IS JESUS FIRST?

Do you love the Lord with all your heart, your soul, and your might like it says in Luke 10:27? Really? Are you on the throne of your life or is Christ? Really? Do you choose other activities over Small group, Bible study, or church? Why? Too busy. Prayer doesn't work. You would rather do other things.

Have you lost your "first love" that being Jesus Christ? If you are a new parent are you raising your newborn infant in the ways of the Lord already or the ways of the "world"? These are just a few things to think about.

Maybe you never asked Jesus to be Lord of your life. Perhaps you are a better Catholic, Baptist, Presbyterian, or Methodist, to name a few, than a follower of Christ. The enemy can trick you into thinking being a "church member" is the key to heaven. It is not. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:18(NIV) that 'The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.'

Pray and ask God to give you a "burning desire" for Him or pray for those loved ones who are drifting away to get a hunger for you again.

PRAYER: I love you Jesus. Forgive me if I have ever let the ways of the world the precedence over the things of God. Forgive me when I have turned my back on you. Bring back(fill in a name)to you in a mighty way. In Jesus' name, amen.

TOO MUCH ON YOUR PLATE?

When a person gets overly committed or busy the saying is they "have too much on their plate". The question is , is God on that plate at all? If so He needs to stay on it and some other things need to perhaps come off. This is so very true at this time of year. Why oh why do we allow ourselves to ruin the birthday of the savior by over committing to parties, socials, church activities, cookie baking and then we find ourselves frazzled? Is this anyway to celebrate the birth of the King of kings and Lord of lords?

A person does what he really has a passion for. For instance, I love to exercise, hike, and write so I make time to do those things. Oh yes I love to spend time with God too. That does come first but sometimes I have forgotten. It is easy to let the urgent requests of life squeeze out the savior. Here, of all times, we are getting ready for Jesus birthday party but people seem like they are worn thin.

We should be rethinking our priorities. Many attend church once or twice a year this being Easter and Christmas. It is a holy holiday after all. But is that "babe in a manger" in your heart all the other days or is Christmas about toys, shopping, eggnog, and traffic jams? It is something only you can honestly answer. Do you need to step back and change your plan this year to fit Jesus into his own birthday?

Isaiah 9:6(NIV) says 'For unto us a child is born, a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

PRAYER: Lord I can get caught up in all the commercial aspects of Christmas and I really do not want to. Christmas is about giving because the best gift ever was given to us. You! Forgive me Lord if I have put you in the background during your own celebration. In Jesus' name. Amen.

MAINTAINING

 

Life requires maintenance. Our cars need regular care to run properly.Our bodies need proper food, rest, and exercise to stay healthy. Our spiritual life needs daily work to stay strong in The Lord. Marriages need to maintain that "in love" feeling by remembering what made you fall in love. It may be necessary to mend a garment of clothing before it falls apart. You get the idea.

In relationships time together is critical. Value each other, respect each other, forgive if necessary, put the other truly first, show honor, display kindness, and leave God in the equation. If you do these things your relationship should grow and you should become closer not further apart.

Colossians 3:14(ESV) says 'And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.' Love, selfless love, truly does want the best for the one they love. Being this kind of person will surely make for a relationship that is maintained by God above.

PRAYER: It is my desire to show your love to friends, family, the one I love and to those I daily make contact with. I choose to maintain myself by keeping you in the center. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Note: Finish reading all of Colossians chapter 3.

WHO HATES WHO ANYWAY?

The word "hate" is being thrown around lots today in political circles and sometimes "religious" circles. If you speak out against something you do not believe in such as homosexuals getting married then you are classified by some as one who hates. If you speak out against the new healthcare law because of how it was rammed down our throats then some say you are hateful and do not care that all people should get medical care. If you think a business owner has the right to hire who he or she wants and yet a transgender or cross dressing individual applies for a job and are not hired them obviously you must hate them.

First of all HATE is a very strong word. People who hold a certain opinion and express it are not people who hate unless they say the word hate. Hate means hate. Webster's describes it as "intense hostility". A person of faith who holds the Bible to be the infallible word of God and simply expresses an opinion is not a hater. We disagree, that is all.

