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.

TAKEN FOR GRANTED

Have you ever felt used or taken for granted? When you take a spouse for granted you could start to not doing continual nice loving things for them. You could take your mobility for granted and one day be in an accident or get arthritis and become unable to move. We could take our Bibles for granted and one day be told by our government they are being confiscated. Some foreign readers may be in countries where Christianity is grounds for death or imprisonment.

Sometimes we may take being a Christian for granted. We are a "Christian in name only". That is all fine and good to say you love the Lord and live for Him but do you really truly? Perhaps you were raised in a home that went to church, Vacation Bible school, got baptized, and all the right things. Somehow though you have lost your zeal or desire to spend time with God. Things of this world captivated you and took you away from Him. You may say, "Sunday is my only day to have fun and get things done" and I do understand that as many professions that is so very true. Many even have to work on Sunday. But on the days you are home do you desire to sit down and have quiet time alone with the Lord or do other things become more important? Only you can answer this. 

Our time on this Earth is so temporary in the big scheme of things. A hundred years from this day no one will even remember our name unless we are famous. Life is so fleeting. What are you doing to be closer to the Lord?

Joshua 24:15( NIV) says 'But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you choose for yourselves this day who you will serve whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord.'

Who or what is your god?

PRAYER: Today Lord I need to say I am sorry for times I have allowed this world and it's enticements to become more important than you. I know you want me to want to spend time with you daily. I choose to not allow the world to force me to ignore you anymore. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for an awesome praise song to start your weekend.

http://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA

DISCONNECT AND REIGNITE

The world we live in of 2013, at least in the United States, needs to take a disconnect and decompress break at times. When computers run slow we freak out. When the satellite dish gets interrupted by a storm we wish for cable. If power causes things to "go down" we are beside ourselves. Look around you and observe people. How many people are humped over and have their faces stuck in their mobile device? How many drivers do you pass and see their scary addictive behavior of texting and driving? It is kind of nice to get away from all this. One of my favorite old commercials is one where a guy is in the wilderness trying to park his truck somewhere where there is not a cell phone signal. As the saying goes for one cell phone company, "More bars in more places' we sometimes need "less bars in less places and therefore more relaxed and happy faces".

The pace of life requires us to be intentional about setting aside peaceful quiet times. My favorite thing to do is go up to my favorite state park nearby and relax, pray and end with a hike. No mobile devices just me, the birds, the sky, a squirrel or two, and God.

Has anyone reading this lost their zeal for spiritual things? You just do not feel close to God or Jesus anymore or maybe never did? Church may be a drudgery for you. God wants you to have joy in your life. Maybe it is time to "reignite" the fire or passion for Jesus or light it for the first time.

To get excited about Jesus you need to make sure your heart is pure and that you are regularly reading his word. Satan does all in his power to get so many distractions around us in order to squeeze out any time for Jesus. We are so caught up in things we think are important when in effect the only thing really important is what we are doing down here for eternity. Our time on this earth is relatively short in the big scheme of things.

James 4:8 says 'Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.' To come near you need to humble yourselves before God and be sincere in seeking Him. Hebrews 3:15(NIV) says 'As has just been said: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion."'

My friend do you want to be able to hear from God and be able to have a calm peaceful spirit? You can. Start your day each and every day with prayer, which is simply just talking to God. Make time for Him each and every day some way. Get alone and get quiet whenever you are able to help you "reignite" that passion for things of the Lord.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that you hear my prayers. At times I am so rushed that I just forget about you. I know that hurts you and makes you sad Lord.I know you have a wonderful plan for me yet at times I just ignore you. Help me as I diligently try to seek your face daily and resist the temptations the enemy throws at me to forget about you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

Click link and enjoy a wonderful worship song.

http://youtu.be/JiD0_Krgbo4

ARE YOU PASSIONATE FOR THE THINGS OF CHRIST?

There are many attacks of the things of the Lord these days. These are areas where it clearly states in the Holy Bible they are wrong or an abomination. Yet are we believers upset or do we simply say "God is in control" and go about our daily life? It is my humble opinion that we should be a little upset at Satan for making so many believers complacent about sin takingaz over and changing our wonderful country. "Well this is 2013 and things change" but guess what? God's word never changes. Hebrews 13:8(NIV) says 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, yes, and forever.' In Malachi 3:6 it says 'I am the Lord, I do not change.' Pretty clear wouldn't you say?

