Be Kind To Everyone? Really?

Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?Romans 2:4 NLT

 I often have heard those I know to be followers of Christ saying they can't stand someone, or worse yet say they hate them. Maybe they call them derogatory names. In this time of political unrest and breakdown of our countries laws you may be tempted to utter those words, that you hate someone but instead try to pray for them. This is very hard when a person intentionally is doing harm or evil.

Is there a difficult or mean spirited person in your life or do you have trouble showing love to those who perpetrate evil deeds? Try uttering a prayer for those whose hearts are bent on evil. Ask that they turn from darkness to light.

Don't talk ugly about your fellow man whether or not you feel endeared to them or not. Ask for the strength to love the unlovable.

 PRAYER: Only you Lord can help release hate from hearts that are prone to darkness and evil. Help me never stoop to the level of putting down others, making fun of them, or wishing evil on them. Instead help me humble myself and pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Deliver Us From Evil

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13

When you recite the Lord's Prayer do you ever give thought to the words you are saying or perhaps you hear it so much you never picked it apart and gave it much thought.
When you think of evil what comes to mind? I think of people like ISIS terrorists who hate Christians and Jews and saw their heads off while the victims scream. For sure that is the height of evil.

Evil is associated with Satan. Evil can also be subtle as it is one of the tricks of the enemy to lure us into his trap. If things are not good and righteous they are evil.  There is good and bad, right and wrong. Evil is very wrong. We are to be praying for those we may know who are being captivated by wrong thinking and do not make a habit of studying God's word for truth. Evil forces would love to ban the Bible for they know it is truth.

Be on your guard my friends. Satan is prowling around seeking whom he may destroy. Stay in the word of God on a daily basis. Start with the book of John in the New Testament and  be strengthened for spiritual battles ahead.

PRAYER: I resist the enemy Satan and he has to flee. I reject the lies of Satan and his demonic forces. I pray for protection for those whom I know who are being captivated and do not realize it. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a song of worship to begin your day:

http://youtu.be/AtzNecqxeSI

LOVER OR HATER?

Do you know that we are to love one another? Most reading this may have heard that before. Do you really love everyone? Really?

Do you find yourself talking bad about people? Do you make fun of people? The Bible is overflowing with verses about love, the kind only God can give us. In the book of 1 John 4 verse 20 it reads as follows 'Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.'

Have you been guilty of saying a certain person drove you crazy? Maybe you do not agree with opinions of others. Guess what? No two people are alike. Every individual is flawed in some way. If I act better than someone or too good, then I better look out. Only God is truly good. It is our job while on this Earth to love others with the love Jesus Christ gives us. A transforming love. The kind of love a mother of a murdered son displays to the killer of her child. The kind of love you have for someone who has spoken about you poorly. This is love only from God.

Do you want that kind of love today? It is only a prayer away. Ask God to transform you into a lover of the unlovable and watch Him work.

PRAYER: I cry out to you Lord. I am by no means perfect and have lots to learn about your perfect love. Occasionally I slip up and for that I ask for your forgiveness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

STOP GLOATING

It seems our world is full of people wanting to get back at people. It is what keeps attorneys in business. Maybe if someone hurt you, you want to get them back. You feel extreme hatred to a person who took the life of a friend or family member in a murder or auto accident and say you want them to receive justice too and get hurt just like they hurt the other person.

It is true that in a court of law people have to account for what they have done wrong. But for we as individuals to wish them ill will is not right either.

Right now our country is buried in scandal and turmoil and people need to be held responsible for the law breaking and atrocious things that have been hidden. Usually it will fall to the person ultimately responsible which in our countries' case would be the President. We need to pray and continue to pray and not be sitting around wishing he would get what is due him. Even though it is "natural" to hate and wish the worst thing when you have been wronged we really need to get our emotions under control. The Bible says in Romans 12:14(NIV) 'Bless them that persecute you. Bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another.'

Our most effective tool in anything is prayer. If you are feeling hatred or immense anger over a situation ask God to replace it with supernatural love and pity for that person. This battle is about good and evil. God and the devil. Spiritual warfare. Proverbs 24:17-18(NIV) says 'Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.' Instead practice the power of prayer. In dealing with our nation's leaders and the corruption that is being uncovered, just pray for the truth to come out and righteousness to be done. Do not allow hatred or anger to control you. Let God do His work.