Hatred is often followed by acts of anger and rage. We as believers are on the defensive today all over the world. Some can openly express their religious beliefs and in the United States the First Amendment has guaranteed it. Right now that is not the case when lawmakers refuse to abide by it.

Christians need to stand up and be heard in the public square. There is a saying that "evil triumphs when good men do nothing."(Sir Edmund Burke) Deceptive spirits are causing people to believe lies. Scripture is being changed to suit the needs of the time. The Bible is not to be changed. Hebrews 13:8(NIV) says 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, yes and forever."

1 Peter 5:8(ASV) says 'Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.' Whose voice are you listening to?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus help me be protected from deceptive spirits that try to get me to believe the lies of the enemy. Lord Jesus help me be diligent to show myself approved as a workmen that does not need to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth as it says in 2 Timothy 2:15(NIV). Lord help me to show your true love to all I meet. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ROOTED OR WILTED?

Are your "roots" deep in the soil of God's word or when the first storm comes into your life do you wilt and blow away with the wind? Think about plants in a garden. The ones that get proper care in the form of water and fertilizer will usually have deep roots and grow healthy and strong. Those that get neglected will cease to become thriving plants and may even die before producing fruit.

In your spiritual life do you neglect reading the word of God? Do you feel Sunday is enough to suffice and get you through the week ahead? Has being called a Christian become mundane and more of a "title" more than something you really are?

As I sit writing this devotion I am in a coffee shop that plays Christian praise and worship music. It is lifting my spirit just being in here. I want to raise my hands and sing.

Do you seek more of God or have you become satisfied and are wilting on the vine of life? It is necessary to feed on the word of God on a regular basis to stay strong.

Psalm119:11(NIV) says 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.' How can you be armed for the battles coming your way without the word of God to make you strong? Start today and grow in grace and truth by feeding daily on His word.

PRAYER: Lord I do thank you for giving us your Holy word as our guidebook for life. Without it I am weak and become fearful. I choose to stay strong and grow strong by feeding on it daily. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click link for a powerful song of worship.

http://youtu.be/6Jo3y_XoHHQ

I LOVE JESUS, HOW ABOUT YOU?

The Christian singer Carman has a song where the the lyrics say "I love Jesus yes I do, I love Jesus, how about you?" Do you love Jesus?

The word love is thrown around so flippantly at times. There is the love between man and wife which should be eternal, deep, truthful, permanent with Christ as the center. There is the love of friends where it is loyal, kind, and faithful. A person can say they love a certain food, sports team, college, vacation destination, or pet. We love our family, or should.

Love is kind, truthful, forgiving, honest, merciful, loyal, genuine, friendly, kind, and above all unconditional. Think of that word unconditional. It means "without conditions". God loves us unconditionally so we too need to love others in the same manner.

1 John 4:20 says 'whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or a sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love of God who they have not seen.'

When you love someone you want to please them above yourself. You give before you take. This is why the question is "do you really love Jesus" do you like to please Him by your thoughts, words, and actions? 1 John 1:6 says 'if. Claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.' So are you a liar or a lover? Start today to show the love of God to all tho you come into contact each and every day but give God your true love.

PRAYER: I love you Lord. I love your word The Bible. I love the promise of a heavenly kingdom. I thank you for helping me show love to all people even when they might not show it back. Love always wins out. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below to listen to the song I mentioned above by Carman.

http://youtu.be/RgXWIXgaMXA

I'M WAITING

A few days ago two cute stray dogs showed up on my back porch. They were friendly and clung together like two little buddies. Out in the country where I live there are not "leash laws" like I was used to being a former urbanite city and town dweller. Anyway these two just hung around waiting to be loved on and ultimately fed. Being the soft hearted person that I am I gave them some cat food. One dog was a lab mix and the other a beagle mix. Both just laid side by side on the porch in anticipation. As they waited they drifted off into nap time.

Sort of reminded me of how Jesus is waiting for us each day to spend time with Him. He waits and does not pester. Like the dogs wagging their tails showing they were friendly Jesus too is sitting and waiting to be loved on by us His children. He waits, and waits some more and yet keeps waiting. We may throw him a "bone" to make him temporarily happy and to have Him settle down till we have time. He is not going anywhere. He waits, waits, and continues to be patient. He is not angry but is sad. Like a loyal pet, He wants attention and affection.

