Recycled America

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.Matthew 24:14

Nobody ever could have imagined the scenario we are slowly emerging from here in America and other places in the world where a virus originating on foreign soil makes its’ way into the safe harbor of these United States and starts to do major damage.Was it intentional? Some say yes. Never the less it has happened and there are differing opinions of course. Adjustments have been needed at least for the time being. 

 It is similar to being  put in the spin cycle on your washing machine and spun around then out you come a little wrinkled until you get fluffed up again. A recycling of sorts. This emergence period hopefully is a time you can appreciate the beauty of freedom. You can look at the Red, White, and Blue of our US flag and truly appreciate those who fought to defend liberty. 

So in this recycling  have you learned anything new? Will you change the way you have done things? Do you appreciate what you maybe took for granted much more? Did you pray and stay close to God? It is a wake up call for many. The church rose to the occasion and held unique services online, on zoom, in parking lots, even preaching fro a rooftop at Victory in Tulsa. The enemy can not keep us down. So look for good ways to reach out and let the new recycled you live a life worthy of honor and bring glory to God.

PRAYER: Father God I thank you for my health. I thank you for friends. I thank you for communication. I thank you for hearing my prayer. Thank you for protecting me and my family and showing us new ways to adapt. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Dad's Got You!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Dads seem to be more adventurous with children like the dad who tosses his toddler up in the air as the horrified mother watches in fear. Or the dad who stands at the base of the jungle gym and says "Jump, daddy will catch you." At that moment the trusting child leaps to their father with full confidence he indeed will catch them. 

Our Heavenly Father is like that. Our Abba Father Daddy wants what is best for us. He often lets us make mistakes as we grow and mature. But He is always there and has our back. We often later might ignore Him like we are ashamed of Him but He is going nowhere just waiting for your love to come back to Him. 

Do you love your Daddy in heaven? He certainly loves you and if you have never asked Him into your heart He is waiting. He has always been at your hearts door knocking just waiting for the invitation to come in. Why not invite Him in today?

Epicenter

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'Isaiah 41:10

Recently in the city of Dallas Ebola struck. Widespread panic set in primarily caused by the news media. Guess what? I also was in Dallas this month and was not a bit worried about it. If you constantly feed your mind on fearful topics naturally you will start to be afraid. I started to read the free daily paper at my hotel then threw it away. All it was doing was inciting fear in article after article.

You may not be scared you will contract Ebola but there may be something else that you allow to consume your life. Fear paralyzes people. Don't allow yourself to fall victim to this. Fear can stop you in your tracks. News flash, fear is not from God. God offers peace. The enemy is the one who loves to scare us. In order to stay peaceful and unafraid feed your mind on good things and do not dwell on those issues that make you a nail biter.

Concerning being in Dallas, I was there in the epicenter of the Ebola concern in the US and I was there with the Moms in Prayer ministry for their 30th birthday celebration. Women from 44 countries flew in. No one was fearing dying of Ebola. This event was planned over two years ago and God knew that 1300 praying women would be here in the center of it all. Faith over fear wins every time.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I choose to separate myself from those things that incite fear in me. When I start to be afraid I will turn to you and your word not the newspaper. Help me have discipline to be peaceful. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Fear Not, Okay?

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. Isaiah 41:10

Fear can really get a grip on people if they allow it to. There are common fears of say skydiving from a plane and have your parachute tangle and not deploy. On my bucket list is skydiving but I am only 50/50 primarily due to that fear. Some are afraid to fly in airplanes for fear of crashing. I love to fly and I have to admit when it becomes turbulent at 35,000 feet  it can be unnerving but I simply start quietly praising God. One time though I did not realize I was audible to man next to me and he asked if I was okay. 

The thing is we can not let fear control our lives or we will be miserable. I have heard it said, you have to face your fears. In other words, get back up on the horse and ride after you fall off to not allow it to control you. What do you fear today? God can get you through.

PRAYER: I need you every hour, oh God most high. When I am afraid I will trust in you. In Jesus' name.Amen.

BAD NEWS......BUT GOD!

There seemingly is a great deal of fear in many parts of the world today. I know here in these United States citizens are concerned about a government that is out of control and no longer listens to them and fears dictatorship on the horizon. "But we have a Constitution, that will never happen" the uninformed will utter. But this fear is real and is frightening many people. Our balance of power and system of checks and balances is no longer valid it seems.

