SENSE OF PEACE

At Christmas we are always hearing "Peace on Earth". That is a wonderful thing to think about peace. Shortly after Christmas when New Year approaches  there is a sense of peace in getting to start a brand new year. New goals, new dreams, new hopes, new challenges. You can have true peace in your heart each day of the new year when you allow God to guide and direct your life. Nothing else gives this true peace other than our savior and Lord. 

Even when threatened with job loss, no health care, death, and a host of other things you can still experience God's perfect peace in the midst of these. John 14:27(NIV) says 'Peace I leave 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."  This is only possible when you truly allow Jesus to control your life. Have you asked Him into your heart? If not why not start 2014 out by allowing Jesus to be Lord? 

PRAYER: It is easy to be caught in a trap of fear, worry, doubt, and concern. I know Lord you are bigger than any crisis in my life. Indeed only trust in you and continue to pray. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

GOD WILL NOT FAIL YOU

Welcome to February!! The month of making resolutions or setting goals
is behind us although that does not mean to not to go after goals and
dreams in life. Before getting into a few devotions this month on
love, since this month is Valentine's Day, I want to concentrate on
letting you know God is for you. God loves you. If God had a
refrigerator your picture would be on it! Even if you have messed up
He does not kick you out or set you out with the trash like damaged
goods. He can and will forgive and he can and does use you for His
kingdom purposes. He forgives your sins and gives you a brand new

start. Only Satan condemns you and makes you feel worthless. You are
worth very much in the eyes of God. Always remember that!! 1
Corinthians 6:11(NIV) reminds us 'and that is what some of you were
but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.'

Each and every day of February and every day thereafter get up and say
out loud 'This is the day the Lord has made and I WILL rejoice and be
glad in it!' (Psalm 118:24). ' What if I am having a terrible day or
have a jerk as a boss at work, you still want me to sing praises to
God?' Yes, is the resounding answer. Sure life can, and will throw
some junk at us sometimes. Unexpected deaths, sicknesses, loss of
jobs, betrayal of friends, a church who turns their back on you for a
bad "sin". Many disappointments can happen while on this Earth.

In the book of James 1:2-4(NIV) it says the following 'Consider it
pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many
kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces
perseverance. Let perseverance finish its' work so you may be mature
and complete not lacking anything.'

Start February on a high note knowing you are special to God and He
wants you to come to Him with your joys and your sorrows. He is
waiting to hear from you.

PRAYER: Lord I do thank you for the joy of the Lord which is my
strength. Thank you each new day is a chance for a new beginning.
Thanks for not remembering my sins and letting me have another chance.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a awesome praise song to lift your spirits.

http://youtu.be/PXsWAAhnGhc

TRYING TO STAY POSITIVE IN 2013

 

It seems as though the area of staying positive, uplifted and not

worried is a major issue with many people. There is plenty to despair
about if you turn on the evening news. To stay focused on good you
have to make a deliberate effort to remove distractions from your life
that tend to cause you to get upset, sad, worried and fretful.

What is stealing your peace? Bad news on TV, worry about your job, a
family situation? This is not to say we have to "stick our head in the
sand" but do not allow yourself to be agitated and upset with the
things of the world. Also sometimes when we try to control a person or
situation, it will bring on immense frustration. Give whatever it is
that is bothering you over to the Lord. You may recall the verse in 1
Peter 5:7(NIV) that reminds us to 'cast all your anxiety on Him for He
cares for you.'

On that New Years resolution list beside where you might have written
"get in shape" why not try to make it a point to be a "spiritual
fitness freak" and spend oodles of time alone with Jesus. This will
only occur when you purposely set time aside DAILY to get into His
word and pray. How important is having peace and joy to you? Try
giving God the first part of your day and not reading the newspaper
before the Bible or flipping on a morning show only to get upset and
stressed over world news. Tune into God instead!

