SPARKLE FOR JESUS

Is 2014 the year you will do things differently? Maybe you have found yourself in some sort of rut. Your joy has been lost. A major pity party is being thrown with only you in attendance. You feel like giving up on something or quitting a project you know is important. 

This is where I found myself on 29 December 2013 in church in Madison, Alabama. I was having a major pity party. When you allow your mind to not be focused on God the enemy can really come in and try to defeat you. Wouldn't he love to defeat a devotion writer or a prayer group leader? It happens, but we can not let it happen. I looked down at the cushioned chair in front of me and there was a single sparkle. This "sparkle",  combined with a great message which spoke to my heart, snapped me right out of whatever it was I was going through. I was so grateful. I just raised my hands to Jesus and said "thank you"! 

Have you found yourself defeated or in some sort of slump? The enemy loves to take advantage of us when our thoughts are not focused on Jesus. When we are not saturated in God's word and allow "stinking thinking" as Bible teacher Joyce Meyer calls it, to get into our thinking then we an disable the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

If you get like this just get the Bible and start reading Psalms and praising God. Before you know it you will be on track with God again and out of your pit. 

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) reminds us 'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Why not trust God today? 

PRAYER:Lord I thank you for your word which keeps me from being in a slump. I thank you for the answer to prayers and the promises in your word. Forgive me for allowing the enemy to get me unmotivated. In Jesus' name. Amen.

PLAN B....AGAIN?

We can give the best try possible to plan our course of life or what we will do each day but sometimes our best laid plans fall apart on us. Priorities have to come to the surface. Whether it be a disabled motor vehicle, health issue,laid off from your job, house repair or an unexpected guest, it is necessary to go with the flow and not let yourself get all upset. Being upset only adds to the problem that you now have to face. This problem may not be a problem at all but turn out to be a blessing.

When things such as this occur do you typically fall apart or get flustered and upset? When we are inflexible and things change it can be hard on a person. Relax and know that God is in control.

Having "unscheduled" activities in our day reminds me of a Bible verse I often quote from Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) and it says 'For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to bring you a hope and a future.' So just maybe "plan B " was God's plan all along? A change of course may be just what is needed to keep you focused on God. God may be working through this new plan to put you on the right course of life.

PRAYER: Father I thank you that to you there is nothing such as a "plan B" for all your plans have an ultimate purpose. Forgive me for complaining at times when this happens. Help me instead be able to say "Lord what am I to learn from this.' In Jesus' name. Amen.