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.

THE TRANSFORMER

There is a child's toy called "transformers" that can be switched around to make it look like a weapon of sorts. Movies have been made depicting these too.

As I type this devotion a few days early before the day it goes out I am at the airport and a sign right smack dab in front of me is an advertisement for a local Christ based college and it says "Transforming Lives". Indeed the presence of Christ does indeed help transform a person.

In the Bible the transformation is being referred to is how we change from the inside out when Christ comes into our lives. Romans 12:2(KJV) says 'And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.'
How about you? Are you more conformed to this world and it's culture and ways or are you transformed into the likeness and actions of Christ? Maybe it is hard for people to even know by your actions and speech that you identify with Christ. Perhaps it is time for your own spiritual transformation.

2 Corinthians 5:17(KJV) 'Behold if anyone is in Christ he has become a new creature: old things are passed away and behold all things become new.'

PRAYER: I want to be conformed to your image and be an example for you Lord. Forgive me when I have allowed the world to try to mold me into an image not fit for the kingdom of God. I want to live for you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Postscript note: As I get ready to post this devotion I was shocked to learn that yesterday in Lynchburg, VA at the largest Christian University, Liberty University, a student was shot and killed in an off campus female dorm by a security officer. Things like this do not happen at schools like this or they shouldn't. It goes to show you that evil is everywhere and problems exist even in the minds of those supposedly transformed. That is why it is ever so important to study the word of God and live for Him. In Memory of Joshua Hathaway of Lubbock, Texas.

LIONS, TAINTED LETTUCE, TSUNAMI'S, OH MY!

Being afraid of disasters and what "could happen" is probably pretty common with some people. Like in the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz" the late actress Judy Garland who played the main character Dorothy who was on her way to Emerald City going through a scary forest. She chanted "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" as a way to possibly take care of her fears. I have to admit when I was a child it was those flying monkeys that scared me.

Turn on your nightly news and no doubt you are inundated with news of murders, wars, rapes, floods, fires, recalled food, failing schools, sex scandals, financial ruin, drought, riots, and on and on the list goes. If a person feeds their mind with nothing besides bad news all the time then what do you suppose they will do? Probably worry and speculate when something is going to happen to them. Certainly they will have a difficult time having peace.

Then there is Hollywood, bless their sweet little hearts. When I was growing up all the television shows were mostly happy and family friendly. Bonanza, My Three Sons, Lassie, Lawrence Welk, The Ed Sullivan Show, No Time For Sergeants, The Lucy Show, Andy Griffith, Gun Smoke, Batman, Donna Reed, Flipper, Mickey Mouse Club, Leave it to Beaver, and The Monkees to name but a few of the choices on only three channels. Many of you reading have no idea what on earth I am talking about. I am talking about decent, wholesome television that taught values and didn't create fear. The movies were basically the same. The slippery slope we have gone down since the 60's continues. Today we have crime dramas, implied sex on television, alternative families, murders, lawyer shows, reality shows and on it goes. Most likely the best viewing will be not the mainstream channels with a very few exceptions.

What do we as a Christian do? We do not act holier than thou, but we really need to ask ourselves if what we are about to watch is suitable if Jesus were your guest. No one needs to have a steady diet of profanity and violence in their heads. The infamous F word has become like slang and some are not even phased by its' use.Even government officials have been caught on open mikes using it.

Do we purposely and intentionally go to things that scare us or do we practice discernment? Some say "It is only a movie". So what do we do?

Let me give you a few verses to ponder. The first is Romans 12:2(NIV) which says 'Do not conform 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 is God's will-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.' Next is a verse found in Psalm 101:3(NIV) 'I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate, they will not cling to me.' Finally 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.'

We are to be in this world but need to be different in our choices of things based on our walk with the Lord. The whole point is that it is the enemy who wants you fearful of things in your every day life. It is Jesus who brings peace. Turn off the bad news and fearful things around you and turn on to God instead.

PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I have intentionally gone to a movie knowing it was not going to be good for me to see. Convict me Lord when there are things around me that seem popular and I may want to fit in but these things I know deep down in my heart are not right. I want to be your witness and therefore keep me on the right path. 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.

THOSE PESKY WEEDS!!

This past week I discovered what happens when you forget about your strawberry patch. It gets choked and buried under weeds. You have to work for hours to bring it back to life and make it look pretty again. Then it is necessary to keep weeding it so the plants do not get "choked" and not grow.

Our spiritual life is like that. In previous devotions I have mentioned pulling the "weeds" out and referring to them as sin in our lives. These "weeds" keep the fruit of the spirit from growing in our daily lives. You may think you have yanked them out by the roots but lo and behold they crop up again and again and keep choking the plants. Sometimes they are vines with thorns that stick you when you try to get them out of the ground.

Sin in our life can keep us in bondage. Like these weeds, it grabs hold of you and unless it is dealt with and uprooted completely it will come back again and again. How do you get these devastating things out of your life? It is as simple as not conforming too much to this world and reading your Bible and meditating upon its' truths daily. The world can lure you into many "briar patches". By getting into the word of God you are putting on the "armor of God" to protect you from the attacks of our enemy, Satan. The more you read it you are able to "kill" those "weeds" that are choking your spiritual growth.