Are you too busy to be bothered? Is your "to do" list so crammed full of the duties of your daily activities that you forget to spend time with Jesus? He is not condemning you for ignoring Him but He sure wants His "children" to want to spend time in His presence and get to know Him. Just like a friend, there is no way to know them well unless you make an effort to go and do things together.

Why not make a daily appointment with the one who loves you more than anything? Each day make Him the most important thing on your list and see what happens. You'll probably end up with more time.

Hebrews 3:15(NIV) says 'As has just been said, "Today if you hear His voice harden not your heart as you did in the rebellion."'
Do you desire to spend time with the Lord? If not ask yourself why not? If you do not know where to begin just talk to Him. Sit down without the television blaring or radio playing and just talk to Him. Perhaps read a chapter in Psalms and just begin your day with Him as your first appointment. What do you think?

PRAYER: Father I am delighted to spend time in your presence. Forgive me because there are times I get distracted and let other things squeeze you out. I know you are sad and Satan is glad. I choose to out you daily on my high priority list. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link to worship God in song.

http://youtu.be/b-oZbBS_OhM

ARE YOU CONTENT?

What makes you happy? Do your possessions make you happy? Does your "stuff" bring you joy? If all your "things" blew away in a tornado,were destroyed in a flood or fire, or were stolen could you still be content? If everything you owned were gone in an instant would you not know what to do with yourself?

In Philippians 4:12(NIV) it says 'I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.' Can you make this verse sort of your "marching order" and try to live a life bringing to glory to God without worrying about your possessions?

1 Timothy 6:6(NIV) reminds us 'But godliness with contentment is great gain'. In Luke 12:18-21(NIV) we see a story of a the rich fool who seemingly was not worried as he had things set aside to make him comfortable. These verses say 'Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Where is your heart? Are your things or your hobbies more important than serving the Lord? Only you can answer that question.

PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have worried about my "stuff" and not been content with just the fact that you will take care of my needs. Help me remember things will not get me into heaven but loving you and being willing to take up my cross and follow you will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for an awesome song to get your day going! Happy Saturday! Be blessed!

http://youtu.be/JQqXKzhtBYE

WHAT IS FIRST? FACEBOOK OR HIS BOOK?

 

Be honest for a moment. When you get up each day and get ready what is more important to you? Do you check your Facebook and see what all your friends and family are doing or do you sit down with a cup of coffee and pick up the Bible and strengthen your spirit with God's word? The 'world' tries to distract you with the things that are not that important in the big scheme of things. Is the morning show going to help you more or is the Bible? Will seeing everyone's pictures on Facebook make your day any better? The things that are most important have to be prioritized. I am not trying to guilt you into not relaxing and enjoying a few worldly pleasures but trying to get you to think for a moment where you spend your time and what you put first.

The Bible says in Matthew 6:21(NIV) 'For where your treasure is there your heart will be also'. Meditate on that scripture for just a moment. Is Jesus your passion or just a passing thought? Do you look forward to spending time with Him each day or would you rather get up and turn on the morning news?

You may have been all excited about God and Jesus this past Sunday on Easter but guess what? Jesus is more than just an "Easter thing". For someone who names the name of Jesus He should be your way of life and a "habit". He is part of your going out and your coming in. He is mighty to save and ready to help you through all of lifes ups and downs. It is not just about church on Sunday but it should be a way of life.

Stop and ask yourself if you need more of Jesus in your life.Only you can answer this question. Do you want more of Jesus in your life or is Sunday enough?

Your assignment today is to read the first chapter of the book of John in the New Testament. After you have done this ask God to give you a passion for His word and getting to know Him better. He can and will transform your life if you ask Him to.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I need you in my life each and every day. I can not do life without you in it as an active part. At times I have let other things become more important and squeeze you out. Forgive me Lord. I run to you now and ask you to help transform me into your image. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below and tune your heart into Jesus:

http://youtu.be/6Jo3y_XoHHQ

WHO IS THE FOOL NOW?

