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. 

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.

Your Choice...Worrier or Warrior!

Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Your situation may never change. Your children may never stop doing dangerous things. You are going to die someday. Everyone will. You can enjoy flying without gripping the arm rests. You may get sick, people do.

Please know when you worry you make yourself into an ineffective prayer warrior. Pray, trust, believe, then let it go. Your fretting and anguish will not bring you closer to God or change anything. Many worriers out there need to understand  when you worry you make Satan very thrilled. Don't keep saying "I'm just a worrier" and go through life stressed and anxious. Learn to practice letting go of a situation knowing that by you worrying as it says in scripture in Matthew 6:27, "you can not add an hour to life."

Wake up each day and look at yourself in the mirror and say "I am not going to allow Satan to make me ineffective for you. I trust you God and will NOT worry" then walk away and let it go. If you have been a constant worrier as your daily routine this may take a while to get this new habit.

I have a son who flies planes for a living and another son and daughter in law who enjoy rock climbing.  I do not wake up and fret all day. I am excited for them that they are doing what they enjoy.

Start your day and truly let God have your situation. Turn on some praise music and think of the song 'I Surrender All' then do just that.

 PRAYER: You are always with me. You care for my needs and walk with me each day. I need your strength to trust you and stop trying to constantly be on edge. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click link for this song I mentioned above:

http://youtu.be/xultsXJpwl8

End Times

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. Matthew 24:12

Ungratefulness, unholiness, being led astray, strange weather patterns, wars and rumors of wars, and complacency  about sin are just a few of the signs of the return of our Lord. There is nothing to fear if you are a believer and following Jesus. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that  "the Lord Himself will come down with a loud command". Many may see this as frightening. Others anticipate it with joy and hope to see it in their lifetime. 

There have always been those people trying to predict the end of the world, doom and gloom. Many signs point to the fact we are getting closer but it says in Matthew 24:36 that "But about that day no one knows not even the angels  in heaven or the Son, but only the Father." Predicting the apocalypse sells many books and makes a great movie, but it can also create a  tremendous panic.

Do not be afraid my friend. Fear and worry about an event that has not even happened is wasted energy. Instead make sure you are ready for His return. Be loving, caring, kind, and be ready. Have you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life? If not why not do it  today. 

PRAYER: Lord oh Lord how majestic is your name in all the Earth. I fear no terror. I know you are coming back one day and look forward to that. Help those who do not know you to be ready. 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.

Don't Be Afraid

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Many things can cause anxiety such as tornado sirens screaming out, earthquakes, war, floods, heights, dying, getting cancer, snakes, bees,  and spiders. You can probably add to the list. God does not want His children afraid but wants them peaceful. Recently with the outbreaks of  F3 tornadoes in our area there were some anxious moments but I felt a sense of calmness through all those sirens going off.

Our enemy Satan loves it when God's children become fearful. If you get fearful it means your mind is off of God and onto being afraid. This is a time when you are having a weak moment and he likes to take advantage of you. Do not allow things to scare you. Know that Christ has your back so to speak. Know that you can rely on God to see you through and give you the peace only He provides.

PRAYER: Many things can frighten me Lord if I purposely choose to let them. I know you are my hiding place and I can trust you to care for me. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

I LOOK TO THE HILLS

During the Christmas season, one of my all time favorite movies was on, not once, but twice. I am referring to "The Sound of Music" with Julie Andrews and the 2013 version with Carrie Underwood. I simply love the music and the story which is loosely based on the real Von Trapp family.

The message in the movie was the Von Trapps escaping over the Alps to get away from Nazi control. Maria Von Trapp was comforted by the nuns who gave her a verse of hope to cling to found in Psalm 121:1-2(KJV) which says 'I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.' Continue reading this chapter. It brings real peace and comfort.

When you are facing difficulty of any kind you need to keep looking to Jesus. In other words, look up to the heavens. Psalm 91:3(KJV) says 'Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.' If you believe in the promises of God's word what is there to fear? You can either believe and have peace or not believe and walk in fear.

