Wading Through The Piles Of Life

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Those of us blessed to be in America may have so many things that we really do not need. We get our 'stuff' and on top of that the mail, the books, the email, and on and on it goes and it seems we are wading in a sea of pile or being piled upon. 

Perhaps you can identify with my statement in some way. You either are under a mountain of stuff that needs to be organized or gotten rid of. The mail pile on your counter has gotten out of hand. The refrigerator contains 'biology experiments' as I like to affectionately call them, that need thrown into the garbage and then there is email, electronic trash. If you allow it to these things can really grate on you. A clutter free life is a more peaceful hectic life in my humble opinion, not saying I have 'arrived' yet but working on it. 

Maybe you have emotional clutter too that you need to go to the Lord about before it overwhelms you as well. This time of year can accentuate problems and issues. Try to keep things simple and not try to live up to everyone else's expectations and you indeed will feel better. Make it a daily point to get alone with the person whose birthday we are celebrating this month. You know, Jesus. 

PRAYER: Today I choose to wake up and get myself going. I choose to seek a peaceful life and not one filled with the clutter of life that is often unnecessary. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Offended?

A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19

Taking offense, being hurt, getting angry and shutting someone out is not a characteristic of a believer. Being offended is earthly and only leads to hurt feelings, misunderstanding, and angry. 

Has someone ever offended you? Probably the answer is yes. Have you ever offended anyone either intentionally or unintentionally? Probably another yes reply. 

Just as today's Bible verse indicates, the offended person is very hard to win back. Very sad. The definition of offended is resentful. Not a fruit of the spirit obviously. So if you struggle with this ask God to help you. If you have offended someone go make peace. 

PRAYER: I thank you for forgiveness and mercy. Help me be extra careful that I don't cause offense. Help me to learn to let go of past offenses in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Three Cheers For Our Dads

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Without dads there would not be children yet so many time moms are made into the one and only super hero at the exclusion of the all important father. Sure there are dead beat fathers out there but there are neglectful mothers too. 

Fathers play such a vital role in the development of children as well as the nurture of them. A child needs to see the mans input as well as the ladies. God designed it that way. My heart goes out to children who through no fault of their own have been tossed aside or worse yet, aborted. Or those who grew up without a father's love. 

This Father's Day if you have a dad call him, hug him, and be sure to say thanks. Forgive him if he has hurt you. Perhaps your dad is incarcerated. Perhaps he divorced your mom. Keep praying for him. Don't hold a grudge as it only deepens your hurt. Remember your Heavenly Father loves you with a perfect love. If you are a dad raise your children to love and follow Jesus. Let them see you reading the Bible. Be an example of godliness. 

PRAYER: I thank you that we celebrate Father's Day. I thank you for giving me a wonderful dad. For those who hurt today because of father wounds heal them and set them free. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Further reading: Read Psalm 128

Watch What You Say

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29

Your speech reflects the kind of person you are and is also an indicator of what your store up in your heart. If you are around positive cheerful people you will probably tend to be more like that. But if you hang out with those who swear and are angry it may eventually come back to haunt you in the form of ugliness spewing forth from your mouth.

The Bible is filled with scripture on speech, words, the tongue and our mouth. It is critical for a person who claims to know Jesus to be careful of what comes out of their mouth. You've heard the saying "If you can't say anything good then don't say anything at all?" There is much truth in that. 

Today why not be kind with your words even when someone may not deserve it or be kind to you. Let your speech reflect the character of Christ inside of you. 

PRAYER: It is so easy if angry to say something we may regret later. Loose misspoken words can deeply wound another individual and destroy relationships. Help me always think before I speak, text, or email. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Lotto Fever

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:11

The recent Power Ball Jackpot close to 1 billion dollars sent people into a lottery ticket buying frenzy. Here in my town three places that sold lottery tickets had jammed parking lots and vehicles waiting to pull in.Everyone wanted to apparently get rich quick.

Wouldn't it be great if these same people anxious to get rich quick got that excited about going to church or going to work? Riches do not satisfy. Maybe a temporary fix but numerous stories are told of winners having all sorts of problems as the years go by. Real prosperity comes from God and knowing Jesus. He is your source of supply if you trust Him. I am not saying He is going to get you a fancy car and jewels but prosperity in life in general. Prosper in some Christian circles has become a nasty word but there are places in God's word where it truly says He wants us to prosper. Prospering doesn't come from instant riches.

Matthew 6:21 says "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Is your heart in tune with Jesus. Trust Him to provide.