 Are you a foolish person? Do you know what pleases God but go your own way and do your "own thing"? When I think of a fool the picture of the joker in a deck of cards comes to mind. I do not know about you but I do not want to look like or be like a "joker" or a "fool".

Yesterday's devotion dealt with not being foolish. There are so many scriptures relating to this. Foolish people are easily deceived by Satan. Someone who knows the truth but compromises their values because they have let Satan infiltrate their mind could be classified as foolish. The enemy loves foolish people as they are easily led astray.

Psalms 14:1(KJV) says 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt. They have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.'
At one time or another we have all probably acted in a foolish fashion. The thing is, we recognize our error and turn from it asking God to help us be wise. Being wise in our own eyes without the Lord's help is utterly foolish.

Do not be foolish. Make time for God and the reading of the Bible each day. Don't just wait till Easter or Christmas to "get religion" but make it your lifestyle. Psalm 10:4(NIV) says 'In his pride the wicked man does not seek him, in all his thoughts there is no room for God.'

Do you have time for God? Would you rather be considered wise or foolish amongst your family and peers? I know my answer and I for one need God to help me daily lead a life pleasing to Him. Do not let your life be controlled by the "lies" of Satan but walk in wisdom letting Jesus be your Lord and savior.
PRAYER: Today Lord I seek your face. I thank you for helping me to stay on the path of wisdom and not the path of a foolish person. Help me remember to pray daily and read your word to get rid of any possibility of a foolish spirit residing inside of me. You are my Lord and I choose daily to hear your voice and walk with you.In Jesus' name. Amen.

JESUS...NOT JUST FOR EASTER!

What a joyous day this is for Christians everywhere!! This day is one
of my favorite. I have many happy memories of celebrating Easter. It
is not about egg hunts, pretty clothes, and crowded churches. It is
about a man who came so that we might have life and died a horrible
death on a cross for what? So we could ignore Him for 364 days and
come to church one day a year? So we could do our own thing and
disregard what scriptures say? So we could only cry out to Him in our
desperation? No matter what we have done or how we have treated or
mistreated Him, he is forgiving and wants you to come to Him and accept
Him into your heart. How many humans do you know who could be treated like Jesus was and just turn the other cheek? Not very many probably.

If we name the name of Jesus we are to try to follow in His footsteps and be Christlike and holy. Many times we get caught up in what is popular in the "world" and sort of leave Jesus out of the equation. This is what is happening in America today. Too many of us are complacent about our walk with Him and compromise so many things. Sin is still sin. The Bible has not changed. Hebrews 13:5(NIV) says 'Jesus Christ is the same today, yesterday, and forever.' Proverbs 18:10(ESV) says 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous man run into it and are safe.'

The busier we become the less time we have for things that matter. One of our priorities as a believer should be saturating ourselves in Bible teaching. How do you expect to win the battle against Satan unless you are properly "armed" with the promises in the Bible?

Why not try to get excited about Jesus on all the days of the week? He should be first place in a believers life. What do you need to do to make the feeling of Easter last throughout the year?

PRAYER: Lord I confess that at times I have not studied your word enough and may be tricked, deceived, or sucked into one of the schemes of the enemy, Satan. I purpose in my heart to put you and your word first. I know Satan will throw things in my path to distract me but help me resist and run the race to win! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below for a powerful worship song:
http://youtu.be/X_2qG22SPwU

BUNNY OR THE CROSS?

The celebration of Easter Sunday is upon us in two days. This is the
day people crowd churches who do not normally attend anywhere or at

any time. Somehow these "lily Christians" as an Air Force Chaplain

friend called them, know it is the right thing to do so hurray for

them! Church at Easter is not about bunnies, new clothes, and colorful

eggs. It is about the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Today marks
Good Friday when Christians commemorate the Lord's crucifixion and
death upon The cross. This is a sad day for some but a solemn day
leading up to Easter and Jesus arising from the dead!