Certain things may tempt you and deep down you know you should not do them but that old devil tricks and deceives you and you cave in. Some sins are harder to escape from but you can not quit. God is on your side and He can help you get those roots of sin completely pulled up if you ask Him to.

Is sin choking out God and His word in your life? Make up your mind today that you will do what is necessary to not allow Satan to gain a foothold and become a stronghold of weeds in your life.
James 4:7(NIV) says 'Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.' This might mean saying no to something friends want you to do. It might mean being careful what you read and watch on TV and in the movies. It might be that you need to start a regular time with the Lord. You can not be strong and attempt to defeat the enemy if you do not hide God's word in your heart.

Psalm 119:11(NIV) says 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.'
PRAYER:Lord I need to be more like you and less conformed to the world around me. Help me Lord to impact the world you have placed me in. Forgive me when I have allowed sin to seep into my life and have done nothing to stop it. Give me your strength Lord to resist temptations the enemy throws at me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for a powerful song to get your day started:

http://youtu.be/mSF8YzUzZmY

 

Additional reading: Read Ephesians 6:10-18

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SNOW CONES ARE DECEIVING AND OTHER TRICKS

Last week I was  blessed to spend an entire week in Tulsa with my sister and her family and had a wonderful time. One of the things we did was to go to a very popular hang out that had all sorts of flavors of snow cones. I have been extra careful in the past year watching what calories I put in my mouth but somehow these tiny cups of ice with a squirt or two of flavor on top of them hardly seemed like anything. Wow was I surprised when I looked up the calories later in my fitness ap.Yikes, who would've thought they were so many calories!

Sin is kind of like that snow cone. It may look good and appealing and you may feel like it will not harm you or it is only a "little sin" but to God sin is sin. Sinful things can come wrapped in beautiful packages too in order to captivate and lure you off the course God has set for you. 

2 Corinthians 7:14(NIV) says 'And no wonder for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light'. When you celebrate Halloween you are masquerading in a costume as someone or something else. You are hidden. Well Satan hides himself in many foolish pleasures as he is after your very soul. He wants you to be consumed with the world and not God. He tries to trap and ensnare you. You are tempted to lie, cheat, steal, go someplace you would never tell your own mom, or engage in risky behavior. The devil loves it when you do. He is evil and God is good.

Romans 12:2(NIV) is a good memory verse to help you stay in tune with God. It says '

Do not conform 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, pleasing and perfect will.' Are you living and walking with Jesus or caught up in things that would bring shame upon his name? Are you trapped in a lifestyle or have done something you think you can never escape from? First of all God is waiting for you to confess your sins to Him. He wants you to be doing things for His kingdom, not Satan's. 1 John 1:9(NIV) says 'If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and purify  us from all unrighteousness.'  Can you do that today? PRAYER: Thank you Lord that I have forgiveness from you. No matter what I did in my past you have forgotten it. Keep me on the right path of life. Convict me of my sins. The devil tries to distract me and I will resist and rebuke him. 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.

 

 

DISARM THE ENEMY

 

Do you want to make the devil mad? Like really really mad? Then get serious about your relationship with Jesus. Do not allow yourself to sit around and wonder what next, what is going to happen, or what should I do? Do not fear and worry about the future because that is how the enemy sinks his fangs into you and causes you to panic. You have to still run the race to win and keep going no matter what the attacks upon you. Do not just check the 'Sunday go to meeting block' and that is that. Fall in love with Jesus and get serious about knowing Him. That is the real way to peace and victory.

The enemy has taken root in the wonderful country of the United States of America. No other place is like this once godly nation. I say once because the enemy is trying to come in and change this wonderful nation and deceives many to do it. But our freedom is from God almighty and man and governments have no right to take it from us. Evil dictators throughout history have tried to remove God from nations. When a nation forgets God it falls. But once again we are not to fear. We are not to hate. We are to trust God and keep praying no matter what. Pray for your enemies. Ask God to save them.

Keep looking up to Jesus. Keep praising his name. Keep trusting God to deliver us from the kingdom of darkness. Satan uses the tool of deception to trick many to go his way and believe his lie. He also uses complacency. He traps people when they think their 'religion' is enough. You go to church. That is great, but do you love Jesus I mean really love Him? Are you sold out to Him? Does He have first place in your life? If he does then do you make Him first and not other things and or do you save him til the last five minutes of the day?

The Lord is good and his mercies endure forever. It is time to get serious for the battles which lie ahead. Do not sit around fretting about the demise of our land but start arming yourself with the word of God and disarming the enemy by knowing and reading his word.

If you expect to have victory in Christ over the devil and the fears he brings to you then you have to fill up your mind with the truth of God's word. Try reading this out loud. Psalm 1 says "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction"

Do you want peace in your life? When the world is out of control and you worry and can not figure out the future that is when you need this kind of peace. But you can not wait til chaos erupts to run to God. You need to run to Him now. Run full force and say Jesus I need you. Satan will try to stop you and continue to make you be consumed in worry but know my friend that worry will not bring you closer to God.

