Half Full??

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. Philippians 4:8

What kind of person are you? Do you consider the cup half full or half empty? I love Hampton Inn's encouraging words on paper cups, elevator doors and elsewhere throughout the hotel chain. This is what made me think of half full as that is what their drinking cups in rooms said. Their hotel chain has words of encouragement throughout their hotel.

A half full person is more of a positive sort and looks at things in a more promising way than say a half empty one who tends to think the worst of things and be on the doubting negative side. Even when things tend to not look hopeful I want to keep my mind positive and uplifted knowing the story is not over yet. There is always hope.

What do you need to adjust in your life to make you become a half full person?

PRAYER: Today and everyday I want to start out the day being positive and to try to turn conversations around that get negative or condemning. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Money Has Wings

 Command those who are rich in this present world to not to be arrogant or 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. 1 Timothy 6:17

 It is very easy to trust in our money. In these uncertain times or at any time, riches could disappear. Proverbs 23:5 says they could "sprout wings". No one should trust in their wealth. Paydays are nice but a financial default could send everyone's bank account plummeting. Would you be happy if you did not have money to rely on?  Even the poorest person in America is rich compared to many parts of the world. We are blessed then we can bless others.

Many of our grandparents and parents went through The Great Depression beginning in 1929 and those folks can tell you what it is like to do without. We have it so good now. Never take God's blessings for granted, and find ways you can help others not so fortunate. God is the one who gave us the ability to gain wealth and we are to be good stewards of what he entrusts to us.

Take time today to thank God for the abundance He has blessed you with. Never assume it will always be there. Trust in God and He will take care of you.

 PRAYER: Lord you are good and you provide us with so many things. Forgive me if I have ever been stingy with your blessings. In Jesus' name. Amen.

God Is Good, All The Time!!

I remain confidence in this, that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

In the movie 'God's Not Dead' currently showing nationwide in the US in approximately 1700 theaters, one of the phrases repeated over several times was "God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good." I have started trying to remember this when I am tempted to be upset about something or think wrong thoughts.  God has a plan and He will prevail. All the junk going on in the world, the lies,the deceit, the evil, the hurt, the pain, will one day be gone. This world is not forever.  While we are here for however long that is, we are supposed to be serving the Lord. Now of course those who have not yet accepted Christ or who are atheists would laugh at this notion. "That is a little fanatical now isn't it being religious all the time" some might say.

Wherever you are you can make a difference for the kingdom of God. Look at your life as a ministry. Your life is not just about one hour on Sunday. It is also not about acting 'holier than thou' but about shining the light of Jesus' wherever you go regardless of your circumstances. When humanly you would want to explode over a situation just say "God is good, all the time!" He really is!

PRAYER: I know everything in life has a purpose. Good stuff and not so good. Things work out. Help me Lord to be an example for you each day as you indeed are good! In Jesus' name. Amen.

RAINBOW AT 35,000 FEET

While flying back to Huntsville recently about ready to land in Dallas, I glanced out my window and there at 35,000 feet was a partial rainbow. I had some things on my mind that were troubling me and this rainbow sort of made me forget things and remember to trust God. Three months ago returning from Phoenix I also saw one. Even at that altitude God has ways of getting our focus back on Him. In the Bible the rainbow was a sign that God would never bring a flood again to cause all flesh to die. (See Genesis 9:13-16).

I write devotions to give others hope but I have to also remember to keep my focus on things above too, meaning up to heaven, and not be dwelling on early issues that really do not matter that much. Any of us, even a minister of the gospel for instance, are subject to becoming sad or forlorn if we do not intentionally stay in the word of God.

Psalm 25:5(NIV) says 'Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.'

Do you need hope and encouragement today? Do you need the joy of the Lord? Continue reading in Psalms and I guarantee you will be lifted up.

PRAYER: I am so very thankful Lord when I can count on the word of God to lift me up when I have found myself in a pit of despair. Thank you for your word which is true and guides me always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GOD, WHEN?

