A Companion Of Fools

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20

Did you know the Bible has much to say about the kind of people we choose to associate with? Now this does not mean you can not witness to folks and be a light around them,but it is saying to not get entrenched too deep with them lest you should learn their ways. 

1 Corinthians 15:33 lays it on the line when it says "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Yes it does. You tend to become like who you hang out with. Parents will tell their children to "choose your friends wisely" but once they are grown up off in high school and later college, a parent has little control over this aspect. God does not want you sitting around worrying, but to pray and trust that your children will be wise. Prayer goes out for friends who build up not tear down. Of course also friends who are not drunks, drug users, or criminals who could drag them into this lifestyle. 

Even we adults need to be careful not to  hang out with those who are hot tempered, gossips, greedy, curse and take Lord's name in vain, liars, cheaters or else we may learn their ways. We are to associate with the lowly and try to win others to the Lord but just not become saturated and affected by a corrupt life. Don't catch yourself getting self righteous and starting to talk about bad people. Pray and pray hard. It is only by the grace of God we are where we are, just remember that. 

PRAYER: Thank you so much Lord for watching over me and guarding my steps. Thank you for rescuing me in my life when I did things that were stupid or far from you. Help me shine my light so others may have a change by coming to know you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Sheep Among Wolves

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

Did you know we are living in a day when even Christians sometimes are afraid to stand up for what they know to be right and true? I chuckled as I watched the Academy Awards back in February. The way the host described it "Movies help shape us" or something to that effect. If you think about it, it can be down right scary and disturbing. Hollywood should not 'shape' a believer at all. We are "not to be conformed to the pattern of this world" it states in Romans 12:2. All the glorious movie hype about the blockbuster of the year such as the recent 'Fifty Shades Of  Gray' is really not a good thing to take into your spirit. It portrayed a warped view of sex. 

There are other examples of us being in the world but not of it. Speak up in love for those things you know to be wrong or go against God's word. The latest battle is Christian marriage which is under attack. If a person dares to share their view of one man and one woman as God intended it to be they are ridiculed and called hateful. We are living near the last days and persecution is going to come my friend. It says that in the Bible. But do not compromise on what you know to be the truth. The truth is found in the Holy Bible.

The enemy Satan is in control of evil and things going on are definitely evil. Pray and keep praying. Never give up. Pray for friends and family being misled and captivated by the world. Stand strong and stay hopeful. Be the strong sheep among the wolves and never back down. 

PRAYER: Thank you so much Lord for the word of God. Thank you for courageous people who stand firm and do not buckle to the enemies lies. Help me to show love as I deal with ungodly forces in this present world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Seven Deadly Words

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. Proverbs 18:13

A couple months ago I saw a Christian movie that was entitled 'The Seven Deadly Words' and basically it centered around a church unwilling to change or adapt with a new pastor. Now I am not talking about compromising morality or changing the Bible, but not willing to accept new ideas or programs. The seven deadly words were "that's the way we've always done it" or something similar.

If a person becomes rigid and unwilling to talk about a new idea then they won't go very far. This could even apply to families where one spouse is unwilling to listen to an idea and make compromise. Compromise sometimes helps save relationships. It can also help save organizations. The key word behind all this would be 'love'. Demonstrate love in whatever you are deciding. Do not always think it is your way or the highway. We see this demonstrated in our government and it shows arrogance to the utmost especially in a government that is supposed to be for 'we the people'.

What about you? Are you willing to listen to the facts and others opinions before moving forward? The most important thing is to keep Christ in the center and pray for wisdom before any major decision.

 PRAYER: Let my words be few and well thought out. Help me Lord not domineer and try to get my own way. Help me be a kind and willing listener. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 http://www.sevendeadlywords.com/#!

Click link for a wonderful song of praise:

http://youtu.be/d0Qx1e33Ook

BLESSINGS OF GROWING OLDER

 So many people seem to dread birthdays. Those days that send you over 30, over 40, over 50, over 60 and so on. Each and every day is a gift from our creator.

Seems like the "growing younger" market is thriving. People striving to regain or recapture youth. I am not condemning this as I have done it too. There are commercials touting a miracle cream to take away spots and wrinkles modeled on television by a "twenty something" girl who will not see this occur for years. Why not embrace where God has you in life and look for ways to prosper and grow right where you are? Stop thinking you are too old for trying new things. You should want to keep working for the Lord and seeking to do things for his kingdom and making an impact in the world. It is good though to keep "God's temple", your body, in shape to be able to enjoy the years He gives you though.

Job 12:12 tells us 'Wisdom is with aged men and with long life is understanding.' I don't know about you but I kind of like having advanced wisdom. Older people can sort of get left behind and sadly made the butt of jokes but we are to love, honor,and respect them. You can indeed learn lots from those who have "gone before you".

2 Corinthians 4:16 is a superb verse of hope and cheer. It says 'Therefore we do not lose heart, for though our outer man is perishing, our inner man is being renewed day by day.'

Embrace where you are in life. Do not succumb to depression because you have another birthday but celebrate another day to live for Jesus and make an impact in this world.