There is a verse in God's word which I love. Psalm 118:11(NLT) says 'The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?' We know it is not people we are necessarily supposed to be angry with but realize we are in the midst of spiritual warfare. A battle of good versus evil. Satan is having a hey day. He is using people as his pawns to do his evil works and many deceived are falling right smack dab into the enemies trap.

There is so much deception today. People hear something and believe it is true. Only God's word is true, yet today it is being misused and twisted to justify sinful behavior. Hebrews 13:6 also reiterates the same thing as Psalm 118:6 by saying '......what can mere mortals do to me.'

We truly need to not fear and realize God is indeed still on the throne. He is King of kings and Lord of Lords. God has a plan behind all the chaos that is going on. Sometimes He let's humans have their own way and suffer a bit. We choose to not listen, to not acknowledge Him, not keep His word first, well then see what happens. Isaiah 55:8-9(KJV) says 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.' God is still God and is still over the entire universe. No king, prince, czar, ruler, dictator, or president controls Him.

Psalm 93:4(NIV) says 'Mightier than the thunder of great waters and mightier than the breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty.' Meditate on that verse for just a moment. There are things we need to do as well. 2 Chronicles 7:14 should be a very familiar scripture to those who have been praying for America to return to its' Christian roots. 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' Are we truly doing this? Are we taking so much for granted and so busy with our daily lives that we even bother?

Hard times may in fact be on the horizon. Just remember who indeed is on the throne. Psalm 95:3(NIV) says 'The Lord is a great God a great King above all gods.' There are those who live in countries where Christians are persecuted and have to read their Bible in secret or risk death. We need to cry out to God and repent and ask Him to bring revival.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for being in control. I realize when we do not listen to you sometimes we suffer the consequences. Lord I ask that you open the eyes of the blind and end the curse that is overtaking the United States. Bring revival to this great land. Turn evil men and women's hearts to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Please check out the following website where you can post prayers and read others prayers:

www.presidentialprayerteam.com

FEAR NOT

Today's world in the United States of America for many is full of fear of the unknown. We know and believe God is in fact in control and sometimes that includes letting bad situations play themselves out. Fear of a depression, fear of healthcare system collapsing, fear of financial ruin, fear of Communism, fear of homelessness, fear of losing a job, fear of bankruptcy, fear of the unknown. There are many who do not see these things and perhaps are not fearful.

Where does fear originate from? The answer is not God. Satan is the author of all the bad stuff. The evil in the world are from him. In John 10:10(HCSB) it says 'A thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it in abundance.' When we are not tuned into God it is easy to be led astray and believe lies of the enemy. Satan is a liar. He is evil. He is meaning to get us in his trap.

Some good news is found in Isaiah 41:10 (NIV). '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.' You may have noticed I have referred to that verse in many devotions. It is good to try to commit that to memory. If you feel yourself becoming fearful you can read this verse out loud. Do not allow the enemy to get you in his trap.

Today start the day by saying "Thank you for this day. I will trust you Lord and not be afraid."

PRAYER: Lord there are many times I get anxious about things going on around me. I need to stay in your word and on my knees in prayer. You will protect us Lord and I have faith in you. Help me not to fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Assignment: Read Psalm 91

Click link below and listen to the words of the song.

http://youtu.be/oA0RZE-JAHg

WHAT IF........BUT GOD!

 Fear. We all have experienced it. I am not referring to fear of snakes, heights, storms, and falling but fear of the unknown,perhaps even fear of death, even for believers. Other types of fears are fearing your children will be in some sort of accident. Fearing for your own life when there is bad weather and you are in a plane at 35,000 feet. Fearing your children will get into the wrong crowd and go downhill and forget God. You could make yourself a "nut case" so to speak by conjuring up all sorts of scenarios.

Mothers are the good worriers out there and can make themselves fearful if they do not get refocused on something else. Not being able to let your adult children grow up and constantly checking up on them daily is really not a good thing for the parent child relationship. Fearing you left the iron on and your house will burn down after you have left for vacation. Fear of war. Fearing a democratic government will turn into a communistic one. Fearing your doors are unlocked at home and someone is going to walk in and steal your earthly possessions. Fearing you will get cancer. Fearing bankruptcy. Fearing your car will break down on a dark country road at night. Can anyone identify with any of these examples? Perhaps you can add to the list.