What are you waiting for in life? You pray, you wait. Nothing seems to happen. You cry out "God just when will you get me out of this mess?" Sometimes in life God wants us to grow to be more like Him and that often requires patience while we wait. Maybe you feel you just can not hold on any longer. It could be a situation you are waiting for in your life or a breakthrough in the life of a loved one. Regardless how you feel God has not abandoned you.

James 5:7(NIV) is similar to the topic I wrote about yesterday. It says 'Be patient then brothers and sisters until the Lord's coming.See how the farmer waits for the land to yield it's valuable crop patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.'

Can you trust God has a plan and sit back and keep praying and relax? His timetable is not the same as ours.

Isaiah 55:8(KJV) says 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.' Keep going to God in pray and in the meantime do not forget to praise Him for who He is and thank Him for the answers to prayer as well.

PRAYER: Dear Lord I ask for you to help me as I wait on you and wait on answers to prayers. I know you are doing a perfect work and I need to trust you and not be afraid. In Jesus' name. Amen.

GOD OF THE POSSIBLE

Nothing is impossible with God! Do you believe that? That wandering child who wants nothing to do with God will come back and can come back. Do you believe this? God is Able to do all things.
It is so easy to dwell on bad things and lies of the enemy. As a believer we have to make ourselves think on what is good and perfect. God can change a seemingly unchangeable situation. Each and every day you need to wake up filled with hope not despair.

Matthew 19:26(NIV) tells us ‘Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Another great verse of hope is found in Ephesians 3:20(NIV) says ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.’ Check that word immeasurably more. Don’t put limits on God. A few years ago I heard this saying “Believe receive and doubt do without.” Think on that for just a moment.
Whatever it is you are praying for and believing for a miracle keep on praying. Do not stop. God works in your heart as he works in the hearts of those you are praying for. Do not take matters in your own hands but have faith. Hebrews 11:1(NIV) reminds us ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

PRAYER: Lord at times I feel hopeless like a prayer I am praying is not being heard. I know that you hear me and love me. Help me Lord to keep running the race to win and holding on to hope which does not disappoint. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WORDS, GLORIOUS WORDS!!

Oh that wonderful little mouth. It can be a source of joy or anguish. The words that come out of it can make or break someone's heart and make or break someone's day. That is why the Bible says so much about our words. They can lift up or tear down. They can make a person feel good or make them feel belittled and terrible.

How are you words? Do you gossip? Do you lie? Do you nag? Do you complain? Do you curse? Do you say hurtful things to others? Are your words hopeful and encouraging or do they bring despair and misery? These are just some things to think about.

Your words are extremely powerful. Let's say all you do is sit around and talk about your aches and pains or bad things that might happen. If you do this on a regular basis you get in the habit of starting to feel less than hopeful. There is a verse in Romans 4:17 that speaks of 'calling things as not as though they were' or in other words step out and believe in faith that healing will come or a situation will change instead of filling your mind with doubts, despair, discouragement, and fear all the time. Just do it! Have yourself a little praise fest. Start praising God and lifting your hands up in praise to Him and tell Him how great and mighty He is and the things you are in despair over tend to go away.

I have said in previous writings that bad thoughts are not from God but are Satan. Satan does not give hope but God does. Satan does not restore but God does. Satan does not set the captive free, but God does. Satan does not bring joy, but God does. Only through the power of your believing and speaking positive will you start to transform your words each and every day that come out of your mouth. A friend of mine caught me saying something about not being able to do something cause of my ACL tear and she said "remember Becky, those ladies prayed for you and you are healed!' I needed that gentle reminder.

Today really think about what you say. Are you positive and cheerful or negative and discouraging? Jesus wants you to be joyful. He is not wanting you in torment. He wants you to speak positive. If you want to say something tell Satan to leave you alone and stop tormenting you and putting doubts in your head that cause you to speak in a despairing manner. Have hope my friend! Jesus is Lord!