Who do you serve? What is important to you? Is Easter just an excuse
for a new dress or suit? Does this Holy day mean a family portrait for
some? Regardless of what you do on this day you can not deny that
Jesus died a cruel death on the cross for you and I? Many choose to
totally ignore Him and go their own way. Even many who claim to be
Christians rarely get into the Bible and study it. "It is boring or
too deep for me" you might say. "Why do I need to know the Bible?" is
another possible response. "Look get off my case because I go to
church don't I?" is another verbal response. Remember it was said
"going into a church won't make you a Christian any more than going
into a garage will make you a car."

For some the only Bible verses they may know by memory are John 3:16
and the 23rd Psalm. The first verse is recited time and time again to
little children in Sunday school. The 23rd Psalm is often read at
funerals and therefore many are familiar with it. Does it go beyond
there? Would you like it to? If you answered "no" then possibly ask
yourself if you truly ever did ask Jesus to be Lord of your life.

Psalm 51:10(ESV) says 'Create in me Oh Lord, a clean heart and renew a
right spirit within me.' Can you make that your prayer today and
every day?

PRAYER: Lord I am thankful for your word, The Holy Bible. I am
thankful in this nation to be able to worship freely. I know many
countries people can not. I ask that you help we in thus nation not
take you or your Holy Word for granted. Forgive me Lord if I have ever
let other things get in the way of knowing you better. In Jesus' name.
Amen.

"STUFF" GETS IN THE WAY

I love it when I have gone on vacation and leave my "stuff" behind. I
find that I can truly live without all the "stuff" we think we need on
a day to day basis. Sometimes our "stuff" gets in the way with our
relationship with Jesus. We can put hobbies, sports, vacation and a
host of other things before Him and He totally gets left out of the
equation.

I loved it when we used to camp with our children and some camp
grounds would have church services. In Breckenridge. Colorado they
hold church up on top of one mountain. Copper Mountain, Colorado,
where our son Jon used to work, has church service in an actual chapel
on the premises and even up on the mountain. It is nice to go on
vacation and not forget God. He after all is the one who helps us get
our "stuff" that sometimes gets in the way of being with Him.

He wants to be first place in your life, not in a legalistic way of
punching a ticket so to speak to say "Hey I have been to church today.
Check that block for the week". No He wants you to want to be with
Him. Material things are not bad. Hobbies are not bad. Enjoying sports

is not bad. But when we allow things to squeeze God out and forget

about Him then that is where the problem is. Too many distractions and
things get in the way of having a personal relationship with Him on a

daily basis. And we give Satan a victory when we forget God.

Perhaps it is time to take a look at your life and do some shifting
around of priorities. Maybe you need to find a church that loves Jesus
that you are excited to go to not one you dread getting up and saying
"oh no not again'. Do not give up on God and let the things of this
world and all your "Stuff" squeeze Him out. He is waiting for you to
ask Him to be part of your life. Do it today!

Mark 12:30(NIV) 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'

PRAYER: Lord I want to truly love you with an over the top sort of
love. I do not just want to enter the doors of a church and "be
religious" for one hour but I want a relationship where I am excited
about being a Christian. Lord help guide me if it means changing
churches or changing myself. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and praise God in song.
http://youtu.be/IdJBYyNsQd0

READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL

How many of you out there have ever had the joy of putting together a
swing set? What about learning how to use a new 'communication device'
also known as a phone? Maybe it is putting together some other piece
of equipment. Perhaps it could be as simple as following Lego
instructions, which my sons used to love building. If you
attempt to do many things without reading or following the
instructions you can become quite lost, frustrated, and confused. It
pays to do it the proper way.

Similarly "The Bible" is our instruction manual for life. Within its'
pages you will find commands, wisdom, guidance, truth, laws, and much
more. For those who follow what it says you will be able to defeat
strongholds in your life. Satan loves it when followers of Christ get up and get too rushed to even spend time with Him. Many may think their Sunday "experience" will be sufficient to keep them a "member" of God's kingdom. There may be a total lack of desire for things of the "spirit". Maybe it is all some folks can do to even sit through a one hour service on Sunday. Each of us needs to check our heart attitude and see if you really love the Lord or are just going through "the motions".

Whatever we love and have a passion for we spend time with. You love your spouse so you hang out together. You love a particular hobby or sport so you spend time doing that particular thing. You love your children so you love being with them. Similarly we are "God's children" and He loves it when we "hang out" with Him.

