CEASE STRIVING

What has got you all "wound up" inside? Is it trying to get a new title or name plate on your desk? Perhaps you are a stay home mom being told you don't do much and you feel bad about yourself even though you know God called you there?  Maybe it is a money issue that has got you concerned and desperate? A friend has unfriended you on Facebook and you do not know why? Is it maybe our world situation? Hopefully it is not a marriage problem. Whatever it is, God truly cares for you and loves you. Remember you are His child! You can talk to Him about it 24/7 as He is never off duty. 

Psalm 46:10(NIV) it says 'Be still and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.'  Can you be still? Can you trust God to bring you peace only He can?  The enemy of our souls, Satan, is the one who wants you all caught up in this world and it's problems. In the New American Standard Bible the translation reads 'Cease striving and know that I am God.'  Are you able to trust God for the details of your life and not worry about other people? 

Psalm 39:5(NIV) says 'You have made my days a near handbreadth, the span of my years is nothing before you.Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.'  Ecclesiastes 1:11(NIV) puts it this way.'No one remembers the former generations, and even those  yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.'  So why the chaos and stress. Pray to God and go where He calls you but do not get yourself all fretful. God will see you through. Whatever you do the most important thing is to impact this world around you for Christ. If that is at home as a mom you have the most important job and that is raising that little one to love Jesus. 

Whatever you are striving for let go and let God guide you.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus there are times I do things that seem futile or I worry about what others think. The only person I need to please is my Father in Heaven. Help me remember that as I journey throughout my life.In Jesus' name. Amen. 

FOUR CROSSES

 

Recently I was driving on a five mile stretch of highway in the nearby countryside close to New Market, Alabama and on this short road there were four "memory" crosses within two miles of each other with a name of a loved one who had tragically died in a vehicular accident. I am not sure if those of you living outside Alabama and Tennessee have these homemade crosses on the roadside but they make you stop and think about your life and about your habits in your car while driving. No doubt these deaths left a huge hole in the hearts of at least four families and possibly more.

Life is very short. Recently one of my favorite actresses from my childhood passed away as a result of Multiple Sclerosis. Having your life is a true gift from God and we are never promised tomorrow. Whatever you do live like it may be your last day. An accident could cut your life shorter than you expected. Perhaps an illness. Also some will just peacefully die in their sleep. A stroke is what caused the death recently of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at the age of 87.

The Bible says we are here today and gone tomorrow. James 4:14(NIV) says '

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.' Our real mission on this earth as a follower of Jesus Christ is to try to help share His love with others so they might come to know Him. Satan works around the clock with his demons twisting the truth, deceiving,hurting, killing and stealing. In order to get Satan out of your life, why not try getting up daily and first thank God for another day He blessed you with ask Him in pray to help impact the world he has placed you in. You are not here for yourself. Get into His word to hear the truth. Read the Bible daily. It is more than a bookend or coffee table decoration.

I heard somewhere that a Bible that is falling apart if owned by someone who is not. The Bible is to be used. Yes you can even write in it. It is a study manual and guidebook for your life on Earth. How can you have power to defeat Satan if you do nothing but look at it?
Proverbs 27:1(NIV) tell us 'Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what tomorrow will bring forth.' That is such a true statement. In Psalm 90:10(NIV) '

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.' Enjoy your life and do not sit around wondering how long you will live or how you will die.

Isaiah 57:21(NIV) says '

The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil.' Hopefully all reading this will be around to read them over and over again for many more days. Do you know for certain that if you died today you would be with Jesus? If not why not ask Him in to your heart today. Then open up that "instruction" manual called The Bible and study to be ready.

PRAYER: Lord you are good and your mercies are new every morning. You give me so many wonderful blessings and benefits. It is hard to fathom just how much you truly love me. I want to live like tomorrow may never come. Give me your strength to do this. In Jesus'name.Amen.

Click on link for wonderful song:
http://youtu.be/UGFazR4iCbo

Note:Yesterday, due to technical difficulties, some of you may not have received this blog. If you were one of those and want to read it you can also go to www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com and there you will find all my blogs for the past 3 years as well. Thanks. Be blessed to be a blessing!

GROUND HOG WRONG BUT GOD ALWAYS RIGHT

Isn't it funny how in February many people rely on a groundhog to predict the weather future? The animal "tea leaves" of sort for meteorologists and others fascinated in predictions. Guess what? This year people wanted to sue "Punxsutawney Phil" for making a mistake.

We can place our trust in so many things other than God. Fortune tellers, Farmers' Almanac, and horoscopes and anything but the Bible. Only God knows the true future. No human can tell you exactly what is going to happen.

Proverbs 27:1(NIV) reminds us 'Do not boast about tomorrow for we do not know what a day will bring.' We need to trust God who holds the future.