As I was getting ready to write this devotion I passed a billboard for a local church that had Romans 12:12 and I thought it would be great to end this devotion with. 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.'

PRAYER: Lord thank you that when I tend to forget to be positive you are there or me to lift me up. Help me Lord not be a pit dweller and constantly be thinking negative but help me to start being positive and speaking positive. It is the enemy who wants me to feel doom and gloom ,not you. I choose to look up, not down. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link to worship the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/D5V8_k70KnI

BAD REVIEWS

 For actors in live plays either locally or on the Broadway or Off Broadway, stage reviews from critics can make a performance or break it. Likewise for a Hollywood movie if a critic happens to not like the movie, even if you thought it was wonderful, that too can kill it at the box office.

Let's see, if we had a review of our life would it be a good one bringing glory to God or just so so? Do you attract or repel people away? Do the things you say and do bring honor and glory to God or do you wish you could take them back? Have you acted foolishly and then are very ashamed of yourself? Are you salt and light or are you hot sauce and darkness?

There will come a time when this life on Earth will be over. Romans 14:12(NIV) says 'It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'" In the military they have this ceremony called "Pass and Review" where units will be marching and pass the General's location so he or she can review them. We as believers should always be ready to "pass and review" past God because in fact He knows all you do anyway. Do you suppose right now He is pleased with your life or sad that you have either forgotten Him or strayed from the faith? Maybe you are away from the Lord right now believing lies of the enemy. You may in fact be deceived and not even realize it. There may be some of you reading this having family members who have gone astray but you continue to pray that they will be back one day. Keep believing and keep praying. There is always hope!

You will always be a better person if you put Jesus first and live for Him. This is not to say struggles will not come but it is how you handle these hard times that count. You go through trials to make you stronger.

If Jesus were to come back today would He be able to say "well done thy good and faithful servant"(Matthew 25:21)?

PRAYER: Lord I want to be your servant. Sometimes I just serve myself. I know we do not get into heaven by our good works like some churches may teach but it is because of a heart change and asking you to be Lord and Savior. Even sometimes when I know what to do I do otherwise Lord and for that I ask your forgiveness. I ask you to be Lord of my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HAVE HOPE

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

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

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

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

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

Click link for awesome song of worship.

http://youtu.be/6_KXsMCJgBQ

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

A CUP OF WATER

How many readers can say they have running water and a flush toilet?Probably most. I know here in the United States we are truly blessed. So blessed as a matter of fact we may take many of our blessings for granted.

The Bible says in Mark 9:41 'Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.' For those in Third World Nations, clean water is a big deal. Many die of waterborne diseases from polluted water from filthy rivers and streams. Missionary groups go to these nations and provide water wells. One of these is the ministry of James and Betty Robinson called Life Today. (800-947-LIFE) . I have a friend whose son is a missionary also digging wells in South America. They are truly giving a "cup of water" in Jesus' name.

You may be able to give a cup of water and this provides hope or better yet you may be able to go on a mission trip to physically help. If you can't, what are some other ways you can "give a cup of water" where you are?Helping others. Seeing a need and meeting it. Get involved with Habitat for Humanity or maybe work in a soup kitchen. Helping a friend who is hurting. Comforting the grieving friend. I am sure you can think of a few.

During the 2011 tornadoes that ravished the area of Alabama I live close to, volunteers could literally give hope and a cup of water in Jesus name by physically passing out water and food to both workers doing cleanup and families collecting what possessions were left. It was rewarding getting to help and offer encouragement to many who were very devastated.

Today look around you and see who may be hurting and in need of that "Cup of Water".

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for opportunities that may come my way to help me be your hands and feet and give a cup of water in your name. In Jesus' name. Amen.

For more ways to give hope check out www.hopelifters.com and get a
copy of Kathe Wunnenberg's recently released book entitled "Hopelifter
Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts."

HEY LOOK AT THE RAINBOW!!