Deuteronomy 6:5(NIV) says 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul, and with all your strength.' Get out that "instruction manual" and start knowing Jesus by spending time with Him. 2 Timothy 3:15(AKJV) says '

Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.' Why not start today reading your daily instruction book for life? PRAYER: Lord you are good and kind and loving. Forgive me for not spending quality time with you each and every day. I know Satan rejoices when I get too busy for you. It is through your word I learn how to defeat the enemies strongholds in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen. Click link below and take time to praise God in song. http://youtu.be/qaHmiFaX_pk

HOW IS YOUR HEART?

By this I do not mean do you have physical heart problems but how is
your heart attitude? Humans have either a good heart or an evil heart.
The heart can be loving or hateful. It can be filled with joy or
sorrow. So how is your heart?

There are many scriptures in the Bible speaking of the heart. We speak

of giving our heart to Jesus when we accept Him or "ask Him into your
heart" or in other words ask Him to come into your heart and transform
you to be more Christlike.

We see evil in our society and these evil individuals no doubt have an
evil heart and are listening to Satan more than God. They thrive on
hurting God's children and bringing evil into the world. That is why
it is so very crucial for those who name the name of Jesus to make
sure Jesus is truly in your heart. Do you have a heart to serve Him
and live for Him or are you more infatuated with things in this world?

Luke 6:45(NIV) says 'the good man brings good things out of the good
stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of
the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart
his mouth speaks.' Proverbs 4:23(NIV) tells us 'Above all else, guard
your heart for out of it flow the issues of life.'

Matthew 6:21(NIV) says 'Where your treasure is there will your heart
be also'. A friend of mine once said she prayed her child's spouse

would love God, more than his or her spouse, as putting God first is

the key to a right heart and showing ultimate love to those around
you.

Where are you today? Is it time for a "heart check up" or a "heart transplant"?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus you are first in my heart. I want your love to flow
through me to others. Give me a servants heart in all my
relationships. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on the two links below to help start your morning off with some
wonderful praise and worship songs:
http://youtu.be/JiD0_Krgbo4

http://youtu.be/CEtsHWFE6-w

SUPER SUNDAY!!

This is the day of the infamous Super Bowl long awaited by those of us
who are not football fans but love the funny commercials. Some
churches have chili cook offs and get out the big screen to celebrate
this big game. It is Super Bowl Sunday! Many people get so caught up
and excited about anything to do with football, but then this is the
Big One and it is big party time.

Every Sunday should be SUPER SUNDAY don't you think? People seem to
get so excited about the big game. Can you imagine getting that
excited about going to church each Sunday? Wouldn't that be great
instead of treating it like it is the thing you " have to do" and some
sort of obligation to check off your list to make you a complete
person?

Many non denominational churches,of which I have been a part, often

raise their hands in praise and song during the worship time before
the pastor or priest speaks. It is an awesome time of praise and
lifting up your hands in praise to the Lord. How do you think we will
act when Jesus comes back or if He were right in the room speaking?
Would we do "the wave" to honor and cheer Jesus? The Bible tells us in
Mark 8:38( NIV) to not be ashamed of Jesus. It reads ''If anyone is
ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation
the Son of man will be ashamed of them when He comes back in His
Father's glory with His Holy angels.' I do not know about you but I
find that every exciting.

Do you love Jesus? Is He SUPER to you. He is King of kings and Lord of
lords. He is the first and the last. He reigns forever more. He is not
just historical figure. He is something to be excited about. He loves
you with an everlasting love. He is often treated so poorly by
thousands of people who disregard His word in the Bible. He is mocked
in movies and on TV shows and even in the nightly news or on Sports
shows. Those players, such as New York Jets Tim Tebow, who choose to
be bold in their faith get made fun of. Stand strong is all I can say
to Tim and others like Him.

When you get a moment listen to the two things I have included below
and see if you do not get more excited about Jesus and loving Him
unashamedly. He is SUPER all the time so let's give Him the praise!