PRAYER: A new year brings excitement for new ideas, new goals, new
ventures. Lord I know I need to give you more time and I need to dwell
on things that uplift and not tear down and destroy. With your help I
can achieve this goal. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WORLDLINESS OR GODLINESS

Do you have one foot in the world and it's passing pleasures and lusts
and the other foot into "church things"? Is your mind filled with
desires other than Jesus? Do you feel more excited about the things in
this world than you do having a relationship with Jesus?

First off as a reminder, we are only on the earth a very short amount
of time. What are you doing with that time to spread God's love and

impact the world and leave a legacy even when you are long gone?

Do you find "religious" things boring? Maybe it is time for a "heart
check up" to see how your love meter for Jesus is. When you accept
Christ into your heart you are to serve Him where He has you. When you
go out to eat and decide to pray do you sort of "hold your head" like
you are not really praying so you will not be embarrassed? I heard
someone once call this the "headache prayer". In Mark 8:38 it tells us
to 'not be ashamed of Him'. Think about that and ask yourself if you
have ever been ashamed of Jesus. Then look up and read that entire
verse. What if your children turned their back on you acting like you
embarrassed them? Well imagine how Jesus must feel if you say you live
for Him then act ashamed.

1 Timothy 6:6(NIV) says 'Godliness with contentment is great gain.'

Does it make you happy to serve the Lord and read your Bible? Are you
drawn into worldly activities more than Godly activities? For
instance, if the Bible and People magazine were side by side in a
doctors office waiting area which would you tend to grab for first? Is
your "ashamed meter" going off? I am not saying People magazine is bad
but what does it do for you? You learn all about what is happening in
Hollywood but why does that even matter? You get the point. I
challenge you to use your doctors' office time by picking up the
Gideon's Bible, which is usually in most waiting areas, and read
Psalms or Proverbs while you wait for your appointment.

We are in the last days, just look around you. This is not to say
Jesus is coming back tomorrow but if He did what would you be doing
with your time? Nothing wrong with going to movies and such just do
not let the "world" consume and shape your life.

Romans 12:2(NIV) reminds us 'Do not conform anymore to the pattern of
this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good,
perfect, and pleasing will.'

A new year is upon us and yet another opportunity to make sure Christ
is truly first and the world second.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I love you. I confess at times I have let the world
influence me. I know I am to be different and set apart and shine for
you. Forgive me if I have ever acted embarrassed. Thank you for loving
me and forgiving me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A new year means a new start. What are your plans? Do you look forward
for the opportunity to try new things? Maybe you are fearful of the
future ahead? Usually a new year means a time for new hopes and new
dreams and second chances.

There have been times in past years I have attended what is called a
"New Years' Eve Watch Night" service which basically is a prayer and
praise fest to usher in another year. It is an opportunity to start it
off right by thanking God and keeping Him first.

When many think of the New Year they think of parades, parties,
football games and the start of school again. Why not make it a point
to purpose in your heart to make this New Year a great one no matter
what is transpiring around you? Stay hopeful. Stay encouraged. Stay
in the word of God.

When you are deciding what you will do different or making your list
of resolutions why not make spending time alone with God daily your
number one priority? Resolutions are made nearly every year to get
physically fit and lose weight. Why not get spiritually fit and lose
the weight of the enemy that is dragging you down the wrong road. You
can not expect to be a powerful Christian if you do not study and read
His word. So start 2013 by truly making Him after priority on your
resolution list.

'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they
shall be filled.' Matthew 5:6(NIV).

PRAYER: I am thankful for the start of a New Year which gives me a
chance to start over on things I have messed up on. Lord I truly want
you to be FIRST in 2013. When I start to let worries and fears
overwhelm me help me to remember to run to you for strength. In Jesus'
name. Amen.

DECLARATIONS FOR 2012

This week I have been dealing lots with the New Year. With the New Year brings new hopes, new dreams, new opportunities. The chance to forget mistakes and move on to a new hopeful future. A time to change wrong attitudes and make amends with folks who may have been a thorn in your side, so to speak. A time for new challenges. It is always a wonderful chance to start change in a positive way. I was thinking we should make a list of declarations that we say out loud daily to start the year and the particular day on a positive note. Some I came up with are as follows:(Go ahead say them out loud if you are somewhere you can do this.) You can probably add to this list to make it a little more personal too. Here goes!

