HAVE YOU BEEN GOOD? HUH?

Around this time of year how many of us have heard someone say to a small child "have you been good" referring to of course telling them Santa is not coming to bad boys and girls? The focus of Christmas should be on Jesus and not on Santa Claus in my humble opinion. Centering something on getting gifts from Santa takes away from the babe in a manger and the best gift of all.

Asking a child if he or she has been good sort of sends a mixed message of "I have to be good to get anywhere in life". Of course we want our children to do good and be good but people mess up sometimes. Guess what? God is not after perfect people who do not make mistakes. He will still love us and forgive us.

Micah 6:8(ESV) is a favorite verse of mine. It says 'He has told you O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.' Simply put in a nutshell. God is the only one who is truly good. We should want to follow His example and be a good citizen and share Jesus' love but not to put conditions on getting gifts. Jesus is the best gift of all.

Ephesians 2:8-9(KJV) says 'For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.' Have you made Jesus Lord of your life?

PRAYER: I thank you Lord for this time of year to be able to focus on giving and sharing. Help me to remember to give and share the other 11 months as well. I know you desire a pure undivided heart that loves you. Help me Lord to seek you first and not the worlds' things. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GRACE

What does it mean to have "grace"? I once heard it means "God's riches at Christ expense". That catchy acronym may be a good way to understand it. The dictionary defines it as "free and unmerited favor of God." It is also kindness we do not deserve because all of us are sinners. 1 Corinthians 6:11(NIV) says 'And such were some of you but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.'

In the movie "Amish Grace" which is based on the true story of the Amish School shootings in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania back on Palm Sunday, March 28,2010. When we hear of school shootings it is shocking enough and we can be flooded with all sorts of emotions. When I learned of the Amish School house shootings it was hard to imagine who would go into a one room school house and target only Amish girls. Most people would want revenge, lawsuits, and hate to be shown to this man and his family. Instead with the news media present these Amish dealing with their own loss and pain forgiving this man and his family. They held no grudges. And they went to the funeral of the killer when no one else cared to.

I guess we could certainly learn a lesson from the Amish. Humanly we may want to strike out and get back at people who have hurt us or killed a family member or friend but God's way is always greater and higher than that. These hurting grieving people reached out and forgave. Forgiveness is the quickest way to healing.

What are you dealing with in your life today? Maybe there was a wrongful death? Perhaps no one has murdered a family member or something that drastic but is there someone you feel does not deserve forgiveness? You will feel better if you can genuinely let go of your hatred and give it to God. Even try praying for your enemies. It says we are to do that in Matthew 5:44. 'But I tell you , love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.' I didn't say it, God did.

PRAYER: Father sometimes I find it hard to let go and forgive. I know through you I can learn to do this. I know your son Jesus died on the cross and said to "forgive them for they knew not what they did" so help me Lord to be able to do this if I have to or need to. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below for a powerful song of praise to start your Sunday!

http://youtu.be/ObynvvZiUZY

TESTING TESTING 1 2 3 4

Are there things in your life that test your patience? Most of us would answer yes. Check out lines that are too long when you are in a hurry. The Internet not coming on or working too slow. Your phone going dead. A slow elevator. Waiting for your order at a restaurant or waiting to be waited on. Tailgaters on the highway. Delayed or cancelled flights at the airport. Waiting for the train or subway. An important piece of mail to arrive. Results of medical tests. Waiting for an appointment in a waiting room. Trying to find someone to help you at your local big box store. A person who talks ugly to you or is mean. Traffic jams or traffic going too slow for your liking. Waiting for it to be morning if you can not fall asleep at night. A flat tire or overheated engine. Perhaps a car that won't start in cold weather for my friends that live up north. Many things happen in life to test our ability to stay patient. Perhaps you were able to identify with one I listed above.