PRAYER: I am so thankful Lord for each and every day of life you have given me. Forgive me if I start thinking I am washed up. I know at any age there is always hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Dedicated to our firstborn son Matthew Miller who celebrates his 31st birthday today.

THIS IS THE BIG ONE!!!

Birthdays are a blessing! Another year of life God has blessed you

with. Seems like there are birthdays people classify as "the big one".

Let's see would that be the 30th birthday? Turning 40? Surely it must

be the half century mark? No it is that stepping stone of 60? Of course

the big one has got to be 70? You see the point.

Humans put these milestones out there and card companies take advantage of getting

older. Friend, getting older is nothing to be ashamed of. For whatever

reason some people will not tell people their age. Maybe ashamed of

it. Not really sure. Something from a person's past which maybe made

them fear and dread being another year older. What is the alternative?

Dying right? A good thing for believers as then you are transported instantly to your heavenly home with Jesus! 

We do all we can to stay young. I even do. But there is a time to be proud of how many years you have under your belt and not hide it. What is going to happen anyway if people find out your true age? It will not matter. Your friends will still like you.

2 Corinthians 4:16(ESV) says 'Though we do not lose heart. Though our outer self  is wasting away our inner self is being renewed day by day.' 

Proverbs 20:29(ESV) says 'The glory of young men is their strength but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.'  I admire people who have gone gray and do not hide it. I have a few friends like this and they look absolutely beautiful and/or handsome.

Titus 2:2-4(NIV) says 'Teach the older men to be temperate,worthy of respect, self controlled, sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to slanderers or addicted to too much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.'  See ladies we have a job to do! 

Psalm 92:12-14(ESV) says 'The righteous flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord. They flourish in the courts of our God.They still bear fruit in old age. They are ever full of sap and green.' 

Today is another day God haas given you to work for Him before it is your time to enter His kingdom. Do not fear getting another year older. Be happy and content as you have much to contribute to those around you. I challenge you if you have not told someone your age due to whatever reason, let someone know and give God the glory. 

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for each year of life you have blessed me with. I thank you for people of all ages that are in my life. Both young and old h ave things to contribute. W need not fear getting older but rejoice. In Jesus' name. Amen.  

DON'T BE A FOOL!

Crazy world we are living in today. What is wrong is being called right and what is right is being called wrong. Speaking up against something in the Bible makes you "hateful". Since when did disagreeing with something imply that we hated a person? The enemy is alive and well on planet Earth my friends, doing some of his best work yet this time trying to distract Christians and have people called evil if they won't tolerate something they know is wrong. Even ministers of the gospel, rabbi's and priests may not publicly have the courage to say what is in God's word is true.

For those unaware this is occurring and think I am crazy, let me tell you, it is happening and many times endorsed by our own government. Very sad day indeed.

In an excerpt from Psalm 14:1(NIV) it says 'the fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Many movements are underway to try to get rid of "religion" or anything that has a cross or Bible verse on it. Philippians 3:18-19(ESV) says 'For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction,their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things." Does that remotely sound like today? It is going to get to a point if a Christian speaks up against evil or something that is wrong in God's eyes they may be arrested for being "hateful and intolerant'.

We know the "end of the story" so it is not necessary to sit around fearful and in a panic. We do need to be studying and equipping ourselves with knowledge of God's word. What if one day it got so bad Bibles were banned? It has happened in other places so why are we any different? Our Constitution is great only when it is obeyed and followed. Do you have enough of God's word stored up in your heart to help you through hard times that may come?

Psalm 119:11(NIV) says 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.' If you are a parent, even of a newborn, you need to start now getting scripture into their tiny hearts. Every day read a Bible verse. 2 Timothy 3:15(NIV) says 'And how from infancy you have known the Holy scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.' Young moms and dads out there or grandmas and grandpas, let your children hear the word of God daily. Their life with God is more important than nursery rhymes or Sesame Street.

So do you want to be a fool or have great wisdom? I think the answer is evident. Start today and get serious about getting into the word of God.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you this day for all you have given me. Thank you for the privilege of worship and studying God's word. I pray for those who may be residing in countries where Christian radio, television, and expression is cause for arrest or even death. Lord Jesus use me as a light in the dark world around me and keep me from ever being a fool. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DON'T DO IT BY YOURSELF

Do you often try to be a one man or one woman show without the help of others or God? It is easy to get wrapped up in self at times. Why not each day before you jump into the day's activities take a few moments to spend time alone with God?  Ask Him to help and guide you. Ask Him to keep you away from evil or seeking your own way. Make sure nothing gets in the way of seeking God's face and praying. Then don't be afraid of asking others to come along side you in prayer.

A familiar verse to some may be Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV) which says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths', but the verse right after those, verse seven, says

'Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear God and shun evil.' Basically that says to seek wisdom from above or maybe even counsel from a trusted Christian friend.

Do yourself a favor and seek wisdom from above as the best bet. James 3:17 (NIV) says that 'the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace loving,then considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.' I don't know about you but that is the kind of wisdom I would love to have. Why not start today and ask for God's wisdom to fill you and guide your every thought and step?

