KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS ON GOD

 

This is Easter week. Many people are thinking of pretty clothes, spring, Easter egg hunts, candy, baskets and all those "worldly" things that go along with this religious holiday. On this very Holy week our thoughts should be on God and things of the Lord. What a happy day it was when Jesus rose from the dead after three days in a tomb. We are to be joyous and celebrate His gift to us. When you focus on Christ you tend to get less caught up in the "world" too. This coming Sunday is not about an Easter bonnet, a cantata, a new suit, and an annual visit to church for many,but it's about the risen King who came that we might have life and live it abundantly.

Do you know Him? Do you think about the things of the Lord often or are you caught up in your earthly endeavors? Is Christ a real part of your life or do you just say "hi" to Him one hour each week on Sunday? Do you want to spend more time with Him but look at your Bible and think it is hard to understand or boring? Do you "talk" to Him about decisions in your life?

Philippians 4:8(NIV) says '

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.' If you are constantly consumed with worldly affairs and stressed about everything you hear on the news then you might not be listening to the voice of God. His goal for us is joy and peace. These can not be achieved by feeding on a diet of "worldly" things. In Romans 12:2 it mentions not 'being conformed to the pattern of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our mind'. Why not start today and get your focus off the world and cares and concerns around you. Make it a daily habit to spend time alone reading the Bible and shutting out the chaos around you. Only then will you be able to think like Christ. Isaiah 26:3(NLT) says ' You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!' Fix your thoughts on Him today. PRAYER: Lord Jesus the world around me is constantly distracting me with all of its' pleasures. I thank you Lord for being able to get alone and equip myself each day by reading your word. Forgive me when I have put you last or not at all. In Jesus' name. Amen. Click on link and listen to a wonderful song. http://youtu.be/sChJUaU5W9I

WHO IS ON THE THRONE?

 

God is, that's who! Sometimes when the world situation looks dire you may tend to start to fret and fear men. Then is the time more than ever to run to God. We should never leave Him in the first place. Often we let someone else occupy the "throne" of our life without hardly giving God a thought except maybe on Easter and Christmas.

Here we are in the midst of the season of the Saviours' birth yet many still trust someone or some thing more than God who is King of kings and Lord of lords. You drive by homes decorated with snowmen, Santa, candy canes, and elves but baby Jesus is nowhere to be found. He has been "dethroned" by many people I am sad to say.

Christmas time can be hectic only because the world we may allow the world's idea of Christmas to influence us. Many decorate, scurry about, shop till there is no money left, bake cookies and gain weight. Where is Christ in all this activity? Is He even there at all? Why even bother if you leave Him out on His own birthday party. Can you imagine throwing a party for a birthday and not inviting the guest of honor? That is what many people do at Christmas.

This Christmas is Santa on the throne or the baby born in a manger? Is the purpose to just buy presents and eat ham and treats? The purpose is to pause and reflect on Jesus' birth and how thankful we are for Him. Can you let Him be on the throne of your life?

Luke 2:1(ESV) says 'For unto us is born this day in the City of David, a saviour who is Christ the Lord.'

PRAYER : I love you Lord and I thank you for the time of year to remember your birth help me Lord to keep your birthday alive 365 days a year and not just at Christmas. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link and be blessed by a powerful worship song.

http://youtu.be/oYCcFtFwcxo

NEVER, IMPOSSIBLE, WON'T HAPPEN, IT'S OVER, NO CHANCE

 

What do hearing the words above stir up in you? They are words lacking any hope. When you speak negative your mind is set up to be negative. What about the scripture that says 'nothing is impossible with God?' (Luke 1:37)

A person who gets in this kind of mindset feels hopeless. There is always hope as there is always God. When you think negative all the time and do not believe good things can happen then they probably won't. Worry and fear of the future do nothing but increase one's blood pressure. After this last election many Americans started feeling less than hopeful. The great country they know and love and the freedoms they have enjoyed are in danger of extinction. Worrying over this scenario will not help matters. Whatever is troubling you today you have to pray and never give up. (Read Luke 18:1). Almighty God is totally on our side and against evil. He may allow evil at times for His purposes.