I heard a sermon once that said your 'test' might continue till you are able to master it with a Christian response and not one of anger. Anger does not achieve anything. It simply gets your blood pressure to raise and makes the recipient of your anger angry too. Hand gestures, flashing car lights, saying ugly words, and other ways to react against a person that has caused you to wait do no good. Responding with grace is the best solution.

First of all patience is one of the fruits of the spirit mentioned in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23 when it says "And the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law."

Why not pick an area that you are weak in on the patience meter and try to work on having a godly response? Ask God to help you not be mad, mean, or revengeful and to react instead by being like Christ. Let's say Jesus were at a store and trying to find a clerk. Do you think he would yell and spout off and make a scene? Funny to imagine Jesus this way but I want to make a point. If we claim to know Him we are supposed to be trying to be like him. Anger directed at a clerk is not a good way to witness or show God's love.

Let me end with an awesome verse in James 1:19-20. It is one to memorize to help all your relationships. "This you know my beloved brethren, but let everyone be slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to get angry.For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. "

PRAYER: Lord I desire to not let things in this world upset me that I can do nothing about. Give me your strength to keep my mouth closed when I feel like reacting to a certain situation. I choose to try with your help Lord to remain with a peaceful spirit. In Jesus name. Amen.

MESS UP LATELY?

Everyone has times in life when they mess up or make errors. Errors on paper or errors in judgement or errors that separate you from God. There is not one single person that has not made mistakes. This past week I for one made a few errors in writing my blog and three kind friends let me know. No one is perfect except God.


Why do we point the finger and talk about certain people and their sins? A reminder, Romans 3:23 says "We have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory." "Well yeah but so and so is a prostitute or committed adultery and that is way worse". Yes it is bad but it is not worse or beyond God's healing and forgiveness.

Matthew 7:3 tells us "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Instead of condemnation, those who you think are doing the 'worst sins' in your estimation, need love and prayer. Also something to remember and memorize in the Bible is 1 Corinthians 6:11 "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God".

Stop for a minute and meditate on the goodness of God and how we do not deserve  his love at times because of how we act or treat others. Is Sunday the only time you even think about Jesus? You should let the love of Christ dwell in your hearts and help to change your life 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We are all capable of sinning and messing up.


The next time you think you are so great and someone else has messed up worse remember it says in Ephesians 2:8 "By grace you have been saved -through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God". Just thank the Lord he is there willing, ready and able to forgive you and cleanse you if you only ask Him. 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness". Keep in mind when you point at someone to find fault the other fingers on your hand are pointing back in your direction.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you can redeem and restore. Father help me to not be guilty of thinking I am so wonderful and others are worse sinners. Help me to pray for others and to remember any of us is capable of slipping up. That is what the enemy wants us to do. It is wrong to judge others so help me to keep a tight rein on my tongue and to only use my words for blessing not judging. In Jesus Name. Amen .

Click on link before to worship the Lord in song:
http://youtu.be/66zqQBxhUDA

DON'T CONDEMN AND JUDGE! PRAY!

Recently one of my favorite pastors was in the news for a alleged incident involving a family matter. I choose to not elaborate as  to not cause further 'Christian gossip'. If you do not know who I am referring to it does not matter for the purpose of this devotion. Ministers of the gospel are put up on a pedestal of sorts and held to a certain standard but they too are human and they too can have their problems. When something happens and they are well known and it makes the news atheists and others rejoice and are glad especially when their ministry is reaching millions worldwide with the saving message of Jesus Christ. Satan loves to take advantage of it as well. We are as brothers and sisters in Christ not to join in and start fault finding and condemning but we are called to pray for this servant of God who obviously knows they did something wrong and is hurting inside.

We are just as wrong when we start flapping our tongues and talking about something. James 1:26 says "Anyone  who says he is religious but can not control his tongue, you are fooling yourself,and your religion is worthless."   This goes for when we hear about movie stars such as Lindsay Lohan or Brittney Spears for instance who have numerous issues in their life. They do not need our scowling and finger pointing but these young ladies are struggling in their life and need people to pray for them. When you join in the talk around 'the water cooler' you should act like a follower of Christ and that would not include being a gossip would it?