Psalm 30:4(NIV) says 'Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his
holy name.' Enjoy the day!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for your magnificence and your power.
Forgive me if I have ever ignored you or hurt you by breaking your
commandments. Lord this day and every day I choose to walk in the
truth and be a light for you and a witness wherever I go even if it is
at a Super Bowl party. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below...Do you know Him?

http://youtu.be/jaVyGsno-OE

Praise God in song by clicking this link below as well:
http://youtu.be/panB7lHCIzY

 

BEFORE AND AFTER

When we built out home several years ago we took "before" pictures of
when it was just a empty bare lot, next while in progress, and
"after" pictures when it was completed. People attempting to lose
weight may take a "before" picture followed several months later,
hopefully, with a successful "after" picture. A girl getting her
long hair cut may take a "before" picture followed by an "after" with
her new hairdo. There may be "before" pictures of a city before a mall
was built and later "after" when the mall was complete. These are
just a few of many examples.

In the Bible we are told after we accept Christ into our hearts and
start to live for Him that we are new, inside and out. How can you
take Jesus into your heart and not be? The verse is found in 2
Corinthians 5:17(NIV) and it reads 'Therefore if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation. The old has gone the new has come.'

When a person accepts Christ he indeed is a "new creation". You are
now to have the mind of Christ and want to do things to try to be more
and more conformed into His image(See Romans 12:1-2). This is done
primarily though your new found hunger for the word of God.

I can remember back in 1975 when I rededicated my life to Christ I
was finally excited about being a believer. I wanted to get to know
Him more and more and hungered for the word of God. My sister got me a
version of the Bible called the "Open Bible" which was an excellent
tool for my daily Bible reading and study. It was fun, not boring at
all! My journey has included ups and downs, bumps in the road,
setbacks, backsliding, and coming back. God is good and faithful all
the time. The point is loving Jesus is more than being "religious".

I remembered after the "new me" came into being, wanting to carry my
Bible to church. I was visiting a church one time, and a lady who knew
me commented it was "cute" that I was carrying my Bible. Oh my
goodness, aren't we supposed to? A friend of ours we met through
Officers' Christian Fellowship in the military commented if you forget
your Bible you forgot your "sword" and were not armed for battle or
something to that effect. Almost "spiritually naked" in a sense.
>>
>> So many people take the Bible for granted. That is just fine with Satan. The more you read it the more you will learn to be like Christ and not believe the world's lies. Satan may put the idea in your head that you do not need to take it to church as the scriptures are up on a screen for us to read. Or maybe the thought is, my priest tells me all I need to know. There could be a number of excuses. But my friend, they are just that. Excuses. Make it a point to look forward to reading your Bible. If you are in a church that is not teaching you to get excited about Jesus, then find another one. 'I can't do that' you may say. 'That is the denomination I was raised in' or 'what will my relatives think if I leave the church and go somewhere else?' Knowing Jesus and loving Him is not because of a denomination but it is about Jesus and wanting more of Him in your life.
>>
Which is you want to be? Do you want to stay as only a "before" image
or do you want to be conformed to the glorious image of Christ for a
stunning "after" image? One thing is certain we can not be like Him
if we do not commit to spending time alone with Him.

I will leave you with a verse from Micah 6:8(NIV) which says 'He has
showed you, Oh man, what is good. And what the Lord does require of
you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your
God.'

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that you give me a chance to be a brand new
creature in Christ and after I am complete in you to keep growing and
learning daily through the reading of your word. Give me the power to
resist the lure of the world which will try to captivate me and draw
me away from you. Also Lord help me not be holier than thou or self
righteous around others. Give me grace and love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below for a wonderful song to get your Saturday started off in a awesome way:
http://youtu.be/oYCcFtFwcxo

LET THE RESOLUTIONS BEGIN!

Most of this past month I have written allot on new beginnings and

doing things over. Typically at the start of a New Year people
initially get real serious about changing things or starting something
new they need to do. The biggie is usually losing weight. That is why
on TV you will see all sorts of ads for weight loss pills, miracles
fixes, and weight loss programs. In the Christian community many may
say 'I will read my Bible through in one year' which is also very
admirable I might say. Basically a New Year is a time to throw the old

calendar out and decide to commit to something and DO IT.
Unfortunately many of those well meaning people end their resolution

before the month is over. It sounded good but they just can not get
into it. Commit is a pretty big scary word.