What makes us fear? Human nature for one. What can we do to get out of this cycle of worrying and being fearful? You need to replace fear with faith. Trust in a loving God to take are of you and your family. Sitting in a constant state of panic will not only make you continually, needlessly stressed out and perhaps sick but it indicates you do not have much faith in God to do what He says.

Isaiah 41:10(ESV) says 'fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' That my friend is a promise from the Almighty God. One of the best ways to combat always being fearful is to listen to uplifting praise and worship music. Oftentimes I include a song at the end of a devotion for everyone to take time to listen to. Today is no exception. You will find a link to click at the bottom of this devotion. Take time to listen.

Romans 8:31 reminds us 'If God be for us who can be against us?' Do not allow the enemy, Satan, to intimidate you and drag you down into his pit of fear. When you are fearful you have a hard time praising Jesus and I can just see the enemy sitting there saying "ha ha,I got them." Psalm 27:1 says 'The Lord is my light and my salvation in whom shall I fear. The Lord is the stronghold of my life in whom shall I be afraid?' Psalm 23:4, often recited at funerals, is really for everyday life. It says ' Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.'

We are approaching the Halloween season where some people love being scared. If you have to celebrate Halloween why not do a new twist and make it fun and a harvest celebration instead of attempting to scare people, especially small children? Just my thought for what it is worth.

So my friend. You can choose to have freedom over fears. You can choose to be lifted up and set free from the enemies attempts to keep you anxious. Why not purpose in your heart to get a grasp on the fear that entangles and ensnares you and run to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1(ESV) is an awesome verse to end with and sort of a "word picture". 'Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.'

PRAYER: I indeed need you every hour of my life Lord. I can let the cares of the world cause me to be fearful. I want to live a life free from the cares,worries, and fears of this world. I want to make Satan mad that he can not make me get fearful. I choose faith instead. If I start to tremble help me run to God and remember the verses in this devotion. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and praise God with your whole heart.

http://youtu.be/A9Ya7ryNob4

HAVE HOPE

Do you believe in impossibilities? Do you believe in miracles? I do! There is always reason for hope. When something in life has you discouraged stop thinking about it and start praising God. Yes, praise and worship God. It is easy to slump into despair and sadness over things in life but God is the God of hope, not despair.

Our enemy, Satan, the devil, whatever you call him, is a liar, thief, and joy robber. Many, even within the church, make fun of others talking about Satan. On Halloween unsuspecting parents often dress their little ones, even infants, in devil costumes. Satan is no joke. He is real. He probably loves it when folks treat him like a comic character. The thing is when we consistently sit and fret and have a doomsday outlook guess who is happy? You got it! Satan. Defeat Him. Speak positive words. When you feel doubts and fears coming on pick up your Bible and start reading the Psalms and quote scriptures to him such as this one in Matthew 16:23 'Get thee behind me Satan".

So many people seem to feel less than hopeful over our world situation, perhaps a sick relative, a broken relationship, an economic problem, an answer to prayer that has not come. Hang on and do not lose hope. Make yourself intentionally think and speak positive. Do you know a friend or family member who seems less than hopeful, then pray for them.

There is a verse I love in Romans 4:17 which simply says "........Speaking things as not as though they were". Simply said that means to thank God ahead of time for your prayers being answered. Instead of being a worrier and constantly down in the dumps, pick up your "armor of God" and be a prayer "warrior"!

PRAYER: Lord I will not give the enemy an opportunity to drag me own into the pit of lost hope. I know with you there is always hope. Help me Lord adjust my attitude to walk more like a child of God and spread hope to others.in Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for awesome song of worship.

http://youtu.be/6_KXsMCJgBQ

Note: Need a dose of Hope? Pick up a copy of the newly released Zondervan book, "Hopelifter Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts" by Kathe Wunnenberg.

THE F WORD

Made you look! I am doing a new respectful use of the F word by thinking of all the wonderful clean uplifting F words. Don't wait for society to think of them. The real F word has become slang and almost accepted in society. It should not be said by anyone as it is so crass, crude, and vulgar. But society has stooped to desensitizing the populace little by little to the point that sometimes we forget what is wrong and right and bad or good. Cursing becomes normal. Let's start a new normal.