So the words above, which are the title of my devotion today, are words that should not be in our vocabulary because they certainly aren't part of God's. Instead words of faith, hope, trust and encouragement should replace them. Stand firm, stay strong, and keep believing no matter what is troubling you today.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus many times I get scared even though your words say to not worry about mere men and what they can do. I know at times you may allow bad things to get my attention. Father forgive me when I have ever been complacent about evil and not take a stand. I fear not though as I know you are with me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below to hear a wonderful worship song:

http://youtu.be/FqXZD_z3eCc

GOD IS RULING ON HIGH

A week ago in the United States our elections were held and the saying is 'let the best man win' but not necessarily. Things happen for reasons unknown to we mere humans but the thing is our ultimate 'ruler' is God on high, creator of heaven and earth. Our supreme enemy is not a man or a candidate but it is Satan who has caused spiritual warfare here on earth. If he can get us fighting between political parties and not against him then he has success. Satan gets people deceived and believing lies. He is the Father of lies.

I have a few Bible verses I want to share with you. The first comes from the book of Psalm 47:8 and it says "God reigns over the nations. God is seated on His holy throne." 1 Chronicles 16:31 says "Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad. Let them say among the nations The Lord Reigns." Psalm 22:28 reminds us "For dominion belongs to the Lord and from His throne He rules the nations." Psalm 103:19 says " The Lord has established his throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all."

Do you catch yourself saying ugly things about a person when knowing the real thing you need to do is pray? Christians are not supposed to be letting their mouth get out of control. It is difficult, but when and if you catch yourself slipping ask the Lord to help you. If the individual is doing something not of God, in your opinion, let God deal with him. Your job is to trust God and pray. This goes for lifting up leaders even when we do not agree with them or fear they want to do us harm. Freedom is very precious and our religious freedoms especially. Evil forces would love to drive them completely out of this great land and do it in the name of politics and so far is starting to do that at many levels.

God will take care of those doing wrong and spreading lies. Once again our job is to pray and try to love like Jesus loved. Proverbs 19:9 says "A false witness will not go unpunished and he who breathes out lies will perish."

So my friend we are to keep trusting God, keep praying, and not give up hope. God rules over all and His kingdom will have no end.

PRAYER: Father I thank you so much for the fact that when things in our world go crazy I know you are the ultimate ruler and you do not like it when a man tries to become like you and lord over the people. If anyone is guilty of this Lord set this country free from the chains oftheir tyranny. Protect our own land and we pray for our own President that he can learn to turn to you and treat the people kind and not be divisive. Father convict him of wrong and help him have a servants heart. But Lord Jesus we know you reign over all. Fill our minds with peace as we wait for your return one day.Moreover Lord protect Christians from being caught in Satan's web of deception. Open our eyes to the truth that sets us free.Thank you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to enjoy a wonderful song to lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/tPE-MoT_QG0

SATAN'S TOOLBOX

 Our chief enemy is Satan,aka the devil. He has an arsenal of tools he uses to try to cripple Christians. Some of these are doubt, defeat, despair, depression, worry, comparison, fear, lies, tricks, critical spirit, alcohol abuse, drug addiction, anger, abuse, hurt, self pity, jealousy, hatred,bitterness, sickness and I am sure you could add to this list. These are his  tactics to get us off course and feeling hopeless. He weaves a web to destroy and torture us and to get our eyes off Jesus. We defeat Satan by the word of God and the power of our testimony it says in Revelation 12:11.

Remember you need to talk out loud to the enemy, the devil, and remind Him God is in control, not Him. Fear and worry are two of his specialities. He can literally get us so focused on a problem or situation we feel powerless. The good news is we have plenty of power to defeat him through Jesus.

The Bible says in Isaiah 54:17 that "no weapon formed against me shall prosper."  That is a promise to believe in.

