Wishing and Hoping

And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Back in the 60's there was a catchy tune called 'Wishing and Hoping' that played on top 40's radio stations. I loved listening and singing along. Wishing and hoping are a good thing to do and we should never lose hope, ever. 

To hope is to know that God has a plan and He has not forgotten you or your loved ones. When you are in the waiting room of hoping for a miracle or a change in something keep on your knees in prayer and also pick up your Bible and study verses on hope. Keep it alive always.

What is it you are wishing and hoping for today? Have you talked to God yet today? Take some time right where you are and pray and ask God to give you the strength and patience you need as you trust Him with the areas in life you are waiting for change. He has a plan.

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for being our hope in a world of confusion and lies. Thanks that I know you hear  my prayers. I trust you to work in your time to take care of a situation in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

PRAYED ALREADY? THEN TRUST GOD

How many reading this may say a prayer and supposedly "cast" your cares and concerns on God like it says to do in 1 Peter 5:7 but immediately start fretting and trying to take the controls again. Why is this? Why can't we "fully rely on God" or F.R.O.G? Why bother praying if you just then in the next breath start to panic? There are lots of "whys" there aren't there? 

Do you believe God loves you? Do you believe He is in control? Don't you know He sees the big picture? Seemingly bad things many times have an ultimate good purpose, but you have to sit back, relax, be patient, and trust God.

One of my all time favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28(NIV) which says 'And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.' So the question is do you love God? Really? Do you "talk" to Him daily in prayer and maybe sometimes several times a day? Do you love spending time with Him in order to get your day started off in a dynamic way? Do you try to please Him in what you say and do? Have you asked Him to be Lord of your life and asked Him into your heart? 

You can have that perfect peace and you can know God. Joining a church does not mean that you "know" God and have a "ticket" to heaven. Matthew 7:21-23(NKJV) says '“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Why not say this simple prayer and ask Jesus into your heart today and then start an exciting daily journey of walking with Him? "Lord Jesus I need you. Forgive me of ignoring you and doing things my own way. Forgive me of my sins. I want you to come into my heart and live in me."  Romans 10:9-10 says 'that is you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart,you will be saved.With the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.'  Why not trust Him today? 

PRAYER: I need you every hour of each day Lord. Many say you are a "crutch" well if so then you are the best "crutch" ever who I rely on daily to help me in all facets of life. I choose to live for you and I need you to stay on the right path of life. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

PRAY! DON'T DELAY! DO IT TODAY!

Make it rhyme any time. I am a poet and don't know it with this title above. Maybe a snappy way to remember to pray and not give up or quit thinking God is not hearing you.
Do you make it a daily habit to talk to God in prayer? If not why not? Do you feel it is not important? Maybe you feel cheated by God because he did not keep a friend or family member alive when you constantly cried out to Him so you feel let down by God? You feel God turned His back on you and now you're hurt or angry. You say church is stupid and a bunch of phonies and hypocrites. Whatever the reason that you are away from the routine of praying now is a good time to go back.
Satan lies to you and captures your thoughts to think his way especially in your weakest most vulnerable moments. 2 Corinthians 10:5(NIV) says 'We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.' That is what you HAVE to do. Take "captive" bad thoughts. Bad thinking can ruin your life. The enemy likes to get into our minds and make us believe lies. To combat this stay in tune with God through the Holy Bible.
 Don't give up on God as He certainly has not given up on you. Revelation 3:20(NIV) says '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.' Are you ready to open the door and let Jesus come in?
 PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I have ever blamed you when things did not go my way. I know you have a plan greater than I can understand. I also will not allow Satan to defeat me through my thought life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HURTING? TRY GOD!!

 

Each Sunday in church I watch as people go forward to the altar during prayer time. I witness people crying and lifting their hands up to Him. Some remain in their seats and pray. The other day a lady and her husband were in an embrace in front of me. The woman was crying and I was silently praying for her. Perhaps something in a song brought back a hurtful memory or she just had tremendous burden.