We are truly in a battle for our very souls and the soul of what used to be a God fearing nation. Do we, who know what is wrong, just sit on the sidelines? Of course all of us need to be in prayer. And we are not to hate people who are being led to believe Satan's lies. History shows clearly what happens when a nation forgets God. Think of the Roman Empire for instance. How about Sodom and Gomorrah?

Psalm 119:89 tells us 'Forever oh Lord your word is settled in heaven.' Deuteronomy 12:32(NLT) tells us 'so be careful to obey all the commands I give you.Be careful not to add anything to them or subtract anything from them.'

Are churches preaching "feel good sermons" or are they out there on the battle lines equipping their people with the truth found in God's word?

God can heal. God can change. God can deliver. God can set the captive free. What are we captivated by today in 2013? Even in government we are condoning sin and passing laws to protect it. It indeed is a sad time. But there is hope.

First believers need to be in an attitude of love and prayer. Next don't just give Jesus lip service but get excited about following him. In Revelation 3:16(NIV) it says 'And because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.' It is not too late. 2 Chronicles 7:14(NIV) reminds us 'if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' Think about what that verse really truly means.

Don't be so captivated by the things of this world that you lose your passion for truth and the Lord.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus I thank you today for another day you have given me to be on the battle lines for you. Every where I go I know there are hurting people. Help me be tuned in to ways I can share Jesus' love and truth in the world I live in. 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

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

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

NEW STUFF

 When something is new it is special and treated with the utmost care. Take a new car for instance. When it is new we take the extra care to hand wash and wax it and do not let people eat inside of it. When someone has a new baby, particularly their first child, they may be overly protective and make sure no one picks it up if they have a cold and insures the infant is safe and secure. If you have a new home you take good care of it and keep things in place and keep it neat and clean. Recently I was in the food court of a newly remodeled and restored mall after a flood devastated it two years ago. People are looking at awe as they walk by newly cleaned up and rebuilt stores. A cleaning crew walks around picking up the tiniest scrap of paper someone leaves behind. The place is 'spic and span' as the saying goes. When you get new clothes you take good care of them and make sure they are kept clean and repaired. When you are in a relationship that turns into romance then into marriage you do everything possible to stay in love and do wonderful special things for your  beloved. As a new Christian you are excited and hunger and thirst for God's word and want to do things that draw  you closer to God.

Like anything new we become used to it and take it for granted over time and become complacent and let things fall into disrepair. In a relationship this can be devastating. As a married couple you need to insure you love and respect each other and remember why you fell in  love in the first place. Don't stop dating and men, keep opening doors.  As a Christian if you do not stay in the word of God, have fellowship with other believers, and do things to bring you closer to God the enemy will use that as an opportunity to throw you off course. When trials of life come your way, and they certainly will, you need to be grounded in the word of God.

 It is good when we do accept Christ He wipes our sin slate away. It says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 "if anyone is in Christ he is  a new creation the old has gone, the new has come." That  is such a good thing to be brand new babes in Christ. We can move on and try to live for the Lord casting off works of darkness that separated us from Jesus.

 Do not let your new life in Christ be taken or granted. Stay in the word and continually seek to become more mature. Don't let others lead you away from the truth. When you know something is wrong and disappoints the Lord then run fast the other way. Sin can easily entrap us. Stay excited about Jesus and keep on the path that leads you to a heavenly kingdom.

Don't lose you first love which is Jesus. Revelation 2:4 says this "But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first." Start keeping Jesus love in your heart fresh and alive. Do it by getting into his word daily. Start today. Read the 12th Chapter of Psalm and 12th Chapter of Proverbs to coincide with it being the 12th day of month. From here on out purpose in your heart to give Christ first place.

 PRAYER: Thank you Lord for my life in you. I want to stay excited and never become complacent or bored. I know the enemy would love to have me stumble off course. I look to you for my daily strength. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click link once again for a wonderful song.
http://youtu.be/HDJjHOJw5bM





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IS GOD ON YOUR 'TO DO' LIST?

 You get up daily and most likely have a 'to do' list. On the top of that list should be 'time with the Lord'? Spending time with God for a person who claims to be a Christian should take first place. Now if you are a young mom with babies and toddlers underfoot it may take some creativity to work in this time. As time goes on though, it thrills a moms' heart when she has trained her child to put God first then happens to see his or her 'to do' list and sees the words 'quiet time' on the top of it. Another 'motherly thrill' is when you see your child getting ready for school and glance in their room and notice them having their time with the Lord. Now that is a true 'smile time' that brings overflowing joy to a moms' heart. Moms of adult children can only pray they still love Jesus this much that He still has first place in their lives.