The good "F words" are Faith, freedom, fun, fearless, forgiveness,first, and friend to name just a few. I challenge you to think of more.

We have "faith" in God and trust that He is watching over us and hears our prayers.

"Freedom" is a gift from God and only Satan or his demonic powers try to keep us in bondage.

"Fun" is the word to describe what a life lived for Christ is. Once again our enemy the devil will try to make you feel like the life lived for Christ is boring and you can't do anything.

"Fearless" meaning we have no reason to fear what is around the bend as God is in control and He wants you to cast your cares on Him.

"Forgiveness" is what Christ does for us. If you sincerely repent of your sins he offers forgiveness. We too are to forgive others and not hold grudges.

 

"First" is what God should be in your life.

"Friends" are so important. Jesus is our best friend or should be. When our youngest son was just a wee little boy he would always tell us he loved us "one less than God". From the mouth of babes.

So you see all there are many wonderful words starting with the letter F found in the
Bible. Our speech needs to be gracious as if seasoned with salt it says in Colossians 4:6(NIV).

The Bible uses another F word for the time Jesus died on the cross His
last words in John 19:30 were "It is finished! " Now we who are alive
wait for His return.

Is Jesus your friend? Do you have faith? Are you free in Christ? Do
you realize God will forgive your sins? Do you realize you have
mouthing to fear? Do you know a life lived for Jesus is fun!

If you do not know Him why not ask Him into your heart today? He is your Friend that sticks closer than a brother.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for providing all good things. Thank you Father
for forgiving me when I mess up. I choose this day to not enjoy the
sins of this world but to have fun in the body of Christ. In you I put
my trust. In Jesus name. Amen.

NOTE: For the past 8 days I had been on vacation and when I post my email and blogs I do not have my "Address Book" stored in my IPAD so if any of you missed my devotion during this time and care to read it you can check it out at "www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com". Thanks again for choosing to start your day with the words God gives me to write.

 

FAITH OR FEAR/PROBLEMS OR PROMISES?

In life we have choices. We can choose good or evil. Right over wrong. We can choose to have faith and trust God or to cave into fear the enemy puts in our hearts. We can choose to believe God's promises found in the Bible or to continually focus on problems in life. What do you choose?Trust God or let the enemy torment you?

Did you know God's word, The Bible, is filled with promises to help combat doubts and fears that may come your way. It is good to try to memorize as many of these as you are able in order to draw it from your "faith arsenal" to use against the enemy when he tries to make you feel hopeless and alone.

Here are just a few.
Hebrews 13:5(NIV) 'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what have for God has said "never will I leave you nor forsake you."'

Proverbs 22:6(NIV) 'Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.'

Matthew 6:33(NIV) 'But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.'

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV) 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.'

Philippians 4:19(KJV) 'But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.'

John 3:16(NIV) 'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'

There are many many more promises in God's word. Satan will do all in his power through a myriad of excuses and busyness to keep you from opening God's word each day. Is the newspaper going to comfort you and give you peace of mind? I don't think so. Will you be able to find the promises of God in a sports magazine? Probably not. The answer is to stay connected to God and His promises by making daily Bible reading a priority of each day.

What do you need to do in order to incorporate the promises in God's word into your life? Only you can answer that.

PRAYER: This is your day Lord. You gave it to me to serve you and to love you. Often I am fearful of things in the world around me because I dwell more on the news than I do the word of God. I plan to start anew to get my day planned where you are first, not just in my thoughts but it my habit of reading your word. Give me ability to do this with no excuses. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH SUPERSTITIONS AND HOROSCOPES?

There are months when Fridays fall on the 13th.It almost did this month. Many people find this disheartening and fear this day. Superstitions overwhelm them. I say "well that is just super" and go on with my day. There are many fearful of the number 13 whether it is the 13th floor in a building, the 13th row on a airplane, or just plain old Friday the 13th. My birthday is on Halloween and that is fine by me and never worries me. It is just a day! I am not superstitious. Black cats and walking under ladders is not a fear of mine either. We can either declare we have faith or fear. Being scared of the number 13 is an obsession and a fear to give to the Lord.