Burdens do not pick and choose. You may look at someone and think they are the perfect Christian but you have no idea what is going on inside of them. Perhaps a recent death in the family. Maybe a miscarriage or death of a child? Perhaps a child or spouse who is an alcoholic or drug addict. Maybe there is a person who is addicted to pornography. You might be surprised that there may be someone sitting there who just had an abortion. There could be a person struggling with same sex attraction. Maybe their spouse just walked out on them or asked for a divorce. Could've been the person has committed adultery. To think a believer has no problems is naive.

 Psalm 68:19(NASB) says 'Blessed be the Lord who daily bears our burden. The God who is our salvation.' If you have a prayer need and you are just about at the end of your rope just know you can cry out to Jesus.

Matthew 11:28(NIV) says 'Come to me all you who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest.'  Are you carrying a heavy burden and need to talk or pray? Do you feel even your closest friends won't understand? God cares and he wants the devil to stop accusing you and making you feel ineffective or at fault. Satan is referred to as "the accuser of the brethren" in Romans 12:10. Don't allow him to make you feel like there is no hope. There is always hope. Hang on to God!

PRAYER: Lord I need you every minute of the day. I know you are my defense. I know that no matter what I can cry out to you. I thank you for helping me get though the storms of life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

1-800-759-0700 is a 24/7 Prayer Line run by The 700 Club.
1-800-329-0029 is a 24/7 Prayer Line run by Daystar


Click link below to worship of in song. Today I have included two.
http://youtu.be/jrnvSf2dX18
http://youtu.be/2KsfwvpcQhY

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

GOD IS RULING ON HIGH

A week ago in the United States our elections were held and the saying is 'let the best man win' but not necessarily. Things happen for reasons unknown to we mere humans but the thing is our ultimate 'ruler' is God on high, creator of heaven and earth. Our supreme enemy is not a man or a candidate but it is Satan who has caused spiritual warfare here on earth. If he can get us fighting between political parties and not against him then he has success. Satan gets people deceived and believing lies. He is the Father of lies.

I have a few Bible verses I want to share with you. The first comes from the book of Psalm 47:8 and it says "God reigns over the nations. God is seated on His holy throne." 1 Chronicles 16:31 says "Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad. Let them say among the nations The Lord Reigns." Psalm 22:28 reminds us "For dominion belongs to the Lord and from His throne He rules the nations." Psalm 103:19 says " The Lord has established his throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all."

Do you catch yourself saying ugly things about a person when knowing the real thing you need to do is pray? Christians are not supposed to be letting their mouth get out of control. It is difficult, but when and if you catch yourself slipping ask the Lord to help you. If the individual is doing something not of God, in your opinion, let God deal with him. Your job is to trust God and pray. This goes for lifting up leaders even when we do not agree with them or fear they want to do us harm. Freedom is very precious and our religious freedoms especially. Evil forces would love to drive them completely out of this great land and do it in the name of politics and so far is starting to do that at many levels.

God will take care of those doing wrong and spreading lies. Once again our job is to pray and try to love like Jesus loved. Proverbs 19:9 says "A false witness will not go unpunished and he who breathes out lies will perish."

So my friend we are to keep trusting God, keep praying, and not give up hope. God rules over all and His kingdom will have no end.

PRAYER: Father I thank you so much for the fact that when things in our world go crazy I know you are the ultimate ruler and you do not like it when a man tries to become like you and lord over the people. If anyone is guilty of this Lord set this country free from the chains oftheir tyranny. Protect our own land and we pray for our own President that he can learn to turn to you and treat the people kind and not be divisive. Father convict him of wrong and help him have a servants heart. But Lord Jesus we know you reign over all. Fill our minds with peace as we wait for your return one day.Moreover Lord protect Christians from being caught in Satan's web of deception. Open our eyes to the truth that sets us free.Thank you Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to enjoy a wonderful song to lift your spirits.
http://youtu.be/tPE-MoT_QG0

WISHING,HOPING,THINKING, AND PRAYING

Back in the 60's there was a pop song with this title. We wish, hope,and think but the real key thing in life to do is to mainly pray. Pray and pray some more. Luke 18:1 reminds us to "Pray and never give up." How many times do you feel like giving up when your prayers do not seem to make a difference? Don't quit, but think of that verse. Believe and know that God does hear and he does care.