 

A few days ago I was flying back from Phoenix where I had been for the celebration of the newest release from author and friend Kathe Wunnenberg entitled, "Hopelifter Creative Ways To Spread Hope When Life Hurts." (I have a teeny tiny contribution in her wonderful book.) Anyway no sooner than we had taken off and the city was no longer in view the female passenger to my right tapped me on the arm and said "Hey look at that rainbow!" I do not recall ever seeing a rainbow before at this altitude above the clouds. It was pretty awesome! I wish I had taken a picture but my camera was packed away.

Rainbows are a sign of hope and promise. Rainbows are beautiful and they help bring peace and even joy to a tired weary soul. How many of you reading enjoy gazing up into the sky after a rain storm and looking for a rainbow? I love them. The rainbow is a gift from God. Rainbows are simply a beautiful sight to behold.

There is a favorite children's song of mine that was popular when my adult sons were little entitled "Rainbow Connection" sung by none other than the Muppets Kermit the Frog. It is a delightful little tune.Some of you may be humming it now just at the mention of the name.

Here I had been in Phoenix celebrating a book about hope and here was this magnificent handiwork of God right outside my airplane window.

Genesis 9:13-16(NIV) says 'I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." Indeed rainbows are a sign of hope.

What are you hoping for today? Have you talked to Jesus yet today? Imagine how lonely you would be if no one ever talked to you. God is waiting to hear you speak to him. Also thank Him for those rainbows in your life!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for the hope you give us through signs and wonders such as the rainbow. In it's beauty I think of your awesome power and magnificence. Thank you Lord for hearing my prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING FOR?

Victory from an addiction? Recovery from a loss? Waiting for that military spouse or child to arrive safely home from a war zone? A prodigal child to return? Restoration of a damaged relationship? Gaining custody of a child or grandchild? Trying not to lose your home to foreclosure?

Many things in life at times make us feel hopeless. God is a hope giver. When you feel like you are hanging on to the end of your rope and just want to let go, cry out to Jesus! He cares. He loves you. He has a plan for you even though you may not feel like it at the time.

Many people are just worn out from waiting. Perhaps tired of life and wanting to give up. Satan, the enemy of our souls, would love you to give up and quit on life. He would love it if you had no desire to keep on waiting for your breakthrough.

In life things often are not easy. As an example if you are a divorced woman, through no fault of your own, all of a sudden forced to work to provide for yourself and perhaps children too, it can be very tiring. I know a few people in this situation. It is no fun for them and at the end of a day you just wish sometimes you could throw in the towel or maybe already be in paradise with Jesus.

Friend today is a new day with new hope. Lift your hands up to Jesus and praise Him for the good things in your life. Try for a moment to forget your "plight" and thank Him for what He has done and is going to do. Each day brings new hope in your life.

Psalm 147:11(NIV) says 'The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.'

PRAYER: Lord today I thank you for the good things in my life and there are many. Forgive me Lord when I have complained about things or let the enemy make me throw a pity party. I know Lord you are on my side and I have no reason to be disheartened or fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NOTE: Please check out my friend author Kathe Wunnenberg's website about hope at www.hopelifters.com.

August 6 her newest book published by Zondervan will be in bookstores and is in pre sale now through Amazon. The title is Hopelifter: Creative Ways To Spread Hope When Life Hurts.

HAVE HOPE

 Do you ever feel hopeless, beat down, in despair and just have no clue how to pull yourself out? Well the first thing is you have to get your mind off yourself and onto God. You might want to try reading the book of Psalms in the Bible. Everyone has probably felt hopeless at one time or another. God is a giver of Hope.

God's word is the ultimate "hope manual" with it's many promises to lift you up and sustain you. One verse that comes to mind right now is Isaiah 40:31(ESV) which says 'They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.' Jeremiah 29:11-12(NIV) may be familiar to some readers and it says '"For 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.Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you."'