I have met Christians who read their horoscope daily for guidance. Long ago before I was serious about my walk with the Lord I may have even read mine occasionally. It seemed to be fun and seemingly innocent. Once I got "born again" things were not perfect all of a sudden, but I had no desire to do some of the things I once occupied my time with. Don't go the the horoscope section of your newspaper for your guidance. Is God the editor of the horoscope telling you through it this is what is going to happen? No.When I am asked what horoscope "sign" I am I simply say "I do not follow them" and often get weird looks implying "get with it girl".

Instead of worrying about the number thirteen or wondering what your horoscope tells you you need to do today, why not instead open up God's word? Start in the book of John in the New Testament. Read a chapter daily and then go to the Lord in prayer. The more you trust God each day the less you will find it necessary to go to the "stars" or worry about numbers.

2 Corinthians 5:17(ESV) says 'if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed away, the new has come.' I found that to be true. The Christian life is a constant journey. You fall down and get right back up again so to speak. God heals,God forgives, God redeems, God restores, God sets the captive free. Forget the past. If you have areas of your life that still need work and if we are honest we all do, then go to God in prayer and ask for His help. He is mighty to save!

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for this day you have made. It does not matter what date it is. I am not fearful of manmade superstitions that cause me fear instead of building my faith. I choose this day and every day to rejoice in the Lord and thank Him for another day no matter what the date is on the calendar. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below to start your week with a wonderful praise song.

http://youtu.be/Q2Fy4RxOa1c

WHAT ARE YOUR "GIANTS"?

Do you have a situation looming over you in your life that seems like it is way too big and will never go away? There is a saying "this too shall pass" but when you are in the midst of your "battle" it sure does not seem that way. During times like these it is essential you practice focusing on "things above" and to try to not dwell on that which drags you down. Problems can, and will, overwhelm you if all you do is think on them.

I loved the movie "Facing The Giants" which dealt with many issues in life that seemed humanly impossible but with God in the equation nothing was impossible. Matthew 19:26(NIV) clearly lays it out 'Jesus looked at them and said,"With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible"'. Pretty clear wouldn't you say? You have to have faith and you have to believe.

In the Bible it says in Mark 9:23(NIV) 'And Jesus said to him "If you can?All things are possible to Him who believes."' Do you have that kind of "mountain moving" faith? "But my problem is way too big and nothing is going to help." Who puts thoughts like that in your head? Not God, that is for sure.

I heard someone once say "Believe receive, doubt do without." God is way bigger than anything overwhelming we humans here on earth. Don't stop praying or believing your situation can't change.

Right now start having positive thoughts and do not allow the enemy to get you fearful or doubtful. God is a miracle working God! Believe it and keep praying!!

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose to believe and not lose hope. I choose to focus on good and not bad that cam create gloom and doom. I will seek your peace and pursue it .In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for awesome song:

http://youtu.be/68q8y5nkdPo

PLAN B....AGAIN?

We can give the best try possible to plan our course of life or what we will do each day but sometimes our best laid plans fall apart on us. Priorities have to come to the surface. Whether it be a disabled motor vehicle, health issue,laid off from your job, house repair or an unexpected guest, it is necessary to go with the flow and not let yourself get all upset. Being upset only adds to the problem that you now have to face. This problem may not be a problem at all but turn out to be a blessing.

When things such as this occur do you typically fall apart or get flustered and upset? When we are inflexible and things change it can be hard on a person. Relax and know that God is in control.

Having "unscheduled" activities in our day reminds me of a Bible verse I often quote from Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) and it says 'For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to bring you a hope and a future.' So just maybe "plan B " was God's plan all along? A change of course may be just what is needed to keep you focused on God. God may be working through this new plan to put you on the right course of life.

PRAYER: Father I thank you that to you there is nothing such as a "plan B" for all your plans have an ultimate purpose. Forgive me for complaining at times when this happens. Help me instead be able to say "Lord what am I to learn from this.' In Jesus' name. Amen.

FEAR MONGERS OR PEACE SEEKERS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://youtu.be/7foqxkkh51M

PROBLEMS OR PROMISES?

What are you thinking on? Are you worried about your health, your job,
your finances ? Why not start meditating on God's word and REALLY
trusting Him and do not let Satan capture your thought life. Bad
thoughts, fear, worry all come from the enemy.