PRAYER: Lord I know we are commanded to pray for our enemies in Matthew 5:44 to pray for our enemies. Lord I can only do this through you and with your power. Lord Jesus you ultimately are in control and I need not worry but to trust you have a plan. Forgive me for any anger or hate I may have had. I want to remember to pray and let you do the rest. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link to post your prayers and read others prayers. This site is not run by the government but is independent.

Www.presidentialprayerteam.org

CHRISTIANS...A HATE GROUP...SAY WHAT??

Who would have ever imagined our own government trying to classify those who love Jesus and love their country a threat or a hate group? It is absurd, but this is exactly what is occurring subtly here in these United States of America, and many people who are ill informed think I am crazy for even saying such a thing. We may not be in the very "last days " but we indeed are approaching at a much swifter pace. I have been asked to not write about "politics" but guess what? Politics are mentioned in the Bible not in the Democrat or Republican sense but in things like rulers, kings, laws, taxes, morals. It is all in there! The church-state thing is totally been taken out of context and reported over and over again til people believe a lie and distort the facts. The people are supposed to be free to worship without government intrusion not the other way around.
This is how the enemy works when trying to take out one of the most God fearing nations on Earth. He spreads his lies, deceit, and trickery. He can get people to "buy into" his schemes. That is his speciality. God's speciality is truth,love, and overcoming lies. Satan is referred to as the "father of lies" and indeed he truly is. (Read John 10:10).

In our modern day he can even get church goer's to jump on his bandwagon so to speak. We are definitely in a battle of good and evil and right versus wrong. Spiritual warfare is in full swing.
Even something as simple as getting angry is not something from God. Think about that awhile.

Disagreeing with someone on an "issue" does not equate to the very strong word "hate" but today that is what is happening when we as believers speak our religious convictions and are told we are hateful. On the contrary, we are convicted and believe the word of God and feel love for those souls being led astray by the tricks of the enemy. Satan's mission is total destruction and he does work overtime to accomplish what he sets out to do.

God is more powerful than Satan but sometimes it is easier or more "with it" to believe a lie. Many laugh or mock at the notion of Satan, but let me tell you that he is very real and he is out to take you and I down with whatever method he can. That is why it is so very crucial to know the word of God and do not just expect one hour on Sunday to make you okay because it can not. If you go to school and only listen to lectures but do not do the rest of the work at home you more than likely will fail. You see what I mean?

In Ephesians 6:10-20 it speaks of this battle of good and evil. It says 'Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.'

Be a light in this dark world around you. Matthew 5:11-12(NIV) says 'blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and say all manner of evil against you because of me.Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven. For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'

We know the times are tough and we know the enemy is out to tear us to shreds but we also know that God wins in the end.

PRAYER: Father I thank you for loving me and helping me know how to answer people if they should make fun of me on account of you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Click on link for one awesome song!

http://youtu.be/dRAQ7XCJefQ

TRAGEDY, SADNESS, AND CHRISTMAS

Christmas time is happy and joyous for most or so we might think. Many people associate a family members death around this time of year and can not seem to get past it. Death may have occurred prematurely for a young person and when it is time for Christmas, the ache of that memory of that loss lingers on.

Yesterday the unspeakable tragedy occurred when a gunman opened fire at an elementary school in Connecticut with 20 young children among those killed. The families of these children will indeed have a horrible time at Christmas this year. Who would think of killing small innocent elementary school children? It is hard to comprehend why this would even happen. Who knows? Evil is out there and it works overtime to destroy our world.
The news media will be on the bandwagon now to ban all guns. It is a fact that this world has become ultra violent. People who are against guns always use times like this to try to take them away from law abiding citizens. It is not having a gun that is the problem, but it is what is in the heart of man. It is no wonder people do evil things especially since look at what is on television and in the movie theaters these days. Why on earth does everything have to be about killing and violence? Why is it necessary to make video games depicting crime and violence? Taking prayer out of our public schools in 1963 was certainly a huge factor in the downfall of our American society as well as removing the Ten Commandments.

Why are some so offended about the name of Jesus and the word of God? First of all Satan is alive and well and working his evil schemes in the heart of mankind. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:10(NIV) that ' the name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.' It is only through Jesus that you have eternal life.
There is good and evil in our world and yesterday's shootings were definitely in the very evil category. We need to pray for the families of the victims, the family of the shooter, and the entire community. Also pray for First Responders who had to come upon this unimaginable scene. Pray also for clergy and counselors in the area to use words of faith and wisdom in their counseling for the many people affected by this tragedy. Also pray for our government to not overreact to try to abolish our Second Amendment rights.