What is it that has got you down? Unanswered prayer? Condemnation? Worry? Fear? No matter what God is greater than mere man who brings most of our troubles upon us. You may be in anguish because of the lies that Satan has made you believe. God is much more powerful than demons. Whatever it is that is troubling you, why not let God take that from you today?

PRAYER: Father use me to bring hope to those who need it. Fill me with love and compassion. Give me just the right words to say. I know when resist Satan he has to flee. You are mighty to save. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Check out my friend Kathe Wunnenberg website at www.hopelifters.org

HIDDEN HURTS

As I sat in church one Sunday watching folks go to the altar for
prayer it struck me how so many people are walking around with hurts
and issues that we will never know about. The ache or wound is hidden
deep inside them. At times you can not tell this by looking at their
faces as some are rather good at concealing what they are going
through.

It may be easy to judge people who we think look or seem different

but then too we do not know their story and we are not to
be the judge. Many people outwardly react to things in different

ways. Judging someones appearance, heart, or actions is not right.

Who made us the judge anyway?

Pain sometimes is hidden deep inside and may even need a professional
Christian counselor to draw out.

I think of the street corner scenario or end of exit ramp where
typically, in most cities, there is someone with a sign that reads
'Will work for food' or something to that affect. Many feel these
people are all scamming us collecting tax free money and taking in
more than an ordinary person would make. If you feel led to give to
someone, that is their problem if they have lied and deceived you.They
will answer to God and your heart was right. Maybe some of them are
legitimate. Only God knows.

How about the young woman selling her body for prostitution. What
awful kind of life would lead a person to do this? We need to be in
prayer for these people and the business owners who misuse them. Maybe
the Hollywood celebrity that is in and out of court for drugs or DUI.
Instead of feeding your mind on it by indulging in gossip magazines,
have you ever considered praying for these people instead? When you
pray for someone you are much less likely to be judging and condemning
them.

Let me leave you with a couple verses from Matthew 22:26-40(NIV) which
says 'Teacher which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus
replied, love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest
commandment. And the Second is like it, Love your neighbor as
yourself. All the Law and The Prophets hang on these two
commandments.'

PRAYER: Lord today I choose to pray instead of judge and condemn. All
people are deserving of love. Many wounded are wandering around
without hope. You Lord give that hope. Use me Lord to bring hope to a
hurting person. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a worshipful song:
http://youtu.be/jM8RN8RbZhE

DON'T GIVE UP!

What it is in life that is getting you down with discouragement and
despair? Perhaps it is loss of a job? Maybe an illness that threatens
your life? Is it maybe the state of our country if you are reading
this from the United States? Loss of a friend or family member to
death recently or in the past? Perhaps guilt over abortion? Maybe you
are pregnant and unmarried? Whatever it is God hears and understands.
Sometimes when people feel "down" they may listen to "wrong

voices" and feel that the only way out is to end their life. My
friend, that is never the way out. Ask any surviving family

members of those who have committed suicide.

On talk radio the other day there was a former Navy Seal who called
in, and I wish I had his name to give him credit for something. He
had lost his leg, arm and was suffering greatly, feeling very down but
he said that talk radio "propped him up when he felt like giving up".
That is sort of how God is and our friends too. When you run to God
and run to the Bible you can have peace. When overcome by discouraging
thoughts it is necessary to not drown your problems in alcohol or
drugs. Those cures are placed in your head by the enemy who is out to
destroy you. God is here to make you whole and to get you through the
tough times to the rainbow that awaits you on the others side.

Sometimes a friend just needs to talk it out. At times you may be
tricked by Satan to not unload your burden and get help. Thoughts such
as, you will be made fun of or your friends will not want to be with

you anymore. Don't believe it! In 1 Thessalonians 5:11(NIV) it says

'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in
fact you are doing.'