We can do all the wishing and hoping and thinking in the world but praying is what truly matters. Praying is simply talking to God. Many people may feel they need to throw in some fancy language in order to get God to listen. You can pray at all times and guess what? You do not need to close your eyes. Pray while you are driving your car. Instead of turning on the radio keep it quiet and try talking to God.

Psalm 121:1 says "I will lift my eyes up unto the hills from where comes my help."
Psalm 120:1 says "In my distress I called to the Lord and He heard me."
1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to "Pray without ceasing."

Take time today to talk to God. He is only a prayer away.Our hope is in the Lord!

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for hearing my prayers. I thank you for guiding me daily. In Jesus name. Amen.

PITY THE FOOL AND PRAY FOR HIM

Today in our world many people are anti church, anti religion, anti Christian, and anti God. This includes our own government, sadly, making laws against Christian beliefs. Beware, because you are messing with God and in the end He wins. In Psalm 14:1 it says "The fool says in His heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, their deeds are vile, there is no one who does good."

 Also, many lie, thinking nothing of it trying to trick and deceive people. Once again, the Bible says "God hates a lying tongue". (See Proverbs 6:16-19). No lying is justified, EVER! Believers know that and non believers don't care as to them there is no consequence because obeying the Bible means nothing to them. Proverbs 26:28 says "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin."

 The Bible and Jesus is a threat to many. In some foreign countries you can be executed for naming the name of Jesus. Thankfully in the USA it is not like that YET, but beware, we are on a slippery slope and making a mockery of saying "God bless America" after speeches when in fact caring nothing about God or obeying Him. It is a mockery to put your hand on the Bible to take an oath of office then to go against its' teachings. Galatians 6:7 says "Do not be deceived. God can not be mocked. Whatever a man sows that will he reap." That is the law of God.  Job 4:8 says "As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it." God is not going to continue to bless a nation that turns its' back on Him. Psalm 33:12 says "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."

We need to be praying for these 'mere men and women' in power who are making laws opposite what the Bible teaches. Instead of being angry at them, pity them and pray for them. Romans 12:14 says "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse." As a believer if you know someone is going against GOD'S word, come election time, they should probably not get your vote. It does not matter if you are a life long member of some particular political party. If they take stands against God's word, then you need to speak with your vote. A government which  oppresses it's people is not what our founders envisioned.

It is not mere man that is ultimately in control but it is God. He is on the throne, not a king, a prince, a dictator, or a president. Leaders and rulers  may try to lord over their 'subjects' but God is not pleased. If the times today have you fearful,rejoice!! Jesus is Lord over all!  Psalm 37:25 says "I was young and now I am old, yet I've never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread." So do not worry.

 Psalm 16:8 says "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." Psalm 34:17 says " The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them, he delivers them from all their troubles".

PRAYER: Thank you Lord because I know you are Lord over all mankind and all creation. I know you are always behind the scenes working things out. Help me relax, keep praying, and trust you. In Jesus name. Amen.

 For further reading take a coffee break and read the entire chapter of Psalm 37. There is hope in Jesus alone and no man.

KEEP LOOKING UP

Some days it is just hard to stay focused and positive. You start out with good intentions then something happens to throw you off your game, so to speak. So how do you react when things do not go as planned? Do you worry, fret, pace the floor, or do you think to actually give the situation to God and say "Hey Lord I need you in good times and not so good times." Does praying come to mind? The Lord wants to 'talk' to you daily by you coming to Him in prayer. Don't just wait until there is a crisis but call out to Him each and every day. Jeremiah 33:3 is often referred to as 'God's telephone number' and it simply says "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Matthew 6:33 says "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.". Do you 'look up' to the heavenly father and call out to Him in prayer? Seek his face, seek his face continually.