I will have a bright future.
I am not too old to try new things.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.(Philippians 4:13)
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.(2 Corinthians 5:21)
I will not be defeated.
I refuse to be cast down and depressed.
I will not believe the enemies lies.(John 8:44)
I am blessed.
I can be a blessing.
I have favor in Christ.
I have victory in Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
I am seated with God in the heavenlies. (Ephesians 2:6)
I will resist the devil and he has to flee. (James 4:7)
I am the head and not the tail.(Deuteronomy 28:13)
I will not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:27)
I will maintain peace no matter what.(John 14:27)
I have the joy of the Lord.(Psalm 28:7)
I will forgive people even when they have not asked  to be forgiven.
I am a child of God and am special as God does not make junk.
I am set free from sins of my past.(Psalm 103:12)
I will not compare myself to others as you made me special and have a unique purpose for my life.
I know Lord you can open doors no man can shut.(Revelation 3:8)
I will not get sucked into the worlds ways of thinking(Romans 12:1-2)
I have hope in you.

Try starting your day each day reading a scripture from God's word and saying these things above out loud.Look up the verses above as well. The enemy seeks to destroy you and will do everything in his power to get you down on yourself and feeling like your life is not important. Whether you are highly educated or just a high school graduate God has a purpose and a plan for you on this earth. Go where he sends you with boldness and do not compare yourself to someone else no matter  how easy it is to do. Do not think you are not important because you are ''just' this or 'just' that. And for those of you in high places as the world sees it who are in important places stay humble and stay grounded. Know God has you where you are to serve Him and 'plant seeds' for Him. Never start thinking you are better than people or look out. (See Isaiah 2:17).

So dear friends go out into your day and thank God for each and every day he has given you to make an impact on the corner of the world He has placed you in.

Ephesians 3:20 was a verse I had hanging on my apartment wall back when I was single living in California and it has always been a favorite. It says "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us". Go make a difference in your world today! You are special to God!

PRAYER: Lord thank you for another day of life. Thanks for a brand new year to try new things and share your love with those around me. Thank you for where you have me in life. Help me to not ever get down on myself and think I do not matter as I know that is a lie from Satan. To God be the Glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Note: Enjoy the praise and worship song I have attached by Rush of Fools. Click on link to listen.
http://youtu.be/b-oZbBS_OhM

IT'S 2012. TIME TO PUT THE PAST BEHIND YOU.

Time to move on and move forward. The 2nd day of 2012 is here. Has your list of resolutions been firmed up yet? Time to stop rehashing old problems and make up your mind to look forward and not backward. Looking back does not benefit anyone.This is a great opportunity to start fresh and new and get rid of 'weights' that were pressing down on you and keeping you from being all God wants you to be. You can not cling to the past and try to mull things over and over. You just have to let go and let God and what better time than a brand new year to get a brand new start! So as Nike says "Just Do It! "  What is in your way? Start now thinking on good things and positive things and allowing God to have control of your thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorite verses and it is good to commit to memory. It 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 things did not go so well in 2012 in whatever area of your life give that over to God right now and commit yourself to daily getting up and praying and to keep praying. When you feel yourself going into a slump or pit cry out to God, "I need you Lord!" God is only a shout out away. Jeremiah 33:3 often called God's phone number says "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." God is there waiting for you to cry out to Him.

Look forward to 2012 with great anticipation for the new things God will do in your life. Give him your heart today if you have not already. Start looking forward and not dreading things in your life. God can restore the years to you the enemy has taken away.

PRAYER:Thank you Lord for a brand new year with new hopes and new dreams. Thank  you for what you will do in my life this year. Thank you for loving me even when I have acted not so kind and loving. I purpose in my heart in 2012 to let you be Lord of my life and keep my focus ahead and not behind. In Jesus Name. Amen.