This week while watching one of my favorite Bible teachers, Joyce

Meyer, on her show "Enjoying Everyday Life" she said something which

struck me as a very good point. She asked the audience if they
were"dating" Jesus or ready to get "married". In a nutshell this
simply means that if you think about dating someone you go out for
maybe one or two hours and that is that. Maybe if you really like the
person you end up spending more time with them. Then you fall in love
and from then on nothing else in the world matters. Then comes the
marriage and life is good and you are together most all the time. So
back to her illustration. Are you just dating Jesus or are you
committed to Him as if you were in a marriage relationship?

Maybe it is time to make Jesus your real true first love. When you
truly love someone you want the best for them and you put them

first.You want to be with them more than anything else in the whole

wide world. Some marriages may sour because they have forgotten their
first love and vows they took. Well some relationships with Jesus may
have never gotten off the ground in the first place. Perhaps you went
to church and became a member and that was that. No real love or
"fire" for the Lord. Many folks are like that. They do the Sunday
thing and feel good about themselves for being "holy" but do not
bother to even spend time with Jesus any other time of the week. Now I
ask you, is that showing you are in love with Jesus? The answer is no.
That only shows you are a "church member". What do you need to do
about this if you fit into that category? First ask yourself the big

question. Have you ever really asked Jesus to be Lord of your life?

Did you do it at a certain age in your church only because others were
but it meant nothing? Maybe you were sprinkled as a infant. Maybe it
is time to reexamine your heart and put the fire for Jesus back in
there and live for Him and have a passion for the things of the Lord.
I am going to give you six verses to read. After you have read them
pray and ask God to come into your life if you have not already. Next

commit to pray daily and get out that Bible and get to know Him. Be in
love with Jesus!

 Romans 3:23(NIV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
 Romans 6:23(NIV)For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:8(NIV) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10:13(NIV) For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

Revelation 3:20(NIV) Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Where are you today in your walk with Jesus? This is not about a denomination thing. This is not something where you say 'I go to church there because my family always did'. Where is your heart? Do you feel a passion for the things of Christ or are you more caught up in the things of the everyday world. Is your heart broken by what breaks Gods heart? Maybe it is time now to reexamine your heart and ask Him to come in and live in your heart today or rededicate your life to Him and get serious about living for Him. Don't just "be religious" but love Jesus.

 PRAYER: Lord I thank you that you are a patient God not wishing any to perish. I thank you that it is not about a certain denomination but it is about whether I have given my heart to you Lord. I want to be serious about my walk with you. I want my heart to be broken each day by what breaks yours. Give me the strength to live out this walk in the world around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 Click on link below and worship God in song:
> http://youtu.be/othYj8jWSwc

MY BEST FRIEND

When asked who your best friend is, if you are married you might
answer your spouse. Perhaps you might list a dear friend from high
school or college. Maybe you will say your mom or dad or your sibling.
Do you ever consider Jesus as your best friend? Would you like Him to
be?

To be a best friend you need to be loyal, kind, uplifting, faithful,
honest, and loving. Jesus is all that and more. You may not be able to
call Him up and have Him meet you for coffee but He is with you
everywhere you go anyway. ( See Matthew 28:20).

Sometimes earthly friends can disappoint or hurt us. Jesus will never
hurt you, abandon you, be ashamed of you ,or forsake you.

When our youngest son was very small and he would often tell us he
loved us 'one less than God'. From the mouth of babes. A friend told
me she was praying for her child's spouse to love God more than her
child. Isn't that awesome?! When you love the Lord you hunger for His
word and want to put Him first. You love every person to include your
spouse if you are married, with the love God has given you, that
being unconditional love. Who wouldn't want that?

Matthew 22:37(NIV) says 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
your soul, and all your mind.'. Mark 12:31(NIV) further states the
greatest commandment is 'to love your neighbor as yourself.'

Do you want to truly make Jesus first in 2013 and let Him be your best
friend. By spending quality time with Him in His word you will be a
better friend to your earthly best friend.

PRAYER: Lord I want you to be my best friend. I know loving you first
and spending time in your word helps me to love others better with the
love only you can give. 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