Galatians 5:1 says "Brothers if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself or you too could be tempted." In other words we are all capable of committing sins of all kinds whether we have accepted Christ or not. The entire chapter of Matthew 7:1-5 is about judging and it says "Do not judge or you too will be judged.For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged,and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother 'let me take the speck of  out of your eye ' when all the time you have a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take  the plank out of your own eye and the you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

 Are you able to love all people? Are you able to leave the judging to God? Do you think it is right to gossip even if you think it is innocent say 'like at church'? Start today to love like Jesus loves and to pray for those who are hurting instead of condemning them. Pray for those lost and leading a life going in the opposite of what Jesus wants them too. This could be a world leader, a government official, a family member, a friend, a teacher, a co worker, and the list goes on. It is hard to condemn someone when you are lifting them up in prayer.

 I will end with this Bible verse from Matthew 5:44 that tells us to " Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."   Psalm 19:4 says "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart,be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord my strength and my redeemer."

 PRAYER: Lord in the world we live in it is easy to be  caught up in condemnation and 'innocent' gossip. I know this displeases you. Let my words be pleasing to you and let me show love to those who hurt or who have gone astray. In Jesus name. Amen.

NOW GO AND SIN NO MORE

Lately I have been writing lots about sin. In these United States it seems laws are made  protecting and encouraging some sorts of sin. This is very disheartening and must break God's heart.  Some churches are afraid to even preach about sins and would rather stay neutral in this moral culture war we are in. Preachers, rabbi's, and priests who claim to be walking with the Lord need to have strength and courage to confront these issues and not cave in and brush them under the carpet. They need to speak the truth. And if a particular political party or leader is identifying with sinful activities a believer should ask themselves should they really identify themselves with them just because their family has always voted a certain way. Vote as if God were standing next to you at the polling place.

There are more sins other than just the obvious ones of abortion and same sex marriage which currently are in the political arena. There is no such thing as the 'worst sin'. Murder, lying, gossip, gluttony, adultery, sodomy, stealing,dishonesty,  sex outside marriage, divorce, lust, cursing,thinking wrong thoughts,  deception, and many more things separate you from God. The good news is God can forgive and forget your sins if you truly repent and go and sin no more.

In John 8:11 when speaking to the woman caught in adultery Jesus said "..Neither do I condemn you now Go and sin no more." If you are truly remorseful and come to Him and pray, He forgives you. Psalm 103:12 says " As far as the East is from the West, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." It is Satan who tries to condemn you and make you feel that what you have done could never be forgiven. Satan is a liar and will try to get you to dwell on past mistakes and not God's forgiveness and grace.

We all are sinners saved by grace. God loves you and he wants you to lead a life pleasing to Him. Today search your heart and ask yourself if anything in your life goes against the teachings in the Bible. Further ask yourself "If Jesus was here would I engage in this activity?" This might change allot of what you do.

PRAYER: Lord thank you that you are a God who listens, cares, and forgives. Thank you that you love me no matter what I have done. Father it is my desire to please you in all things. In Jesus name. Amen.

Disclaimer: Occasionally You Tube attachs ads to their songs and does not care that they are inappropriate for Christian songs. I apologize for any ads that may be on that are offensive. Simply click 'skip ad' and enjoy the worship song. Satan is trying to get into even these song attachments.

Click on link for another awesome praise song.
http://youtu.be/a7QQGPv1Ikc

GOD ALLOWS DO OVERS

Have you messed up somewhere in life? Perhaps you had a misunderstanding with someone and they shut you out of life? Maybe you were put on probation at work or even worse, fired. A disgruntled spouse filed for divorce siting 'irreconcilable differences' and broke up a family. Maybe your church even shunned you, which I often have a hard time understanding how the body of Christ could shut hurting people out, but some do. They 'shoot their wounded' so to speak.