 There are many things vying for our time and attention today. Especially in this electronic age it is easy to get up and flip on the computer and start 'surfing' and before you know it you have spent a couple hours and doing what? Reading email forwards, purging junk mail, and reading about everyones life on Facebook is fine if it does not get out of hand. Does Facebook, for instance, draw you closer to God? You can use it as a tool to reach out for Christ by posting Bible verses.  It takes discipline to truly spend time doing what is worthy. The computer can be a good tool or it can be abused and the source of wasted time. You can download devotions and go to many fine Christian sites. There are some who think the computer is evil but it has wonderful things on it such as live church services for those unable to attend a church. You can look up Bible verses on Bible Gateway and other sites.

I challenge you to make God first priority in your life. Young moms and those rushing to get out the door to work have to orchestrate their days to make sure their quiet time happens. It may mean getting up earlier.  If you do not read and study God's word it is easy to start believing the enemies lies and getting off God's path. Your love for God will grow cold. You can have a form of Godliness but deny any power. (See 2 Timothy 3:5) . Matthew 7:15 warns about how easy it is to follow the wrong voices when it says "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." The only way to know false teaching is to know the truth in God's word and the only way to do this is to pick up your Bible and read it daily. 1 Timothy 4:7 says "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly."

What is keeping you from the loving God the way you used to?

Matthew 6:33 says to "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Try it today. Before grabbing the morning paper or turning on the morning talk shows,which do nothing to bring your closer to God, try picking up the Bible. Do your mind and heart  a favor and fall in love with Jesus!

PRAYER: Father I want to make you first in my day but it is so easy to become distracted by things around my house or getting out the door to go to work. Lord give me the strength to say no to worldly pursuits until I have said yes to God and his word each day. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link below to enjoy a wonderful worship song.
http://youtu.be/I17edLkBDCo

BE PASSIONATE, NOT RELIGIOUS

Odd how we can get into conversations with people and mention God and they become uncomfortable.This happened to yours truly a few times in the past week. You are getting 'too religious' people may say. Others may be misinformed about the founding of America and say "all religions should be accepted. We are not just a Christian nation". Lies are out there and it is OK to do your Sunday thing but please do not dare try to 'get religious' in daily conversation.

It makes no sense at all. We are not here just occupying space. Many find the cross of Christ offensive and even well meaning so called 'church going' or 'Sunday Christians' may be more into their denomination than they are into Christ. Ask someone when they accepted Christ as their saviour and at times you may get the answer "I am a member of such and such church." Being a church member is fine, not in the Bible as the way to heaven by the way, but still a nice man made tradition.

If you say you are a believer do you truly love the Lord or are you ashamed of Him? "What are you talking about?" In Mark 8:38 it says "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Matthew 10:33 says something similar and that is "But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven." 1 Corinthians 1:18 says "For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Basically it boils down to  religion versus relationship. Many churches even do not encourage a passion for Jesus but more of a 'this is what you do today' and that is that. It becomes  more of a social thing to do. We cheer on our favorite football team but can't cheer for the Lord. It is very sad. If you are not following Christ you will believe any lies that Satan throws  your way because as it says in John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." Do you want that abundant life?We know more of what is in daily newspaper than what is in our Bible.

 Have you ever thought of  what your passion is? Let's say you are passionate for a certain sport like running. You love it so very much you get out there each and every day and run 3 to 6 miles. We need to be equipped to face the trials in the world that will cross our path. The Bible is our guidebook for life. If you do not have that type of excitement for Jesus ask Him to place it in your heart. You may need to get rid of some stuff or some friends that are keeping you from being closer to the Lord and find a good church that preaches God's word with power. Jesus is waiting and knocking. Why not let Him come in?

PRAYER: Lord I want to be excited about Jesus. I know sometimes my joy may slip but I need to keep my eyes on your and my thoughts focused on things above. Help me Lord to get rid of things taking away my passion for you and set me on the path that will bring me closer to you. In Jesus Name. Amen.


Note: take a moment when you can and listen to the following praise and worship song.
http://youtu.be/I17edLkBDCo