PRAYER: Lord it is tempting to want to win lots of money. It seems it could solve many problems when sometimes in fact it could create more. If I do ever come into immense wealth help me remember to help others by sharing. Give me a servants heart Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

I Don't Like Waiting Mommy

He says, Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.Psalm 46:10

I don't know of anyone who really likes to wait. It actually is a good disciplineto teach children while they are small though. In my travels I was at an airport waiting for a flight delayed three times. I was not bothered but this young girl waiting to get on a flight next to mine said to her mom "I don't like waiting mommy". Children can be brutally honest and that is why they are so special.

We are in an instant society. We rush about and want immediate gratification for so many things. To be able to just sit and be still is indeed a skill that needs to be developed to have a successful life. If we go about all the time demanding everyone to hurry, not only is our own peace robbed but we are not setting a good example for the kingdom of God. When we pray often we wait years for answers. God is not a genie in a bottle found on the beach. He is patient, loving, and kind and so too should we be likewise.

What do you need to do today to gain peace and learn to be still? Maybe it involves trusting God more and learning to ignore little inconveniences.

PRAYER: Today no matter what happens Lord help me to react with stillness, peace, and patience and oh yes, love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Not Just About Sunday

 "If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot From doing your own pleasure on My holy day, And call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, And honor it, desisting from your own ways, From seeking your own pleasure And speaking your own word, Then you will take delight in the LORD, And I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; And I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Welcome to Sunday! A day of rest for many. The day traditionally to go to church. Mind you, not to punch an attendance card, but to go out of love and devotion for the Lord. We are not under the 'law' anymore but those who love Jesus should want to attend worship this day. If you have been in a rut over church because you just don't like going there, then ask God to open the door to a new vibrant church where God's word comes alive to you. Also ask Him to change your heart and your attitude. 

Once Sunday has passed and Monday rolls around it is not time to put away anything related to Jesus. We need to keep the 'armor of God' on each and every day because our enemy, Satan,  is not taking a vacation the other six days. (Read Ephesians 6:10-18). If you are not prepared for spiritual battle by studying and meditating on God's word daily how will you stand up to the enemy? In physical combat soldiers train ahead of time before they meet their enemy. We too as believers need to be doing likewise. 

Does Christ hold first place in your life? I I am not saying this to bring guilt or condemnation but only to ask you to search your heart. Maybe it is time to have your spirit renewed and come alive again. 

PRAYER: I desire to delight myself in you. I know the sprit of complacency and disinterest is not from you Lord. Give me a renewed sense of joy each and every day and not just on Sundays. Convict those Lord who do not care to spend anytime with you of their need for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Pray First And Always

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 Are you believing for something in your life? Maybe in the natural people may say it is impossible. Perhaps you are faced with a seemingly difficult stressful situation. What is your normal response when under pressure? The answer should not be "freak out" but it should be to pray and keep praying. Nay sayers, maybe some even close to you, may say it is useless or there is no hope.

No matter what situation you are up against the natural man wants to fret, worry, stress, and lose control. The godly man chooses to think it through and let God be the guide. When letting the natural man be in control ultimately Satan is the winner as he has you not trusting God and not believing in miracles.I don't know about you, but I want to let God help me control my emotions under pressure. Humanly it is easy to just lose it under certain circumstances but why not practice crying out to God when you feel like doing otherwise.

PRAYER: I love you Lord and thank you for the perfect peace that I experience when I go to you in prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Note: Today is the last day of 21 Days of Prayer from Church of the Highlands, Birmingham, AL.

 To view it go to http://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/service/

Evil Around Us

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Sixteen years ago today the unthinkable happened. Thirteen innocent high school students were shot to death at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado by two other students who later took their own lives. At the time, shootings like this were pretty rare, especially one of this magnitude in a very nice suburb of Denver, Colorado. At the time I lived in a Phoenix suburb and when I heard the news had just dropped off my older son to his high school after having lunch together.  Later, come to find out that one of the thirteen dead had a mom who was in the same prayer ministry I was in, there in Mesa, Arizona entitled Moms in Touch(Moms in Prayer now). 

The typical thing you hear during tragedy is why did God let this happen especially to the son of a praying mom.  I have no answers and I am sure this boys' mom also had no answers. Bad things do happen and sometimes to good people. But God can turn tragedy into triumph.  Prayers always go up to make something good out of this horrible mess. 

The thing is, in life there are bad things and good things. Good and evil. This act by these two young high school students was the height of evil. What caused them to go beserk and commit these atrocious acts. We can only lift those families up in prayer who probably relive this every April 20th. Do not get bitter but get better and if tragedy comes your way unexpectedly pray for God to give you the ability to press on. 

PRAYER: Thanks for each day of life you have given to me. Help me to comfort those who weep and stand firm when faced with the unexpected myself. Help me release any bitterness to those who do evil. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Waiting And Praying

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

What are you waiting for and believing for? Seems as if we are in a prayer waiting room of sorts. God has heard us but His plans and timing prevail. Our job is to have faith and hope. 