First of all scripture tells us in Romans 3:23 that " we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory" and in Romans 3:10 says "there is none that is righteous, no not one". Remember the verse in John 8:7 that says "let he who is without sin cast the first stone"? Also "be careful lest you also fall" which is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:12. In Ephesians 2:8 it says " By grace you are saved by faith". Then there is the verse which reminds us we have all 'been there, done that, got the tee shirt shirt' so to speak in 1 Corinthians 6:11 when it reminds us "and such were some of you."

Mere man may fail us and set up their own list of requirements for how you can be accepted and loved but God is not like that and aren't you glad and breathing a sigh of relief?

PRAYER: Thanks Lord that you allow me to start again when I have made a mess of things. Sometimes humans will reject us but you NEVER do and for that I praise you and thank you. Forgive me for my sins Lord. I want to live a life that brings glory to you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/Jo8dgK4RvWM

ARE YOU A SINNER?

You betcha, we all are. The fact is we need to recognize no one is perfect but we also need to not purposely sin when we know something is against what the Bible says. The Bible says in John 8:7 "let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

Many try to talk themselves out of sin by changing what the Bible says. I have heard some say "Well sex before marriage is not a sin if the couple is going to get married", but wait, they are not married yet. (See Hebrews 13:4). Drinking is itself not a sin but drunkenness is.(See Ephesians 5:18). Lying is a sin.(See Colossians 3:9). Cheating is a sin. (Income tax time ring a bell?) Stealing is a sin, such as even office supplies you may innocently take home,

See we are all sinners. "All have sinned and fallen short of God's Glory" it says in Romans 3:23. Some people may like to put some sins into the five 'worst' categories but there is no such thing. Sin is separation from God and doing things against his word, period!The good news is God forgives. 1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

"All of us like sheep have gone astray" it says in Isaiah 53:6.  All of us have! No one is perfect. You point your finger in judgement at someone there are three more pointing back at you so get down off your 'holier than thou' pedestal because pride is a sin too. "But wait that guy on television in the orange jump suit and handcuffs did a much worse sin that what I did." Whoops. There you go again. Judging and classifying right and wrong. That is not our job. Our job is to love, show mercy and grace and be ready to forgive. Can you do that? If not clean up your own act first then ask God for the power to love others despite their shortcomings, as we all have them.


PRAYER: Thanks Lord that you forgive us when we mess up and do things that displease you. Help me Lord stay on the straight and narrow path. I want to walk with you and serve you .Help me see clearly the difference in good and evil and follow after the truth .In Jesus Name. Amen.


Click on link and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/eNhz8BMTqsk

BE STILL LITTLE MOUTH

The little tongue in our mouth works for good or bad. The mouth and mind have to work together to learn when to speak and when to be silent. Words can be spoken when they should have been left unsaid. Learning to speak courteously, honorably, with love, with purity, thoughtfully, and with a purpose takes patience and self control. Every time we feel like talking we should not necessarily talk. Some people speak and are misunderstood and hurt people. It sure is hard to tame the tongue.(See James Chapter 3). Our mind thinks things and we may just blurt out something. If you have this problem ask God to give you self control, discernment, wisdom, and patience. It is Not always necessary to talk.

Many Bible verses deal with this. James 1:19 says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry." Proverbs 10:19 says "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." Proverbs 14:29 says "whoever is patient has great understanding but one who is quick tempered displays folly." In Proverbs 29:20 it says " Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them" and finally in James 4:11 it says "Brothers and sisters do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law you are not keeping it but sitting in judgment on it."

If you have been the recipient of spoken words that have hurt be a big enough person to accept an apology from the offender instead of dwelling on a mistake. Fueling the fire only keeps  arguments going. Put out the fire now and move on. Unforgiveness does not bring glory to God. If anyone does not offend with their mouth they are a perfect man. I do not think I have heard of any perfect person except Jesus.
Stop right now, take a breath, and think before you overreact or say words that can not be taken back. You will feel better in the long run and bring more honor to God. If you have been hurt by words give the person grace and move on. Jesus forgives and we should too.