You are of great value to God. He has a purpose for you. He wants you
to run your race to win. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) says 'God is our refuge and
strength. A very present
help in time of trouble.' Run to Him today.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for helping me through the storms of life that
come my way. I know Lord I need to get into the word when the enemy
gets me thinking gloomy thoughts. It is only through you that I gain
strength for each day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below for an awesome song to lift you up.
http://youtu.be/CZzUFei6slA

I have included links to some hotlines for those in crisis:
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE 

Prayer Hotline:1-800-759-0700 (Operated by volunteer counselors from
The 700 Club)
Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP 
Runaways Hotline:1-800-RUNAWAY
Veterans' Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 
ALL ISSUES: 1-800-AFAMILY (Not 24 Hours)

THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE

 A new year is a chance to remember there is always hope. No matter
what the situation you can be lifted out of your pit of despair. Jesus
is our hope! He is there when humans fail us. He is there to comfort.
He hears your prayers.

Hope is defined as a "feeling or expectation or desire for a certain
thing to happen." What is it you are hoping for? A breakthrough
perhaps in a family members life you have been praying for? The Bible
says in Luke 18:1 that 'we should pray and never give up.' Can you
keep on keeping on and pray even when it seems nothing is happening?
God's ways our not our ways it says in Isaiah 55:8.

My hope indeed is in God above, creator of heaven and earth. He alone
can do all things. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Nothing is
impossible with Him it says in Luke 1:37.

PRAYER:Jesus you are our only hope when times are good or when times
are bad. I put my trust in you. I know with you in my life you are my
reason for never giving up. I stand on the solid rock and nothing

formed against me or my family shall prosper it says in Isaiah 54:17.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for a song of praise and hope:
http://youtu.be/W48NfLLSFNc

Also please check out author and friend Kathe Wunnenberg blog at
http://www.hopelifters.blogspot.com/

NEVER, IMPOSSIBLE, WON'T HAPPEN, IT'S OVER, NO CHANCE

 

What do hearing the words above stir up in you? They are words lacking any hope. When you speak negative your mind is set up to be negative. What about the scripture that says 'nothing is impossible with God?' (Luke 1:37)

A person who gets in this kind of mindset feels hopeless. There is always hope as there is always God. When you think negative all the time and do not believe good things can happen then they probably won't. Worry and fear of the future do nothing but increase one's blood pressure. After this last election many Americans started feeling less than hopeful. The great country they know and love and the freedoms they have enjoyed are in danger of extinction. Worrying over this scenario will not help matters. Whatever is troubling you today you have to pray and never give up. (Read Luke 18:1). Almighty God is totally on our side and against evil. He may allow evil at times for His purposes.

So the words above, which are the title of my devotion today, are words that should not be in our vocabulary because they certainly aren't part of God's. Instead words of faith, hope, trust and encouragement should replace them. Stand firm, stay strong, and keep believing no matter what is troubling you today.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus many times I get scared even though your words say to not worry about mere men and what they can do. I know at times you may allow bad things to get my attention. Father forgive me when I have ever been complacent about evil and not take a stand. I fear not though as I know you are with me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below to hear a wonderful worship song:

http://youtu.be/FqXZD_z3eCc

DON'T WORRY ABOUT MAN

 

Have you ever put your trust or faith in a 'mere man' only to be let down and disappointed? Take a sports figure who is caught doping or cheating. Maybe it is a preacher who fell from grace. Perhaps a respected school teacher caught in a criminal act. Maybe it is a friend who has betrayed you in some way. For some maybe it is finding out a spouse has cheated on you. It could be an individual you trusted that it is found they embezzled money. Perhaps you shared something in confidence and found out it was not kept a secret. These are just a few examples. The point is humans can let us down but God never let us down.

When bad things happen to people, and they will at times, we are not to be the judge. Beware or the same scenarios occurring in your life. Pray for protection and for individuals caught in these traps. God does and can restore, redeem, and forgive. Often tragedies and downfalls in life cause the individual to get closer to the Lord.