God is not a genie in a bottle or a magician. He wants to hear from you about whatever it is. A wayward child. Immense grief. Need of a job. Change of heart or attitude. Freedom from depression or suicidal thoughts. Renewal of a marriage on the brink.  Whatever your need He cares so let Him hear from you. 

There are those who mock prayer and the ability of God to act. He is God and His purposes prevail. He wants your heart and He wants you to love and trust Him. Do you? 

PRAYER: Lord thank you that any time day or night I can stop what I am doing and talk to you in prayer. You hear me and you indeed care. Keep me patient as I wait to see the answers to those prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

New Friends, Old Friends!

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

If you do not speak up to strangers you may never make friends. I have found this to be true that someone has to make the first move to speak up. For instance, in the locker room at Redstone Arsenal recently I said hi to a young lady and ended up talking fifteen minutes and found out she was new to the post and her husband was active duty. Basically no friends or connections yet. I gave her my card(even if you do not have a job you can have cards made up) and talked to her about Moms in Prayer since I found out she had children at home. I look forward to hopefully hearing from her.

If you feel lonely sometimes you have to take the initiative to be first in calling someone or sending a card.  Don't always wait for others to contact you. There is a saying "Make new friends and keep the old one is silver and the other gold!" That is so true. Don't get cliquish and not include others. Look for hurting or lonely people because they are everywhere. Sometimes a smile is all it takes to brighten someone's day. 

Show God's love wherever you are today. Open a door for someone at a store. Let someone in front of you in line. Pay it forward perhaps in a drive thru. Give an unexpected gift to a friend. Call your mom if she is still alive, or your dad. Send a card to someone. Now go spread friendliness!

PRAYER: Thanks so very much Lord for helping me show your love to others. Thank for helping me love even the unlovable. I choose to be kind and nice and do it because it makes you happy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Peace With People

Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Are you irritated in certain situations such as bad traffic, waiting in line, dealing with co workers or a boss, a slow waitress? If so then you know you need to probably work on developing a peaceful spirit and not one constantly agitated. People who are not peaceful can tend to easily explode and could make a scene. If you are a believer in Christ and want to attempt to live for Him and emulate Him around the clock then ask The Holy Spirit to indwell you and fill you with perfect peace.

When a person is less than peaceful they go through life always angry or upset. Things do not go their way and they 'pop a cork' so to speak. This then could escalate into a angry words, a physical confrontation and from there, who knows what. It is necessary to get a grip on being a peaceful person and being peaceful with others.

It is your choice. Peace or restlessness and worry. Only you can decide.

PRAYER: There have been times in my past Lord I acted less than peaceful. I choose to be peaceful and not allow the craziness of life to turn me into an upset person. Give me your strength. In Jesus' name. Amen.

You Have Need Of Patience

Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

As I sat gazing at a lady in her van at a coffee shop, myself being inside by the register, as we both waited and waited and waited some more for our order, I simply smiled at her and shrugged. Why get upset? Our world is so much for instant everything. That is not God's way. When things don't happen fast or according to our time table it is easy to give up or get mad.

This is not what God wants. Throughout the Bible are stories of waiting. Man's way is always rushing and getting things now. Unfortunately or maybe fortunately, God does not operate according to our rules. I know I am thankful for that! His plan is better and sometimes it involves waiting.

Do you have a problem with trusting God and waiting? Just as a farmer waits for a crop or lady  waits for her newborn baby, we too need to develop patience so as to not wreck God's plan.

PRAYER:Lord I am thankful for the times I learned to wait and want to forget the times I messed things up by not. Thanks for guiding me along the way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Glorifying God?

 Do you not know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16

On a daily basis we should be trying to glorify God. This is in your actions, your speech, and even in your thought life. I heard a saying once that said "if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Meditate on that or awhile. It's not saying are you a church member or are you baptized, but are you bringing glory to God on a regular basis.

If you work for a company that wears uniforms, when you go out in public you want to remember you represent this company simply by wearing their uniform. You do not want to bring discredit upon your employer by wrong behavior. Similarly as a believer we have to remind ourselves that we, in fact, are Christ's representative wherever we go.

Are you walking with the Lord and bringing Him glory daily or is there an area of your life that needs some work?

 PRAYER: It is my desire to be conformed completely to your image. Help me remember each day to be a good representative for the kingdom of God. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer Rooms Abuzz

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

I have had people wonder why I go to Starbucks since they tell me they are anti-Christian.  I say to them that I am to be like Jesus and go spread His love not just in Holy places. One day as I sat in Starbucks early in the morning  the place was so loud with people talking. Every table was occupied. I was in my cubby hole back In a corner writing. With all this activity buzzing around me I got to thinking about how excited people seemed to be while enjoying their friends, coffee, and socialization. I thought "wouldn't it be great if there were little prayer houses similar to a Starbucks that is so popular and people could get excited about congregating to pray and have fellowship"? 