If you have harsh mean people in your life who do not want to extend forgiveness give them to God. Let him heal wounded angry hearts.

PRAYER: Lord forgive me for the times I have not stopped to think how my words are going to be received or how they will affect the hearer.  I do not intentionally want to hurt anyone so give me self control when speaking. Help me know when to speak and when to be silent. In Jesus name. Amen!

Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I

GRACE

God is great. He forgives and moves on. People have a hard time forgiving and forgetting. Some people even who claim to love Jesus can not seem to show love and grace to those who messed up but say they forgive but then shut them out of their life. Doesn't sound like the grace God gives. If you say you are a Christian then you need to learn to live and love like Jesus. Holding grudges will not cut it. We are talking love and total forgiveness. What if God said, "well I would  forgive you but you did it so many times so I am sorry but I can't"! Well good news. God is not like people,thank goodness! Even those people who have messed up in the ultimate way of ending up in jail deserve to have God's grace. Even someone who has murdered can be forgiven. God is like that, yes He is!

Why can't we humans follow his lead? We make up our own little rules for who we accept and who we shun. God does not say," I can not take the way you act or your personality! Leave me alone!" Now that may seem funny to think of God talking that way because He never would. I am trying to make a point. God forgives so we too should be like Him and forgive and show grace to those people.

Romans 3:23 reminds us "We all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory". Yes each and every one of us. "Come on down"! If you think well I am not that bad or my sin is not that bad well think again. No categories of sin to God. Sure some have worse consequences but it is still sin. Who are we to play God and decide who deserves His love. He loves all of us even the most vile person who turns their back on Him which many do today. We might just start to think we are pretty good. Look out for that type of haughty attitude as your downfall may be waiting around the corner.

In 1 John 4:20 it says "If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." When you are hateful and condemning and putting people down you are certainly not showing the love of Christ. In John 8:7 it says "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Are you able to show God's live to everyone and be kind and a salt shaker for Christ? If not ask the Lord to come in and change your heart.

PRAYER: Lord I want to be more like you and be willing to not stand in judgment over those who have fallen short because we all have. I know you extend grace so help me learn to do the same. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord with a wonderful praise song.
http://youtu.be/GI5Yiyv5O0s

BUSY FOR GOD: NOT THE TICKET TO HEAVEN

Many people think working in their church is what God expects of them to get to heaven. You can do all sorts of good 'church things' and be on wonderful 'church committees' but that is not the formula for winning admission into heaven. You can stay so busy you have no time nor energy to minister to those around you. For some people these acts of service seem to be the ticket to life in heaven. Many can not seem to stop filling up their schedules with wonderful Christian activities. You can do so many that you do not do any really well. Then  you are tired and worn out and have no time for the family at home that loves you.

I once heard an acronym for BUSY was 'being under Satan's yoke'. There are religious sects that feel that works save them. Ephesians 2:8-9 says "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Sure once you know Jesus as your saviour your heart will change and you will want to do things for people but it is not necessary to be on every church committee or in every Bible study to enter heaven.

2 Timothy 3:4-5 says we are to beware of people who are "treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." Perhaps this could mean those who are real 'churchy' and 'religious' but do not want to name the name of Jesus or talk too much about Him. Their committees at church will suffice. That is plenty of 'religion' for them. We are to train ourselves to be godly it says in 1 Timothy 4:7, not 'religious'. I often hear people say someone must be going to heaven because they are 'religious'. Being religious is not the way to heaven but knowing Jesus as your saviour is.

Matthew 7:22-23 says "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ This will surprise many who feel they have done so much. It is not the doing but the believing Jesus and asking Him to be your Lord and saviour.