Our hope and our trust should not be placed in mere man. Now in the case of the mention of an unfaithful spouse, those individuals, if they had a Christian marriage, took a vow before God to stay true to each other so that in fact should be followed as you grow in love daily putting God first and your spouse second. Don't ever put yourself in a tempting situation where you might fall. If one of the partners failed it is time to seek reconciliation and counseling to restore what God brought together. Stay best friends and this is unlikely to occur but still make sure God is number one.

Turn to the Lord and look to Him for your strength. Pray for you to stay strong and not led away by temptations and roadblocks man may put in your path.

Isaiah 40:31 says "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint."

Who do you trust today?

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for being there for me when it seems the world around me and people are faltering. Lord I thank you for being supremely in control. I look to you for my source of strength as I go through life. In Jesus name.

Click on link for a wonderful song of praise:
http://youtu.be/W48NfLLSFNc

RISE UP FROM THAT PIT!

What has you down in the dumps? Maybe nothing does and if so praise God for that. But many people struggle with worries, fears, concerns, strife and turmoil in their life. Maybe the problems are real and valid but still God does not want you disabled by fear and worries. He wants you to be set free. When you are paralyzed by fear, chaos, and things in the world it is difficult to praise God. It is easy to start being a 'pit dweller' and be overly consumed with our self and our problems. The good news is God wants to set you free. Freedom comes by trusting Christ and believing He will take care of you. He is behind the scenes. Fear glorifies Satan and peace glorifies God. Who are you giving glory to?

Psalm 107:20 says " He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destruction's." Destruction's are things that put you in that 'pit' you are in when you can not seem to get your mind off the past, fears, problems, and things dragging you down. People who are drug down are not very close to God when they are dwelling in the valley. God wants to raise you up to the mountain top with Him.

Psalm 30:3 says "O Lord you brought me up from the grave , you spared me from going down into the pit." The remedy for 'pit dwellers' is to praise God even when you do not feel up to it and to stay in the word of God. A good book of the Bible for pit dwellers is to read a Psalm a day.

So choose today where you will be. Are you going to sink into a pitiful pit or raise yourself up to be on God's mountain. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says "But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

PRAYER: Lord you are my rock,my redeemer,my strength. When I am afraid I will trust in you. Lord I love your word for in it I grow and learn to have your peace. Thank you Lord for setting me free. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord in song.

http://youtu.be/VTByzluCtMo

HELP IS ON THE WAY!!

What are you struggling with in life? Maybe whatever it is you feel rejected by God because you pray, but still don't see changes or anything positive. You may be mad at God wondering how he let a bad thing happen to you or your family member. You may feel like stopping your prayers and just letting the enemy get his wish and that is having you so upset with God you do not want church, Bible reading, and least of all prayer. You may think "well what good has it done me?" I think of a good example of the school shootings at Littleton, Colorado's Columbine high school where in one case the student killed had a praying mom in a moms prayer group yet he was killed anyway. She prayed for his safety didn't she? So what's up? Why didn't God intervene and stop these shooters? Then there was the Amish school shootings in Pennsylvania. Why on earth didn't God stop that? What about the infant that dies in childbirth after the parents have prayed diligently for a healthy safe delivery?

All I can say is I have been there and been in despair. I have listened to the enemies lies so much one time I nearly quit leading a prayer group and came close to stopping this devotional. Satan is like that. It says in scripture in Revelation 12:10 that he is 'the accuser of the brethern'.

It is hard to understand why people go through things and some seem worse than others but all know is God knows the big picture and if you study and believe His word and hang in there and keep your faith things will be okay and you will have victory.


Let me leave you with this verse in James 1:2-4 which says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

What battle are you facing today? God is there and the story is not over yet.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus things happen sometimes in life and we wonder why but after we have had sufficient time we understand. Be with those reading this today who are perhaps struggling to come to grips with something overwhelming in their life. Perhaps they see no way out or feel you have abandoned them. Give comfort as only you can. In Jesus name. Amen!

Click on link to be ministered to in song.
http://youtu.be/GsjJmk7tdk4