Remember in John 14:27(NIV) it says 'Peace I leave with 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.' Does being scared or worried
do one bit of good? The answer of course is NO. So why can't we let go

and let God? Does your worry change the situation? Once again the
answer of course is NO.

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV) is one of my absolute favorite scriptures and it
says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own
understanding and in all your ways submit to Him and He will make

your paths straight.' There is that word "Trust".

Psalm 119:165(NIV) says 'Great peace have they who love your law, and
nothing can make them stumble.' The law meaning the Bible. This is

why it is so important to keep the word of God an essential part of

every day life. The world has enough junk to throw at us to frighten
us. Tune out the bad stuff. For instance turn off the news if it makes

your fearful. Put on some Christian praise music which helps to lift

your burdens. This is why I often attach an appropriate worship song

to my devotions.

Refuse to allow the enemy, Satan,to put worry and fear in your head.
Cast off works of darkness and let Jesus' light shine out. When you
are praising Jesus it is often very hard to worry.

So which is it going to be? Will you mediate on God's promises or will
you cave in to doubt, fear and your problems?

PRAYER: Lord I love the word of God. I know if I make an effort each
day to not forget to get in to the word I will have lots less worry
weighing me down. Help me resist the enemies attacks on my thought
life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a wonderful song to add to this devotion.
http://youtu.be/XkljgA5SQc8

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

DO NOT FEAR

What are you afraid of today? Many are concerned about the "fiscal cliff" or loss of a job. 2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV) reminds us 'For God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.' Fear can stop you in your tracks if you allow it to do so. Refuse to cave into fear. Fear is not of God. It is a tool in Satan's arsenal to destroy our walk with Christ. If you are constantly worried and fearful of your future then you have taken your eyes off God.

What we need is a good dose of peace. Isaiah 26:3(NKJV) reminds us 'You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in you.'

The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 31:6(NKJV) 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.' This is repeated in Hebrews 13:5 saying 'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'

Friend can you relax and trust God?

PRAYER: Lord I know you are above all things. You are greater than presidents. Kings, dictators, rulers and labor unions. You are mighty to save. I thank you for giving me peace over the chaos around me. My hope is in you. In Jesus' name. Amen

Click on link to listen to powerful song of praise.

http://youtu.be/sR8rlTIU8_Y

A PRAYER VERSUS A SCARE

 

What scares you? What is it you fear? What makes you feel there is no way out? We are not to live fearful lives but faith filled lives. How do you get this faith filled life? The main thing you can do is pray and next it is to trust God. When you are praying and praising God you have little room for fear and worry.

Anything that is causing you fear is not from God. Is there something you can not keep from dwelling on in your mind? When you have a worry, concern, or fear that does not seem to want to go away the best way to get rid of it is to stay in an attitude of prayer and thanksgiving. Satan can have you paralyzed if you keep concentrating on things that scare you or seem to take you away from God.

Phillipians 4:8 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." It is hard to have bad thoughts if you purposefully focus on good things. Are you able to make your mind dwell on good things?

When you are feeling wrong thoughts creeping into your mind start praising God. Say " I thank you Lord for the victory I have in you. I thank you Lord I do not need to listen to the lies of the enemy. I thank you that the things of the past are behind me. I thank you Lord for loving me and forgiving me. I give you Lord any of my worries and fears and choose to look to you for my strength."

God can turn bad things around. You need to stay focused on Him and His word. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to us "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

PRAYER; Lord God I am so very thankful that you are available 24/7. When friends forsake us you are there. When things go wrong you are there. When we feel a pity party coming on, you are there. I am thankful for your forgiveness in times when I have messed up. Thanks Lord for taking away my fears. In Jesus name. Amen.

STAND IN FAITH!!

Do  you have faith?Even a tiny bit?Faith Is important in many areas of life. First let me define faith. According to Webster's it means loyalty, fidelity to ones' promises, belief and trust and loyalty to God, and having a strong belief.

You have faith when you get in an elevator that it will not plunge to the ground. You have faith in the floor of a building that it will not cave in. If you are married you have faith in the love and loyalty of your spouse to you only. In the Bible it says in Hebrews 11:1 that "now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen."  You have faith that when you pray God hears your prayers. You have faith that when you die if you asked Jesus into your heart you will be in heaven with him for eternity.