Similarly one day Jesus will return and no one can predict that although many have tried. Mark 13:32(NIV) says 'But about the day or the hour no one knows , not even the angels in heaven nor the Son but only the Father.'

Who do you believe?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you that you know all things and we need not fear as you have things under control. Help me trust in your wisdom found in the Bible and not predictions made by man. In Jesus' name. Amen.

THE WHAT IFS....BUT GOD!!

 Wondering what is going to happen or what could have happened will likely drive you bonkers. Many like to speculate about the 'what ifs'. No one knows the future so this is wasted energy. You reason and guess and it causes a lack of peace. Do you fear the future and the unknown? The catastrophes that 'could be?' First the Bible says 'fear not' and to 'not fret because of evil doers' and 'that He will not let the righteous beg bread' and 'a single sparrow does not fall to the ground without heavenly father knowing it". So if we know all this what causes speculation and curiosity?

Do you trust God for the future? Wondering how or when you will die or what is going to happen tomorrow does not matter. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 8:7 "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?" 2 Chronicles 16:9 reminds us that "the eyes of The Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. " James 4:13-14 says "Now listen you who say today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city and spend a year there carry on business and make money. Why you don't even know what your life will be like tomorrow.What is your life? You are a mist that appears awhile and then vanishes."

Give any concerns about the days ahead to God. Relax and enjoy each day and trust God for your tomorrows.

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for your word which guides me daily. When my anxious heart starts to wonder help me know that only you know the future. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord in song. Happy Saturday!
http://youtu.be/ghC3gqNQJPQ

BIRTHDAYS ARE SPECIAL!!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

GRADUATES REJOICE AND SEEK HIS WAYS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RETIREMENT..NOT IN THE BIBLE

Now I am not trying to create a new sin here by saying if you are retired and out sailing, shame on you. The point is the word retirement and the concept of retirement is a modern day phenomena. It is not mentioned in the Bible. Why should someone who loves their job have to quit and sit in a rocking chair because society has deemed them washed up or too old or ready for their 'golden years'? It is refreshing to me in my travels to meet flight attendants who got hired after the age of 50. Why not? Also two ski instructors I met this winter in Maine were both over 65. Stop saying " I am too old". That negative talk  has to end. You can choose to believe you are of no value and no chance to do anything worthwhile or you can choose to know that God can use you at any age.

Also stop letting society make you feel you are old. Do not be afraid to try things. Do not worry that people will comment on your age. Keep doing things and do not sit in that infamous rocking chair unless you want to. You have many good years in you and the mindset of retiring is a new one created by something in today's world. If you love your job and want to keep at it, so be it. But you have to get the voices out of your head saying that  you are too old. Says who? This is the time to keep going. Take classes. Try new hobbies. Get a part time job somewhere. Volunteer. Help others. Keep active. Go to gym and work out. Stop constantly thinking it is time to retire for "after all I am 60".  60 seems young. People who quit on life and think they are too old will talk themselves into feeling it is time to hang it all up. Retirement then gets to mean "ready to die" to many. It should not!

Proverbs 23:7 says "or as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." You start believing things you keep thinking on. God does not say in His word to go retire and sit in a rocker or to head for the eternal golf course. Older people are simply people with a higher number than you for age. It is only a number. Often times you hear of stories of those who retire and they have no purpose in life and want to return to work. Your purpose should be to still serve the Lord with joy in whatever you do just stop saying "I am too old"!


Many feel they deserve to retire and kick back and do what they want as they have worked hard. Especially in the Armed Forces it is a well deserved honor for the sacrifice and hard work of these men and women. Unlike a civilian job they literally have laid their life on the line.

It is maybe time to visit the grandkids or take a trip or two. That  is fine. God wants to use you no matter where you are in life. The point being is not to be so into self and what you 'deserve' that you forget there are many people out there that could still benefit from your talents and gifts. You can only take so many cruises and play so many rounds of golf till maybe it is time to do something else. I have 'retired' friends who are full time missionaries.

Age should be something to be honored and respected and not poked fun at by comedians. With age comes wisdom and experience. Today we say "70 is the new 60 and 60 is the new 50!" Feel good and be thankful for the years the Lord blesses you with and find ways to bring glory to Him through your life no matter how old or young you are. You were created for a purpose! You are never too old in GOD'S kingdom to be valued and worthy to help those around you.

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to bring you a hope and a future."

You save for the future which is good and you provide for your family generations after you. God has blessed you with wealth but just remember no one says nor does the Bible say you have to retire. Keep going if that is what you want to do. God can use you wherever you are!


PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for each year of life you have blessed me with. I thank you for giving me talents and abilities to help serve others. Thank you for the gift of relaxation and thank you for money to enjoy fun times as well. Help me keep balance in my life so it is not all about me and what I deserve. In Jesus name. Amen!