It is very important to know the truth found in the word of God so you will be convicted of sinful behavior and ask God to help you stay on the path that leads to righteousness.


1 John 2:17 says "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." This world will tempt us with many things and the key thing to always ask yourself is "will this activity bring honor and glory to God" and if the answer is no perhaps it is good to not participate in. Titus 2:11-14 says "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."
Many people define right and wrong differently but God says in Isaiah 5:20 "Whoa 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."  James 4:17 says "Anyone then who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

What is distracting you in your walk to be closer to Jesus? Are the temptations of this world just too great? Do you feel that one hour on Sunday is enough to equip you to face the battles in the week ahead?

Each and every day stay 'armed and ready' to face the distractions Satan will throw at you. Your 'weapon' is the 'sword of the Spirit' otherwise known as God's word. Pick it up and be prepared for battle.(See Ephesians 6:10-18).

PRAYER: Your word is powerful and what I need daily to combat the lies and tricks of the enemy. I know distractions will always be around trying to get me too busy to spend time with you Lord. I choose today to read your word each day and beamed for spiritual battles head of me. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link for a very powerful song of praise.
http://youtu.be/O4QOuGI3irI