 Will you be victorious in the power and authority of Jesus or allow Satan to make you powerless and weak? Start today and use the best tool yet in a Christians' toolbox and that is the word of God! Read it daily,  study it, claim its' promises and let it guide you through the ups and downs of life. Satan has no authority over you so do not let Him destroy you.

 PRAYER: Thank you Lord that I can use the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God to come against the enemy, Satan. I will not allow him to distract me and get me down in the dumps. I will rise up each day Lord and praise your name. I know when I praise you the devil has to flee. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below to worship the Lord and defeat the enemy.
http://youtu.be/xi0yLRX4d2M

JESUS IS THE REASON FOR EVERY SEASON

Often times at Christmas we see cards,decorations, and ornaments that say 'Jesus is the Reason for TheSeason' and oh how true that statement is when Christmas seems to get lost in the make believe world of Santa Claus, elves, reindeer, and candy canes.  As we approach the Easter Season we too remember that Jesus is the real reason for this holiday too. It is not about bunny rabbits, chocolate eggs, pretty Sunday dresses, Easter egg hunts, and little baby chicks. It is hard to find anything 'religious' at  all in stores around this holiday unless you venture into Christian bookstores. This day is in fact about Jesus being crucified and raising from the grave 3 days later and being alive today! Easter vacation is  even called 'Spring Break' in our modern world where God is put up on a shelf.

 Jesus is, and should always be, the reason for each and every day and each and every season of life. It is because of him we live and move and have our being. (See Acts 17:28). He is the maker of all things and because of Him things exist. 2 Timothy 4:2 tells us "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." God is always in season and every season is His! Jeremiah 51:19 says "But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including his people, his own special possession. The LORD of Heaven's Armies is his name!" Every day should be a Jesus day! Jeremiah 10:12 reminds us "But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding." It is all His so every season is His!

 Our world today wants to make 'believing in God' illegal and persecute those who dare to name the name of Jesus. Our own government is getting to the point where it will not respect the 'right of conscious' of those who oppose something because of their strong Christian convictions and beliefs. If we speak up against something we are called hateful.  More and more young people are being re-educated and desensitized to sin. We need to get back to teaching a Christian world view and pray for revival in our land. 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." Look out trying to take away God from our world. It is His world after all.

Jesus is Lord over all and no government decree will ever stop that! Psalm 118:24 says "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Every day is His!Every season is His! Rejoice!

 PRAYER: Each and every day is a gift from you Lord. I thank you for making me and placing me where you have me. I know each day is special to you. Help me be a light in a dark world and speak up against injustice and evil and do it in love. Help my senses be trained to recognize evil and sin. I love you whether it is Christmas, Easter or an ordinary day. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/wIg6RIbLz1c

SATAN IS A NERD

 Oh my goodness, I am name calling! Shame on me. Not when it comes to the lying, cheating, deceitfulness, and killing of this horrible creature. I got the idea for my title today off an elderly gentleman's baseball cap that I saw as he left church in Tulsa, Oklahoma at Victory Christian Center yesterday. It was funny in a way, but also very true.

Satan is not a little red skinny man with a pitchfork like Halloween costumes attempt to portray him as, but he is in fact a powerful, sinister force working through human subjects, who he has deceived, in order to wreak havoc in the world we live in. He despises Christians and anything they stand for, so he hates America since it is a Christian nation. He is in fact an 'angel of light' tricking and deceiving many people. He can convince you of many things if you are not grounded in the word of God. Satan and his demons of evil like to keep people in bondage. They do not like freedom. They do not like the Bible at all for in it is power to defeat him and his demonic spirits. The good news is that we have the power to defeat Satan and his lies with the blood of Jesus and the word of God. Revelation 12:11 says "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much  as to shrink from death."

Talk out loud to the devil and say "Get Thee behind me Satan!" Matthew 16:23 says " Jesus turned and said to Peter..get thee behind me Satan. You are a stumbling block to me for you do not have in mind the things of God but the things of men." Matthew 4:10 says "Jesus said to him..away from me Satan for it is written, worship the Lord and serve Him only."

