LEARNING AND GROWING

 The other day I was testing my knowledge and skills on an new ap on my IPAD. Typically when people start to get older they often do not want to embrace technology and stay stuck in a rut of sorts. In the ever changing world it is good to keep up with things so you can relate to the world and to the younger generation.

It is God who gifts us with the capacity to learn and think. He has given us a wonderful gift. That is our brain. Each person is gifted in different ways. Even those who some feel the world "short changed" due to mental deficiencies have a plan and purpose in God's kingdom.

God does not want us to fear things and that includes learning new things. Often in life those over 60 may feel their days of learning are over. To stay young keep reaching ahead and keep trying new things. Make positive thoughts a part of each day. Count your blessings not your kidney stones. Do not awaken and start "confessing" how sick you are or how old you are but instead get up and start the day by saying Phillipians 4:13(NIV) which says 'I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." That skydiving trip still is on my bucket list. What is on yours?

PRAYER: The opportunity to learn and achieve and grow is never ending. I thank you that at any age there are many things to enjoy and try. I thank you Lord for those people you place in my path, both young and older, to teach me new things. I choose to be positive and seek to look to you for help in moving up and moving on. In Jesus' name.Amen.

FEAR MONGERS OR PEACE SEEKERS

 If you are a fearful or worried person then you need to stay away from your news on television. For instance after the Texas explosion the local news people here in the Huntsville area started saying that similar factories that manufacture fertilizer are located here. Now people have something else to worry about. Why do we need to know about all the bad stuff anyway? Want to enjoy your day or evening, then skip the news. Life will go on. You will not be ignorant. You may find a new found peace of mind.

Isaiah 26:3(NIV) says 'He will keep in perfect peace, he whose mind is on him'. Just how do you keep your mind on Him anyway? This past week we also had the Boston Marathon bombings which terrorized people for the entire week till the one who did it was found. Once again we can choose to feed our mind on fear and wonder where the next terrorist will strike in the United States or we can go on with life and give the controls to God.

Isaiah 41:10(NIV) says '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.' How do you "not fear" when so many things are going on around you to make you anxious? Stay in the word of God on a daily basis is how! You have to purpose in your heart to spend time focusing on good things and not constantly worrying. Once again the devil has you right where he wants you if you are fretting and concerned over things all the time. Worry is caused by lack of trust in the Saviour to protect you and your loved ones.

Romans 8:31(NIV) says 'What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?' In Deuteronomy 20:1(NIV) it says 'When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.'

Another really good verse to help combat fear is Deuteronomy 31:6(NIV) which says 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

When we fear, we only give victory to Satan. He has you right where he wants you as fear disables the power of Christ if you constantly dwell on bad things. Psalm 91:5(NLT) reminds you also 'Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.' You have God on your side. Talk to the evil devil and tell him you are a child of God and you do not fear! Put him in his place.

Psalm 23:4(NIV) is often one you hear at a funeral but it is for everyday life of the living as well. It says 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.' Do you feel God's comfort? You can if only you will cast your worries and fears on Him as it says in 1 Peter 5:7.

PRAYER: Lord I need you every hour of each day to help guide me through the challenges of this life. I do not need you for one hour on Sunday. Forgive me if I have put you on the "back burner" of life and not come to "talk" to you in prayer more often. I realize there is more to saying you love Jesus than just going into a church building as a matter of fact much much more. I want more of you in my life and less fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Click on the link below and worship the Lord and do not fear:

http://youtu.be/7foqxkkh51M

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