PRAYER: Today is the day that you have made. Another day to serve you. Another day to face whatever is out there with confidence and trust. Another day to proclaim your goodness. Forgive me when I have let problems around me overwhelm me. Help me trust in you and look to you always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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

FEAR MONSTER!!!

The news media seems to relish doom and gloom stories. Government shutdown, health scares, storm damage, airplane crashes, murder, robbery, assault, fires, weather issues, financial meltdown and on the list goes. I am not faulting these journalists but we need to start trying to stay informed yes, but to not saturate your life with horror stories and stay in a constant state fear.

This past week all we heard about in America was the looming government shutdown and what would happen if it occurred. The main thing we seem to forget in this equation is GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. Prayer is essential to our piece of mind.

Fear is not from God but is straight from the pit of hell. The enemy loves to get us all up in arms over bad things happening. What about good things? Can't we hear about them sometime? In order to stay cool,calm, and collected, first try turning off the television news. If it is bothering you then get away from it. Get on your knees and pray instead trying to cast your cares upon the Lord.

1 Peter 5:7(NIV) reminds us to 'Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.' There can be "storms" raging around you but when we look to God he is our source of strength.

Worry can consume you if you let it. Make up your mind you will let it go once and for all. "But I'm just a worrier" some folks say. I say, try not to be. When you worry you can not be powerful for the Lord.

Matthew 10:29 says 'Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.'

Today why not start anew and give God your fears. Psalm 112:6-7(ESV) is a good verse to conclude with. 'For the righteous will never be moved. He will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news, trusting in the Lord.'

PRAYER: Today I choose to not let the world's problems consume me. You are God and you are still on the throne. I choose to let your light shine through me in a world that needs peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a wonderful worship song to start your Saturday.

http://youtu.be/bDYWOH-q-RI

OH WE GOT TROUBLE!!

 We may indeed have trouble in our world but we do not need to focus on it and dwell on it all the time. I am sure all of us have people we know who continually dwell on doom and gloom. Why not make a practice of trying to say positive things. Try this. "Thank you Lord for my home. Thanks for my friends. Thanks for food to eat. Thanks for having money to spend even if I think I do not have enough. Thanks Lord for my Bible. Thanks Lord for good health and for healing me. Thanks Lord for beautiful flowers and the gift of nature." You get the idea so now try it.

If each and every morning it is your habit to wake up and flip on the morning news then rest assured your mind will be filled with troubles. Likewise if you reach for the morning newspaper before having quiet time with Jesus that too is a solution for bringing you down. Not that these two sources do not occasionally have cheery things in them but the point being if you want to be content, peaceful and not live in constant dread and fear your focus has to be on "above".

Phillipians 4:8(NIV) says 'Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Whatever your mind dwells on usually is what controls you. Scared of the end of the earth what is happening in the world? Give that care to Jesus. There does not have to be trouble in your heart. Even with the craziness happening around you it is possible to be at peace and set an example for Christ.

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for your perfect peace. I know I need not fear the terror around me and in this world. You are in control and I trust you no matter what the situation looks like right now. Help my unbelief at times. In Jesus name. Amen.

Assignment: Read Psalm 91

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

http://youtu.be/8cJJGgRlQi8

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

SAFE FROM DANGER

 

Do you and can you really trust God to take care of you and your family? Prayers are said so it is at that point we need to let go and let faith kick in. Our arch enemy, Satan, loves to torment us with concern, fretting, fear, and worry. Do not allow him to steal your peace and faith in God. He is not worth the extra gray hairs.

There may be some readers who do not hear much about the concept of "spiritual warfare" but we indeed are in a battle of good and evil, right and wrong, and for our very souls. Scripture and prayer are powerful tools we have to use against Satan. Remember in John 10:10(NIV) we are told 'The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.'

Deception is rampant in our world today. Modern culture is even entrapping well meaning believers who are being captivated and deceived by him. Do not let it happen! Use the word of God as your greatest tool to stop him in his tracks! Tell him to get his stinking little hands off you and your family and be sure to say, "In Jesus name" as there is power in that name.