In Isaiah 54:17 it says "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,and their righteousness is of thee says the Lord." Satan will try his best to get you to take his bait and many fall prey to this and do. Even some within churches are tricked by his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11 says " in order that Satan may not outwit us for we are not ignorant of his schemes."  He is the ultimate creep and has tricked many unsuspecting earthly subjects to carry out his evil here on earth. We are indeed in a spiritual battle. Do not get mad at 'mere man' knowing Satan has taken them captive to do his evil bidding, but be angry at Satan and be on your knees in prayer for those he is using against righteous men to hurt us.

 The anti Christ will come and will be a powerful force and lead many astray. Be aware. It says in 1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be self controlled and alert . Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy. Resist him standing firm in your faith because you know your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same type of sufferings." James 4:7 tells us to "Submit yourselves then unto God. Resist the devil and he will flee from us." Satan and demons are no joke. You are either doing the work of God or the work of the enemy, think of that for a while. There is no in between. John 10:10 says "The thief comes to kill, steal, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

 We know who wins in the end because it says in Revelation 12:9 "This great dragon, the ancient serpent called Satan or the devil, the one deceiving the whole world, was thrown down to the earth with all his angels." John 12:31 says "Now is the time for judgment on this world,and the prince of this (Satan) will be driven out." Jesus is Lord!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know there are evil forces of darkness who seek to destroy the body of Christ and our freedoms. I stand strong in the  Lord and the power of your might and resist Satan firm in my faith. I stand on the promises of God and I have victory in Jesus. I will not fear evil man and his schemes for you are with me Lord and will see me through. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link and start your Monday morning out with a praise song to the Lord. Be blessed!
http://youtu.be/wIg6RIbLz1c

PS We are in a world not of this world!!

PRESIDENT OR KING OF KINGS??

Today in the USA we celebrate Presidents Day which is a combined holiday of both Washington and Lincoln's birthdays. These were first celebrated on their own separate days until several years ago. Initially it was celebrating our First Presidents Birthday, George Washington, then changed to make it for both Washington and Lincoln since they were both born in February. So the name does not necessarily imply every single president but was the initial intent to celebrate our nations 1st President George Washington only.

At this time, because of the name being in the plural form, we may think this day honors all of our presidents as well. We may have a president of the US in this currently independent and democratic country who is called the leader of the free world, but the ultimate leader in charge of even the President of the United States, is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Ultimately  all power is given from God and he allows men or women to be in authority for his purposes. This  does not necessarily mean it will be godly leader or a fair leader, but God is the one who is in charge of promotion and allowing this person to be there for His purposes. God will take care of evil rulers in the end. He has the final say. Man may try to build up his own little powerful earthly kingdom and can leave God out of the equation for the time being, even misusing scriptures for his own gain, but look out! He may try to lord over people and put them in bondage. This arrogance and egotism will not stand in the end.

Businesses used to close on George Washington's birthday and other holidays like Veterans Day, Columbus Day and Memorial Day, but now stores use them as an opportunity to have sales. All  honor and respect due this holiday is largely lost and a new generation grows up unaware of the true meaning unless their parents choose to teach them. Respect and honor for this special day seemingly have gone by the wayside. Formerly it was a day of remembering, not shopping. This holidays' intent when it was celebrated as  Washington's Birthday was to honor the 'father of our country' and his accomplishments. Indeed we have lost the honor and respect due to these holidays and now they are nothing more than days with no mail, going to the lake, shopping, seeing the latest movie and noting the day on a calendar. Respect is long gone.

What does it mean to show honor and respect?  We can choose to bring honor and respect back and to teach the younger generation these valuable traits which used to be taught in our public schools in addition to the home.  Honor is showing reverence and holding someone in high esteem. Jesus is the one we are supposed to show ultimate honor to.  George Washington's prayer at Valley Forge was "I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them into His holy keeping." George Washington was a true man of God regardless of what people do to rewrite history and deny that fact.