2 Corinthians 5:7 says "we live by faith, not by sight." In Hebrews 11:7 speaking of Noah it said "By faith, Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." Most everyone has heard the story of Noah and seen Hollywood's portrayal of it in 'Evan Almighty' but just imagine being spoken to by God and trying to get those close to you to believe you. It would take an immense amount of faith.

Hebrews 10:23 says "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Also in Matthew 17:20 it says "He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." A good faith verse I like is Romans 4:17 says "As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations.  He is our father  in the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." The last part is the part I like when it says "call things as not as though they were." Stop being a dooms day thinker. Say out loud, "Lord I do not know how you are going to deliver _______but I know you will". (Fill in a name in the blank).

 I heard a saying once that said "Believe receive,doubt,do without."  That is good to remember when it comes to faith.What are you believing for today?

 PRAYER: Lord I trust you for the areas in my life that sometimes I do not understand why they are happening. I believe that you are in control and have an awesome plan for my life. Help me to demonstrate that faith to those around me. In Jesus name. Amen.

FEAR OR FAITH?????

The world we live in today sure seems to try to get people fearful. Take the nightly news for instance. Stories of murders, rapes, thefts, and  break-ins seem to dominate the news. Nothing seems to be good. Our prime time television shows on the three major networks no longer are happy go lucky and fun like they used to be. To see shows like 'I Love Lucy' or 'Green Acres'  or 'Batman' you have to go to the TV Land network or something similar.  Most all the shows have murders, autopsies, crime, and the insinuation of illicit sex to mention just a few scenarios or if they are comedies they are cutting edge  attempting to be politically correct.  The daytime talk shows are a bunch of people sitting around making meaningless chatter and often gossiping and putting down people. Then we have a host of reality shows which the public seems to thrive on. Girls trying to get dates or a husband, obese people trying to get thin, people trying to get famous or rich and on it goes. But all in all the days of everyone in the family sitting down in front of the G rated TV set are long gone. Fear seems to dominate the culture we are in. Can this ever be turned around you might ask?


First and foremost we have let God go in our society. If you are guided by the word of God your actions and behavior should indicate that. When you are a believer you should let your life speak loud and clear through your actions that you follow Christ. If you constantly feed on horror movies or slasher films how can that create a peaceful spirit? You may like these kind of movies and think they are perfectly harmless but they are feeding on your fear nature. You can open the door to evil in many ways. What you put into your brain can even affect you in your sleep habits. Have you ever watched a bad movie or TV show then had a nightmare?

Now I am not saying just go watch 'Mary Poppins' and the 'Sound of Music'.There are many good decent things out there without the cursing, slashing,sex scenes, and killing and in the 60's there seemed to be a good deal more. Slowly the culture started to change and it was not for the better. I almost feel it started when prayer was taken out of school(1963) or so it seems to correlate with that. You can not remove God and remain righteous.

What does God's word have to say about this? Philippians 4:8 is a favorite of mine and a good memorization verse and it says " Finally brothers and sisters, whatsoever things are true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things."  Colossians 3:2 reminds us to "Set your mind on things above not on things on earthly things."  Note that word 'set'. When your pour concrete you have to wait til it is 'set' before you walk on it. When you make jello you can not eat it til it 'sets'. So that word means to 'fix' in a way. 'Fix' your mind and keep it there. Dwell on good thoughts. To do that you have to make an effort to be careful what you allow into your mind. Remember as a believer Christ lives inside of you and what you subject yourself too you also subject our heavenly father too if you think about it that way.

Many places in scripture it talks about not fearing. Do a word search in your Bible sometime. In Isaiah 41:10 it says " So do not fear for I am with you.Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  That is an awesome promise from God. So whatever it is you are fearing be it bad news you dwell on, wondering when and how you will die, whether you will get cancer, wondering if you will lose your job or you add to the list ,trust in God and believe He has a wonderful plan for your life. Lean on Him for peace and security in good times and bad.

I will end with a verse on peace. John 14:27 says " Peace I give you my peace I leave you. I do not give you as the world gives. do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

PRAYER: Your love Lord casts out fear. Help me father as I seek to make your word and prayer a part of my daily life. Help me Lord resist attempts from the enemy to try to get me distracted with other activities and forget to give you quality time in my day. I know when I feed my mind  more on your word I will have more faith and less fear. In Jesus name. Amen.