I thought today I would go over Psalm 91 as a way to sear it in your brain to recall when you tend to want to start fearing. The author of fear is not God. It is one of Satan's tools to try to defeat us. We have victory in Jesus Christ so remind Satan of that when he starts to come against you. Perhaps you need to maybe read it out loud and personalize it with a name to make it hit home.

Here goes!

'Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra you will trample the great lion and the serpent." Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him, I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.'

Try to recite those verses out loud and see if you don't feel a stronger faith inside of you.

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose to know and believe you are my strength and I have no reason to fear. I trust in you Lord and I have power because of you to defeat the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a powerful song of praise and worship.

http://youtu.be/O4QOuGI3irI

I'M JUST A WORRIER

 So stop it! I have heard people say they can not stop worrying. Their mom worried, her momma worried and on it goes. Where is worry from? Certainly not a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Do you think worry brings you closer to God or further away from Him? I am sure all of us have worried at one time or another but the important thing is to not make it a habit. You certainly can not be at peace if you can not stop this bad habit. Does worry change anything? The answer is no. So why worry?
"You don't understand though my son does dangerous things and I get scared.' The thing is that fear needs to be turned into faith and trust. Worry is worthless. It does not stop someone from doing a dangerous activity or being ill. What can you do to stop if you are a worrier?

The solution is to admit you are a worrier and ask God to fill you with peace only He can give. Stop focusing on bad things such as disasters, wrecks, and all the scenarios that will probably never happen. Say out loud "Lord I thank you for taking away my concern and fears. I know it is the enemy trying to make me weak and ineffective for your kingdom. Satan has no power over me so I choose to cast off worry." How do you feel once you say that our loud?

Meditate on God's word as well. Get up each day and say "This is the day The Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24). Isaiah 26:3(NIV) says 'You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast for they trust in you,' Do you really trust Him to take care of you? If so give him your worries and go on and do something constructive and let God give you peace.

PRAYER: Help me Lord. I want to trust you but at times I am consumed
with fear and worry. I know only Satan rejoices when I get like this.
I give this to you Lord. 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

I TRUST YOU LORD!!

 Do you trust the Lord or are you constantly fretting, worrying, unable to have peace?
Most the time the things we worry over never happen and even if they did happen what good did your worry do? Did it help you? Did it change the situation? The answer is no. It simply gave Satan a bit of fun knowing he has you, a child of God, upset.

Do you want to win this battle against Satan and relax and let go and Let God so to speak? You can you know. Why can't we pray and then relax and trust Him? What do we have to do to have peace? Perhaps a good dose of scripture or study on peace is in order.

Worry does not help you at all and takes you further way from God. When you constantly feed your mind with things of the world and tragedy and all the "what ifs" of life the you can become so consumed you are ineffective for the Lord. How many "tests" do we need before we can turn over this area to the Lord. Things in life are bound to happen but consistently focusing on things that may happen drags you down. Instead focus on what God can do.

Get up and say 'thank you Lord for putting angels around my children and protecting them. Thank you Lord that you are in control and you love me and my family. I have no need to fear. I trust you Lord.' Psalm 91:5(NIV) says 'You will not fear the terror or night or the arrow that flies by day.' Make the devil mad for a change. Say out loud ' Devil you are not going to steal my peace. I am covered by the blood of Jesus and nothing you can try to do will hurt me or my family. I am standing with Jesus so get behind me now Satan.' Sound fanatical? Try it and see if you do not feel better. Then do a study on peace and try to get up each day and say 'I will not allow fear to entire in my mind today.'

Now go and have a good day and know that Jesus is indeed Lord!

PRAYER: Dear Father God I thank you for your perfect peace and love. I choose today to walk in peace and not in fear and worry. I know when I do this I do not bring glory to you and am not a very good witness for you either. I choose to trust. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TROUBLED?

 What is troubling you today? Many times we may be overwhelmed by problems or potential problems and can not seem to let our wandering thoughts go. This is where it is critical to practice mind discipline. By this I mean focusing your thoughts intentionally on "things above".