1 Timothy 1:17 says "now to the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever Amen." Romans 11:36 says "for from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever, Amen!"

Do you pay the ultimate honor to the king of kings? Let's start today to lift Jesus higher than mere man of the world. Jesus is the one on the throne who deserves our true allegiance, honor, and respect. No one should ever exalt man over God. Philippians 2:10 says "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth." Our hope is not in a mere man but hope is only in the Lord God Almighty!!

Psalm 103:19 says "The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything there is."

PRAYER: All hail the power of your name Lord Jesus. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It is only through you power comes. We pray for our leaders to follow you and listen to your voice. We pray for good to overcome evil. Help us to show honor to you Lord and to remember to pray for our earthly leaders per your command in scripture. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Note: We are commanded to pray for those in authority over us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. I urge you in order to try to do this daily to check out the following website which is independent and has nothing to do with the federal government. It is a valuable tool to help fulfill this command. http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/

Click on link for a praise song which will lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/MslM2vkVXiU

MOTHER NATURE, THE MAN UPSTAIRS, THE BIG GUY....SAY WHAT??

Why is it some people are afraid to acknowledge the name Jesus or the presence of God? Instead of the weather man saying an 'act of God' they say 'mother nature'. Not sure that God is a woman since he is referred to as our 'Heavenly Father'. Then there is the one where people say "the man upstairs is watching us" and don't forget about 'the big guy'. Why is it some people have to make a joke out of God's name? Sure we know what they mean but it seems more 'politically correct' to refer to him in these terms to some and perhaps less threatening or 'religious'. But the fact is God is God!

Jesus is Abba Father, the Almighty, the Alpha and Omega. He is  Redeemer, our Defender, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Beginning and the End. He is Light and he is Truth. He is Glorious. He is Jehovah Jirah our Provider. He is our Saviour. He is Master over all things.God is Love.God is our Protector. God is Peace. God is Holy. He is the Bright Morning Star. He is Ruler over all the earth. He is the Creator of the universe.He is more than the 'man upstairs'.

Some say they worship God in nature as their excuse for not going to church. Sure God is out there, he is everywhere and that is wonderful, but when you worship Him in nature do you actually talk to Him and sing His praises as you walk through the forest? One of my favorite places to be to be close to God is at this one state park nearby. I go there occasionally for DAWG days called 'Day  Alone With God' but we should not necessarily use going to the woods on Sunday as an excuse for not being in his house of worship with others. It is a convenient excuse to say that you are out in his creation as a way to justify not being in church on Sunday. God is a jealous God. Yes he loves you and he wants you to love Him. Deuteronomy  6:14-15 says "Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land."  Further in Deuteronomy 11:28 it says "But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from him and worship gods you have not known before." Are you rejecting God? Something to ponder in your heart. Only you can decide to make Him first place in your life. Just doing 'works' is not putting Him first place but do you truly spend time with Him and want to know Him better?

Philippians 2:10 says "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."  Psalm 95:6 says " Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker."  Romans 14:11 says "It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" Do you ever feel like bowing before the Lord or raising your arms up to heaven to declare his glory and to praise Him?  Ephesians 3:14 says "For this reason I kneel before the Father." Kneeling is an act of honor and respect. We see in foreign countries how people bow to rulers. The ultimate ruler over all is God Almighty. We should be bowing before Him. Revelation 5:13 says "Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"

Do you feel about God this way? Does He have first place in your life? Do you want Him to? It says in Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." Christ is knocking on your hearts door. He wants first place in your life not just on Sunday but every day of the week.

PRAYER: Lord I want you to be first place in my life. Forgive me when I have treated you like an obligation and have not wanted to spend time with you each day. Forgive me for only thinking about you one hour on Sunday .From this day forward I want you to take complete control of my life and I want to live for you and serve you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Note: click on link to experience a wonderful worship  song to go along with this devotion. Be blessed.
http://youtu.be/-YYIHIqdSkk