NEW YEAR MEANS NEW BEGINNINGS

Welcome to 2012. Where did the past year go? Now, tomorrow after the parades and football games are over,  which help to usher in the New Year here in America, we get ready for new challenges. Time to sit down and make those resolutions. Or perhaps just a list of things you would like to try to achieve in the coming year is better and less threatening than a resolution. I make a goal list as I call it. What do you hope to achieve this year? Do you have a dream you want fulfilled? Mine  personally is to get busy on a manuscript of God's Lemonade Stand and to stop putting it off. The New Year is an excellent time to start anew, so to speak. You can learn from your mistakes or shortcomings and charge on into a brand new year with brand new ideas. You sit back and regroup and think what you want to do differently or what new thing you want to try. Scuba diving, skydiving, college class, new hobby, new skill, marathon, deep sea fishing trip? You get the idea. It is fun to have this time once a year to rethink things.

Why not start 2012 out on the right foot by pursuing God full force if you have not already? Is God a hobby or is loving Jesus a lifestyle? This new year is a time for a spiritual renewal. Each time the new year rolls around one of the most popular resolutions is to lose weight and get in shape. For many the exercise equipment or gym membership goes unused because it sounded good but there was no serious commitment to it. Maybe it is time for a spiritual workout and to be truly committed to following Jesus.

Purpose in your heart to make this the year you get closer to God. Does that mean getting up a little earlier to have devotions or read the Bible? Perhaps so. Or maybe it means changing what you do when home meaning turn off the television and open the Bible. Maybe you need to stop reading movie star magazines and read the Bible? The enemy will get you distracted and make you feel reading the Bible is boring. Find a church where God's word is alive and you feel excited about wanting to go each week. Maybe this means changing churches. Just cause your momma and her momma and her momma before that went to a certain church does not mean it is the right one for you. Go where you can grow in Christ and get excited about loving Jesus.

Isaiah 43:19 says "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland". Many of us do need a new outlook on life and a new 'thing' when it comes to getting closer to the Lord. Staying busy in church activities does not mean you know and love the Lord. Ask yourself today where your heart is and if you have ever truly asked Jesus to be Lord of your life. If you have not, why not stop right now and ask Him into your heart. Maybe this is the year to decide to get into that Bible study or find a church to attend.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Jesus wants to be Lord of your life .Why not start off 2012 with the sincere resolution to make not just physical fitness your goal but spiritual fitness as well?

Revelation 3:20 says "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."

PRAYER: Lord I want to be closer to you and reorganize my life so I am not always putting you last in my day or not at all. Forgive me for that. I know Satan is a major stumbling block and will keep me from reading the word. Forgive me. I purpose in 2012 to put you first place in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link below and start off the New Year with a wonderful praise and worship song.
http://youtu.be/qqHxC7cIOtk

OUT WITH THE OLD. LET GO OF THE PAST!

The final day of 2011 is finally here. It is time to think about what things you want to do differently or set new goals for yourself. It is always a time to do things differently if you have messed up or just want to set a new goal in life. Perhaps it is a time of new exciting beginnings if you are getting married or have a newborn baby. Maybe a new job is on the horizon. Whatever the reason, it is nice that God allows us to have this fresh start once every 365 days. God does give us new beginnings, which is nice. He does not hold mistakes over our heads. He is a loving and forgiving God and a God of second chances.

What does the Bible have to say about looking back and forgetting the past? Philippians 3:13 says "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Luke 9:62 says "Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Deuteronomy 4:29 says "But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." Run your race to win and keep your eyes on Jesus. Do not look back. It is over and can not be changed. Think on new happy things ahead on the horizon.

We can look forward to new things in 2012 with great anticipation. For our family, it is a upcoming wedding date. For all of us I am sure there are milestones and things on the horizon for you that are exciting. What do you plan to do with the days ahead?  Live one day at a time, of course, as we are never promised tomorrow. But look forward to each day as a gift from God.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for another day of life. I thank you for new starts in life. I thank you for a brand new year. I thank you for friends and family and the gift of Love. I ask you to make me a light in someones life who could use a little cheer in 2012. In Jesus Name. Amen.