The verse I have written about numerous times in my devotions is Philippians 4:8(NIV) which says 'Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if there be anything excellent or praiseworthy, think on those things.' Make no mistake about it. Wrong thinking can mess up your life. Dwelling on fear,worry, and all the "what if's" of life can make you crazy if you let it. It is your choice. Read and do what God's word, The Bible, says to or be miserable and let Satan take control of your thoughts.

Perhaps fear of world problems has a grip on you. Maybe it is a situation with a family member you wonder will it ever end. It could be you are concerned about your job and can not stop worrying about what you will do if you lose it. Maybe an upcoming medical report or procedure has you concerned. There are many things that could occupy your thought life to get your mind off of God and onto constant turmoil.

You can not have peace if you can not give these up. You have to try. Guess what? God can help with that. You have to make up your mind you will put Him first and get into the word of God.It is your "peace and joy" manual of sorts. It is your guidebook for going through life on this earth.

Psalm 32:7(NIV) says 'You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.' Speaking of songs, one of the reasons I frequently include a song with my devotion is because when you are singing praises to God above it is hard to be flustered. Praising God is an awesome prescription for having a good thought life.

Why not begin today to truly let God have your troubles? What is stopping you?

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for being our burden bearer. Nothing I can humanly do will bring peace. Only you Lord bring lasting peace. I cast off the works of darkness that are trying to get me to give up and worry. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click the following link and lift up your hands and praise God:

http://youtu.be/HzNsEBPB-Z8

UNCERTAIN TIMES

Today is the big day here in the USA where "mere men" ,with too much
power, have put fear in us with a word called Sequestration. Here in
a military town this is especially causing stress not knowing whose
jobs will be safe or if the whole town will fold. Defense cuts affect
not just the military and their family and defense contractors, but the entire US and the

civilian town the military is near. But God is bigger than this crisis created by man. Remember
the verse in 1 Timothy 6:17(NIV) which says 'Command those who are
rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in
wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who
richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.' Elsewhere in
Proverbs 23:5(NIV) further drives this point home when it says 'Cast
but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout
wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.'

For those "awake" and paying attention to world events and things in
our own country,we are living in uncertain times. A country of
freedom, prosperity, and independence is slowly being controlled by a
domineering tyrannical government trying to seemingly take over all
aspects of our lives. Many people are frightened today because this day was hyped by the media so much as doomsday.

 

When and if doomsday does come, as a believer we are not to

trust in riches or man to help us or save us. Our hope is to be in the
Lord who made the heavens and the earth and who is in control of it
all. Sometimes He allows men to reap what they sow and has warned us
many times. In scripture it says in 2 Chronicles 7:14(NIV) '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 humbling ourselves and seeking God's face or are we way too busy
to have time? Many may be so busy in their careers or at home that
they do not even realize what is happening in the world around them
especially not getting info from the right sources. Many are oblivious

to the impending economic, military, and moral downfall of America

around them. But once again we are not to be frightened by what "mere
men" can do to us as our trust is in God. (See Psalm 118:6 and Psalm
56:4).

Psalm 23(NIV) is often just thought of as a passage of scripture read
only at funerals but there is much more within the words of that
chapter. I have copied it here. Take a moment and read it over and
think about something other than the funeral context you often
probably hear it in.

'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down
in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my
soul.He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no
evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love
will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.'

Today do not be afraid and read out loud the following scripture from
John 14:17(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." God will take care of us. Do not focus
on evil and bad around you but get into his word and let it transform
your heart and give you peace.

PRAYER: Lord we do not know what is happening. We in America have
always seemingly never had worries or fears like other countries and
have taken much for granted. Our morals have started to slide because
we chose back in 1963 to kick you out of our public schools. We did
not give heed to your precious lives you created and since 1973 have
killed millions of babies in the name of women's rights or choice. How
sad this makes me Lord. Please forgive our country for ignoring you
and turning its' back on you. Get us through the stormy days ahead
Lord and bring revival to this land. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on the link below and please take a moment and be comforted by
the words of the attached song.
http://youtu.be/2ZuVtA7Vyk8

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