Once again we do not know why bad things happen to good people and especially to little children. This is not the time to get angry at God although many people do. They say 'why didn't you stop this Lord?' God can bring goodness out of tragedy although it may not seem so at the time.

In attempting to comfort those in grief, it is not the time to give them a bunch of Bible verses. It is time to be a friend and comfort them and pray for them.
Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV) says 'The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?' Mark 7:21(NIV) says 'for from within, out of man's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder and adultery.' You can see from reading these two Bible verses how important it is to get your heart right with God. You keep it right by feeding it a steady diet of scripture. This is how you grow in love and learn to stop hating. For now we all need to simply keep all those involved in this senseless tragedy in our prayers.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help us keep in the word of God and stay on the path of goodness and righteousness. We know Lord you too are hurting to see little children gunned down but we also pity this shooter who obviously had some problems. Father God we ask that you work something good out of all this tragedy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DO YOU LOVE LIKE JESUS?

This is a loaded question. Do you love people you disagree with? Do you love those that hate you? Do you love those spreading lies? Do you love those people in public office who do not truly love this country? Do you love those who cheat and steal? Do you love when you do not feel up to it? Do you love when someone has mistreated you? Do you love when rumors have hurt you? Do you love when you get offended? Do you love those people behind prison walls? Do you love when you feel left out? Dp you love those who have more than you?

Love is a word that is thrown around so much. For those of you married it is good to read the "love chapter", 1 Corinthians 13, in the Bible perhaps once a month and do what it says. Love is not just a feeling. But for the purpose of this devotion today I am dealing with a broader perspective on love.

Sometimes we have to ask Jesus to give us love for someone. We may not "like" what a person is doing or has done but God will handle them. Our job is to pray and love. You can not get prayers answered when you hate. Harboring hate is sin and it says in Psalm 66:18(NIV) 'if I would have cherished sin in my heart the Lord would not have listened.' Is there anything you are "harboring" today? Any bitterness? Any hate? Any lack of forgiveness?

Sometimes you may feel so angry or hurt you do not think you can possibly love or even like a certain individual. Your job is simple. Lift them up to the Lord in prayer and if they are doing something wrong tell God to deal with them and change their heart. Ask God to give you a super natural ability to love them. Say 'Lord help me love this person with love only you can give me'. Also in Proverbs 24:17-18 (NIV) it says 'Do not gloat when your enemy falls, when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice. Or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from him.'

Your job, should you choose to accept it, and I hope you do, is to love God with all your heart and then ask Him to help you truly love others.

PRAYER: Father God I confess to you there have been times when I have a hard time loving someone especially if they are trying to hurt me and they are evil and do wrong. Father it is only through you I can show Christian love. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below and worship and praise the Lord in song:

http://youtu.be/qaHmiFaX_pk

DO LOVE JESUS AND DO HATE SIN

If you happen to have children, no matter what their age, there is a prayer that can be prayed for them. Pray that they love the things Jesus loves and hate the things He hates. Jesus loves the sinner but hates the sin. In this world we have many opportunities to fall into sin and the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life. That is why it is essential that if you claim to know the Lord to stay rooted and grounded in the word of God. Pray this same prayer for yourself saying "Lord help my heart be broken by what breaks yours. Convict me of my sin."

Lately many seem to be writing their own rules for sin. A certain part of the Bible rubs you the wrong way then simply ignore it. For instance in the Bible it clearly states marriage is between one man and one woman and yet many, some even in Christian circles, choose to believe otherwise, and do not seek to learn the truth or be set free if they are caught in Satan's deceptive trap.

Others who claim to love the Lord may see nothing wrong with killing innocent babies in the mother's wombs in the name of "choice". What about the babies choice? Isn't it God's creation you are snuffing out? Killing a baby is not health care or a choice. It is murder!

We are told to not lust yet how many regularly attend movies with half naked women which insight lust? We are to use pure speech but once again the type of entertainment you may regularly choose to attend may take the Lord's name in vain or spew forth cursing like you would never repeat or should not repeat.

The thing is, we can not lead a "double agent" life for the Lord. Is what you are doing Holy? Really truly ask yourself that. Do not be so deceived by the lies Satan throws out that you can not clearly see right from wrong and good from evil. Satan is a master at warping minds and deceiving the masses. Would you be ashamed if the Lord were to walk in on your activity? Think about that because guess what? He is with you all the time. Sin is sin, there is no compromise. But there is forgiveness and redemption. There is a saying 'the ground is level at the foot of the cross' meaning no matter how vile the sin God has not classified them into a "sin scale".