Isaiah 54:17 says "No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every tongue that rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn." So evil men and evil governments may have plans to bring us down or make us little or try to weaken us but remember that verse. Our real enemy is not a man or a government but it is Satan himself in a battle against anyone who would dare be serious about Jesus. We know who wins in the end.

What is it going to take for God to get our attention and keep it? It is time to get serious about loving Jesus!

PRAYER: Father God I love you and want to trust you for the future. Forgive me when I try to start figuring things out on my own. Forgive me when I have only done what I have to do to be able to say I am a Christian. Forgive me for reading the newspaper more than the Bible. I know it is time to get serious about this spiritual warfare thing. Enough is enough. I will not allow the enemy to steal anymore ground. I will disarm him with the mighty power of Jesus. He has not authority of me. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on the link below and enjoy praising Jesus.

http://youtu.be/yRWDwIQFR1k

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WORLDLY OR GODLY?

 We live in this world but are not to be of this world. (See Romans 12:2). What does that mean exactly you might wonder. The world through television,magazines, and movies primarily, tries to tell us how we should be or what we should do or wear to be 'cool' and popular. Seemingly it affects younger people more than older ones. These are the people whose minds are  being influenced and shaped by popular culture. Unless there is more of a God culture inside of them and a desire for righteousness it would be easy to fall for the lure of the New York or Los Angeles scene. Cool, popular,chic, the in crowd, famous, well liked, lots of money, big homes, lots of clothes and shoes, a fancy new car, parties  and on it goes. It is as if the culture wants us to buy into their lie of happiness. In Psalm 32:1 it says " Happy is the man whose sins are forgiven." Certain things seem to make us happy but does your happiness include the joy of the Lord which is where true happiness is found?

 Mark 4:19 tells us "the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires or other things come in and choke the word and make it unfruitful." Think about it. If your life is consumed with keeping up with others all the while squeezing out time with the Lord you will end up with lots of stuff but as a spiritual weakling. What is more important to you? Acquiring wealth and going to parties or building up a life that will bring glory,honor,and praise to God? If you acquire riches be sure to share and help others. There is nothing wrong with money but it is when it controls us that is bad.

There are many well to do Christians who know how to manage their life and do not let their wealth lure them into sin. You have to determine when God has blessed you to not forget Him. It is He, after all, who gives the power to gain wealth and blesses us with gifts and talents. (See Deuteronomy 8:18).

PRAYER: You oh Lord Give me the power to achieve and create and gain wealth. All things are from you. Help me to commit to staying away from the pattern this world wants to shape me into and instead seek to be more like you. In Jesus name  Amen.

Click on link for a song of praise.
http://youtu.be/5xvtDi0x6P4

TRANSFORMED OR CONFORMED?

In the book of Romans Chapter 12 verse 2 it says " Do not be conformed anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so then you may be able to test and approve what God's will is. His good, pleasing, and perfect will."  What  does this mean exactly for someone who says they are a Christian?

 First of all we know the world and America is getting less and less Christian friendly. Christians who take a Biblical stand against a sinful act are called 'hateful' when in fact no one said anything about hate. All they do is stand up for what the believe in the Bible. Society is trying to get sinful behaviors accepted. This has been a topic of mine previously but bears repeating. The more and more you accept sin and immorality the less it bothers you what is happening. You get desensitized. The more you stay in the true word of God and study it the more the more will know the standards of right and wrong and good and evil in the Bible.

Satan hates the Bible because it has power to change and transform lives. There is that word 'transform' which means change. If you start taking God's word into your heart by reading it on a daily basis you can not help but be changed. The problem  is many Christians are just Sunday church goers with no active spiritual life beyond the doors of their church on Sunday. How can you know about God if you do not get into his word? How can you  know how to dance unless you are dedicated to dance class? You get the idea. Practice and study are what it takes.

 When the Holy Spirit does truly come into your heart you will desire his word and want to devour it. That at least was my experience back in 1975 when I rededicated my life to Christ. The word has the power to make you into a 'nonconformist' so to speak. Who will be left to speak out against the atrocities of a sin filled life and sin filled nation if we all conform to the standards set by our world?
1 Peter 3:15  says "Instead you must worship Christ  as Lord of your life and if someone asks you about your Christian hope be ready to explain it." Set your standards as godly standards but not in a self righteous way. Be a light in the world to make people around you want what you have.

 How about you? Do you conform too much to the pattern of the world? Each person needs to examine their heart and ask themselves if they appear too much like the world and less like Jesus.

 PRAYER: Father I thank you for the Bible which is the word of truth. Help me Lord not make excuses for why I am too busy to read it each day. Forgive me for the times I have been too absorbed into the culture and pattern of this world. Give me your strength to make a difference for you wherever you place me. In Jesus name.Amen.

Click on link for a great song of praise.
http://youtu.be/8vNPcmLzlvI