It was not my place to stand in judgment of anyone in the coffee shop but I did wonder how many had spent time with the Lord before rushing into their busy day. Often times it is so much more convenient to do worldly things such as the morning shows on television, stop for coffee on way to work, hit the gym, read the morning paper. All these are fine activities but if anything takes the place of Jesus that is dangerous territory. When you spend less and less time with Him your thoughts can become more and more like the world. 

So what do you think. Anyone want to open a chain of morning prayer houses? 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I allow other activities to squeeze you out or only give you a passing thought. You are so patient but I know you miss me when I rush into my day without you. Help me in time management to put you first. In Jesus' name.Amen.

It Hurts So Bad!

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

There was a song in the sixties whose lyrics said "And you know that it hurts so bad to see you again"  and it was referring to a young couple who had broken up.  If you can remember back to high school days it did hurt when you broke up. It also hurts for children to be left out. It hurts when a spouse leaves. It hurts when a spouse dies. It hurts to lose a child. It hurts when you are excluded from your extended family. It hurts when you are a grandma being kept from your grandchildren. It hurts to be abused and abandoned. It hurts to be fired or laid off.  It hurts to be shunned. It hurts to be rejected. It hurts when you feel like a failure. There are many scenarios where a person can suffer excruciating emotional pain which at times they feel they can never escape from.

We all come from different backgrounds and have different stories. The one thing to remain is that God's love for you will never go away. He is there. He loves you. When you are deep in  pain you feel like your world is just falling apart and you can't possibly go on. The good news is it takes time but you can heal and even grow from whatever it is you have suffered. Our enemy Satan would love to use your pain to cripple you and keep you away from God. This is when you need Him more than ever. Cry out to Him my friend! He is listening and cares! 

PRAYER: Lord I need you oh I need you. Every hour I need you. Oh bless me now my savior, I come to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for wonderful song of praise and worship.

http://youtu.be/6_KXsMCJgBQ

Beyond This World

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And there was no longer any sea.I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. Prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying. Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. For the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:1-4   

Death is going to come to everyone. As much as Hollywood movies such as 'Forever Young' try to depict  freezing people until a cure is found for their disease we  all will die. Death isn't to be feared. It should be feared if a person hasn't  asked Jesus into their hearts.

Grieving hurts. The loss of a baby, a child, or a teen especially is difficult. God loves you my friend. Do not turn your back on Him. There is joy to come in His kingdom. 

PRAYER: Lord losing friends and family to death is hard but help me rejoice when they go home to meet you in the clouds. I look forward to heaven when it is my time. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Press On!!

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:13-14

There are times in life when maybe you just feel like quitting.  You pray and pray and pray some more about an area in which you are waiting for a breakthrough but then discouragement sets in. The Bible does say in Luke 18:1 to pray and never give up. A defeatist attitude comes from the enemy of our souls,Satan. He is the one who tries to get you to quit, not go to church, not be "religious", have wrong thinking, speak poorly of others, act superior to others, and just any thing  that pulls you away from the Lord and causes a lack of hope.

Press on my friend. Charge ahead. Keep going. Don't quit. Believe. Hope. Your hope is in the Lord Jesus and every word of the Bible is true. Even when things don't seem to be changing maybe the Lord is also trying to work out something in your own life. Hang in there and run your race to win.

PRAYER: Forever Lord you are faithful. You hear my prayers and I know you love me. Give me strength to endure while I wait. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Whoa! Did I Say That?

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord my rock and my redeemer. Psalm19:14

Do you ever catch yourself wishing you could take back something you just said, texted, or emailed? I sure have. Being hasty to speak can often times backfire. The more prudent person waits and thinks if there is any doubt about their words being misinterpreted.

Many times in scripture, the mouth, the tongue, or words are talked about. How one little hole in our face can cause joy or pain is a mystery. Words are so very important. If this is an area you have trouble with, do a study in your Bible and find as many of the verses about talking right that you can. Each and every day commit to only saying things that will build up and not tear down. Do not be in a hurry to "get back" at someone who hurt you with their words. Try to remember that you are to be like Christ.  It is the enemy that stirs up bad emotions and tries to cause trouble. Don't allow it. Make up your mind today that you will wait and think before talking.

PRAYER: I thank you for the gift of being able to speak. Help me Lord to use wisdom in how I respond to people. I want to be a witness with every word I speak. 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.