PRAYER: You oh Lord are full of wisdom and truth. At times I have tried to do things under my own power and my own way. Forgive me for not coming to you in prayer first. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BIRTHDAYS ARE SPECIAL!!

 Birthdays are special no matter how 'young' you are. They are not something to dread but milestones of life to look forward to. This week our family celebrates two. Today is my younger sons' birthday and tomorrow is his fiancees' birthday. (Their wedding is Friday). Lots going on here. But anyway a birthday is a special  event. A time to reflect on the past year and time to look to the future.


When you are twenty you dread hitting thirty. Get out the hair color and cover those gray hairs. Then the Big 4-0 is around the corner and out come the 'Over The Hill' jokes and gag gifts. Next is fifty years old. The half century mark. All of a sudden those people you thought were 'old' when you were a teen are no longer old. "Fifty is the new 40" people say. Then you hit 60! Oh my! Beauty counters sell spot remover cream, wrinkle cream and  then there is a booming business by plastic surgeons to help stretch the face and neck back to their youthful appearance. Time to get to the gym and get back some muscle tone. Next is 70. "Wait just a minute! I'm not a senior citizen. That is when you are eighty!"  If you are really blessed you move on to 80 years old and should be proud of it. Especially if still in good health that is tremendous. If you are active that is great! You do not need to stop living and sit in a rocking chair. Go do something fun and exciting. Keep your mind alive. Go get a job or volunteer. Who tells you that it is time to just sit around? Wow and to be 90 now that is superb! There are stories to be told from these blessed individuals. Respect them and learn from them. Finally there are more people living to 100. Now Willard Scott can read your name on the Today Show and you can get a Presidential Greeting if you want one.

Society, in America at least, seems to coddle to the young and sort of put the elders on a shelf of sorts. This is an atrocity. When you reach a certain age if you want a job, go get one!

Psalm 90:10 says "The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if we have the strength, yet their span is it trouble and sorrow yet they quickly pass and we fly away." When we are living it seems we live forever but as you start to get older you feel as if time is flying by. James 4:13-15 reminds us "Now listen you who say today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money. Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for awhile and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say "if it is the Lord's will we will live and do this or that." Proverbs 16:31 says "Gray hair is a crown of wisdom. It is attained by a righteous life."

We have no clue how long we will live or how we will die. Live life to the fullest and  do not sit around pondering how or when you will die. Only God knows the day or the hour. Do not be angry with Him if a baby or young person dies. Praise Him for the life they did have. An infant may go to be with Jesus right when it is born and I have friends this has happened to and it takes some prayer and time to get over as there is no explanation. Don't blame God just rejoice in His perfect plan and for the promise of heaven to those who accept Him.

Be happy today and every day to be alive. Start this day by saying Psalm 118:24 which says "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for each year of life you have given me and the opportunities I have to contribute as well as learn from others. Help me always thank  you and not start putting myself down when I reach a certain age.help me always respect those who are in their  golden years.  Help me be an encouragement to those who are older who feel like life is over for them. Help me Lord stay motivated and active. Help me meet needs around me. Thank you for every birthday you have blessed me with. In Jesus name. Amen.

GRADUATES REJOICE AND SEEK HIS WAYS

This time of year in both May and June, depending on the part of the country you reside in, is when many high school and college graduates walk the aisle of a gymnasium, auditorium,  or arena somewhere to receive that long awaited diploma. A huge milestone in life has been reached for them as well as their parents. At the military academies the new officers throw their caps high in the air. Quite a celebration it truly is.

I thought what better time to write about plans for the future, wisdom, and running a race to win. A common Bible verse you often see around this time of year is Jeremiah 29:11 which says " I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."

Also this is a excellent time to bring up wisdom because those leaving the comfort of the nest of their families are going to need an extra dose of that. Hopefully they will not be too stunned by life outside their parents home. Proverbs 4:7 tells us "Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom and in all thy getting get understanding."  James 3:17 says "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without hypocrisy."

 As Christian parents it is our prayer that our children do not leave their faith and start questioning God's word, but sadly, many do. That is where we hang on the promise found in Proverbs 22:6 which reminds us "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old will not depart from it."  A good memory verse for those leaving home is Proverbs 3:5-6 and it says "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

Life is exciting. There is a saying I heard once that says we as parents have to give our children both 'roots' and 'wings' meaning you don't want to stifle an adult child but you need to let them make their own decisions with them knowing home is always there. Encourage them to be independent of mom and dad and trouble can be avoided down the road.

In closing, 1 Corinthians 9:24 says "Do you not know in a race that all runners run but only one gets the prize? Run  in such a way to get the prize." Encourage your children and those you may mentor to keep their eyes on Jesus no matter what and He will crown their efforts with success.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the Bible which is our guide through life here on earth and later in heaven. Father we pray our children will seek your face and run their race to win. Give them wisdom, courage, and perseverance always. In Jesus name. Amen.

 NOTE: For over 16 years since my sons were in junior high I have been privileged to be a part of a unique and awesome prayer ministry called Moms in Prayer(formerly Moms in Touch) where we pray for the children and schools they attend up through college, career and the military. Check it out at www.momsinprayer.org