Where is your heart today? Are you connected to the power source, that being the Lord Jesus Christ? Denominations and church membership do not save you nor do 'works' save you. If you are not sure you can ask Him into your heart right now. Say "Lord Jesus I am a sinner and I need you in my life. I want to live for you and follow you all the days of my life. Come into my heart right now."

PRAYER: Father I love you and do like to do good things for people but I know these works alone do not save me. Transform my heart to be more like yours. Help me shine Jesus light around me wherever I go. In Jesus Name. Amen. 


Note: I saw the following video clip on NRB TV and it sort of puts in a comical way the way some Christians view their entrance into heaven. Click on link below.
http://youtu.be/3P_fsoFkzXA

RESPOND WITH GRACE

Occasionally  when I am stumped about a subject to write about something happens to give me an idea. Thank you God!!  My idea came this past Sunday when the airline we were to fly on for our upcoming ski trip called to cancel and wanted to book us on next day. Needless to say this was unacceptable and would mess up our entire  trip. When things like  this happen we can choose to 'pop a cork' and explode at the poor agent on the phone, who is only the bearer of this bad news, or we can choose to blow it off and go with the flow. Anger never gets any one anywhere. Whether it is to an innocent defenseless clerk at a store, a waiter or even sad to say some family members and friends who bear the brunt of cutting hurtful remarks at times, anger is just not the way to go. James 1:20 says " The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."  Anger hurts people and breaks things.

What does God's word have to say about the way we respond to people? First let me say we should always make believe Jesus is in line behind us or sitting beside us before we go off on a verbal tirade. If we truly were convicted of what we said being offensive and hurtful to our heavenly father then perhaps some of the  'beating up' on people with words would cease.  There is no person on earth who deserves to be talked down to, hurt, and ridiculed.  Remember we are told in the Bible we will give account one day for every careless word we have ever uttered.(See Matthew 12:36).

Ephesians 4:2 says "With all lowliness and gentleness with  long suffering, bearing with one another in love." Get that! It says to do it 'in love'! Screaming and hurling insults are certainly  not loving and I am sure most of us would not talk to Jesus that way. If you think about Jesus being right there with you at all times then it probably brings great pain to Him to hear and see us acting in a less than Christian manner. Verse 7 of this same chapter continues by saying "But to each one of us grace was given, according to the measure of Christ's gift." What is grace? Unmerited favor for one.  It means dignified, polite and decent. When someone hurls insults or hurtful speech at us we can chose to lash back or talk to them peacefully and with love. Believe me, this is difficult to do as human nature wants to get back and get even. This is not God's way. Remember it is Satan who wants us to be in constant fights and turmoil as when we are upset we are not showing the fruits of the spirit. If you call yourself a child of God then you need to practice acting like one. If you are married to someone who talks to you ugly just keep responding in grace as hard as it is. Ask God to help you stay cool, calm, and collected.

If you truly follow God's word and study it daily then you can look up the scriptures on anger and words and there are many. If you are one who abuses people with your words stop now and ask God to help you calm down and show Christian love instead. If you have hurled insults at someone say you are sorry.
Ephesians 4:29 says " Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may input grace to the hearers."

Colossians 2:6 says " So as you have received Christ Jesus, walk in Him."  Make believe you are talking to your minister and I am pretty sure the ugliness will end. God is way bigger and important than your minister and he is sad when you hurt others verbally. Be an example whether  at home or in the marketplace.

PRAYER:  Lord help me to be kind to all people. I know sometimes things make us mad but help me Lord to 'take a step back' and think what I am saying. I know hurting others with words is not pleasing to you. Help me always let my speech be seasoned as with salt. In Jesus name. Amen.

Note: Please say a prayer for Denise Carter. She is my friend who originally  got me started doing daily devotions over one year ago. She has been in ICU for over a week with legionnaires pneumonia but thank God is getting better and off her ventilator. Keep her and her family in prayers. She lives here in the Huntsville area. Don't talk about it to other people as that only starts gossip but simply just pray..you and God. Thanks...Love you all. Thanks for reading this blog each day.