Luke 10:27(NIV) reminds us' Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.' When you love someone you seek to please them and bring joy to them? Does your life bring joy or sorrow to our Lord?

Today if you know you are caught in a trap of deception that Satan has laid out for you stop right now and call out to Jesus. He is there to set you free.

PRAYER: Lord God forgive me for secret sins and those not so secret. Help me to learn to run the race to win and casting off works of darkness. Help me to not think to myself, 'I am not so bad'. Father I choose this day to truly seek to lead a life that pleases you and to not judge others. That is our job. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a powerful song of redemption and freedom.
http://youtu.be/-08YZF87OBQ

GOD IS RULING ON HIGH

A week ago in the United States our elections were held and the saying is 'let the best man win' but not necessarily. Things happen for reasons unknown to we mere humans but the thing is our ultimate 'ruler' is God on high, creator of heaven and earth. Our supreme enemy is not a man or a candidate but it is Satan who has caused spiritual warfare here on earth. If he can get us fighting between political parties and not against him then he has success. Satan gets people deceived and believing lies. He is the Father of lies.

I have a few Bible verses I want to share with you. The first comes from the book of Psalm 47:8 and it says "God reigns over the nations. God is seated on His holy throne." 1 Chronicles 16:31 says "Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad. Let them say among the nations The Lord Reigns." Psalm 22:28 reminds us "For dominion belongs to the Lord and from His throne He rules the nations." Psalm 103:19 says " The Lord has established his throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all."

Do you catch yourself saying ugly things about a person when knowing the real thing you need to do is pray? Christians are not supposed to be letting their mouth get out of control. It is difficult, but when and if you catch yourself slipping ask the Lord to help you. If the individual is doing something not of God, in your opinion, let God deal with him. Your job is to trust God and pray. This goes for lifting up leaders even when we do not agree with them or fear they want to do us harm. Freedom is very precious and our religious freedoms especially. Evil forces would love to drive them completely out of this great land and do it in the name of politics and so far is starting to do that at many levels.

God will take care of those doing wrong and spreading lies. Once again our job is to pray and try to love like Jesus loved. Proverbs 19:9 says "A false witness will not go unpunished and he who breathes out lies will perish."

So my friend we are to keep trusting God, keep praying, and not give up hope. God rules over all and His kingdom will have no end.

PRAYER: Father I thank you so much for the fact that when things in our world go crazy I know you are the ultimate ruler and you do not like it when a man tries to become like you and lord over the people. If anyone is guilty of this Lord set this country free from the chains oftheir tyranny. Protect our own land and we pray for our own President that he can learn to turn to you and treat the people kind and not be divisive. Father convict him of wrong and help him have a servants heart. But Lord Jesus we know you reign over all. Fill our minds with peace as we wait for your return one day.Moreover Lord protect Christians from being caught in Satan's web of deception. Open our eyes to the truth that sets us free.Thank you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to enjoy a wonderful song to lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/tPE-MoT_QG0

LOVE CAN LIFT YOU HIGHER

Do you really love with God's love? This means all people. What about the rude store clerk? Perhaps the inattentive waitress? Maybe the tailgater that has followed you for miles? What about someone who sues you? Maybe a boss who expects 6 days of work in 5 days? Is there a friend who has decided they no longer want to be a friend? Let's say it is a mean neighbor who keeps being ugly.Whatever the case guess what? God still wants you to love them.

All I  know is The Bible tells  us to love. It does not just say on Sunday and to our church friends. It means love those hard to love. As I call it 'loving with the love of Jesus'. Jesus loves all of us and some of us are pretty unlovable at times. Just try to do it.

Romans 12:9 and 10 says "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."  Matthew 5:44 reminds us to "Love your enemies and pray for one who persecute you."  Next time you are angry at a person doing ugly things to you try praying for them. Yes you heard me right.  It does not matter who it is. They may be a total stranger or a family member. Ask God for the strength to be kind no matter what. You can not truly be like Jesus till you learn to love like him.

PRAYER: Lord God I confess there are times when I have not been a loving person. Help me to remember to be like you in my dealings with all people. Help me be especially kind to those in my family who sometimes are easy to hurt the most. Help me not lash back when spoken harshly to and keep my mouth from uttering things that would not bring glory to you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Note: Once again I have included a wonderful praise and worship song to lift your spirits. Click on link below and be blessed.
http://youtu.be/SOVF634y6-Y