Looking up is a good thing. Look to the heavens. There was a cute Jody call in the Army we sang while running in formation and one verse went "What's the use of looking down, Ain't no discharge on the ground.Am I right or wrong? You're right! Correct me if I'm wrong. you're right!" When you look down you will trip and fall or walk into something .Keep your eyes focused above.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Just keep focused on the prize, the goal, of knowing Jesus better!

It is so easy to get caught up in things we have no control over and Satan would love it if you would waste valuable time pondering and fretting. Let Jesus have the wheel  and let Him be your guide. Call on Him today. Keep looking up  and let God control your life.

PRAYER: Father I thank you that you do not want me to bear my own burdens. You want me to call on you and give you my cares. I thank  you Lord for being in control of my life. Help me learn to trust you and seek your face. In Jesus Name. Amen .

Click on link to listen to 2 wonderful worship songs. Be blessed. Happy Friday!
http://youtu.be/-X4Q-yFB-NQ

http://youtu.be/iv68ruS6DVE

LIFE ON A 3 BY 5 CARD

How many of us have to do lists? I know I do. I also keep a prayer list for my family on 3 by 5 blank index cards. I keep them in my car on the dash board and try to pick them up daily to remind myself to pray for my husband, my sons, my sons fiancee, and friends and other family. It is a helpful reminder to do this daily.
These 'three by five cards' could have favorite Bible verses on it. Perhaps prayer requests or people you need to pray for. Many of us who have had to ever be up in front of a group speaking have kept reminders for what we had to remember to say on these cards as well. Our life is run by these cards. Shopping lists and other helpful reminders can be jotted down to stir our memory.

What would you put on your 3 by 5 card? Is there someone you need to remember to pray for? This is an excellent tool to have with you and maybe even keep in your pants pocket where it is easily accessible. Perhaps besides the dollar bills in your wallet so you see it when you pull out money. Some folks may have a habit of jotting reminders down on their 'palm pilot' aka the real palm of their non writing hand. Helpful and right there in front of you until you go to bathroom and wash the ink away. That 3 by 5 card is a good ministry tool to keep handy to be able to remember who you need to remember in prayer on a regular basis or for a critical need.

Why not start this 3 by 5 card  habit today? If you have trouble getting a certain Bible verse into your head write it down on a card and look at it periodically to remind you of God's promises. Let me give you one or two to start your card collection.

Proverbs 3:5-6 has always been a favorite of mine and it says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths". What a great verse of hope to start your day with! Next how about the all familiar John 3:16 which many already have known since a child but which pro football player Tim Tebow has brought to the forefront. It says "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Do you know if you died today you would be in heaven with Jesus? If not why not stop now and say a prayer and ask Him to come into your heart and control your life. He is waiting. Why not ask Him to be Lord of your life today?

PRAYER: Father thank you for the ability you give us to remember things. Thanks for the promises in the word of God. Help me remember to jot some down to carry with me throughout my day to remind me to read the Bible and remind me to pray for others. In Jesus Name. Amen.

DON'T QUIT PRAYING

Something on your mind? Something weighing you down? Is the burden almost too hard to bear alone? You keep praying and crying out to God but it seems nothing is happening? At times like this you need God more than ever. You need to lean on Him as your strength. The enemy likes to drag us into a pit of despair and make us think all  hope is lost. But all hope is never lost. There will be a rainbow and a sunrise tomorrow so to speak. Like the song from the musical 'Annie', where it says 'the sun will come out tomorrrow' and IT WILL!

What is weighing on you today? First and foremost get on your knees and call out to Jesus. Psalm 50:15 says "and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Jeremiah 32:7 says "am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Luke 18:1 tells us we should "pray and never give up".

God is working in your life. Remember what it says in Romans 8:31 "If God be for us who can be against us?"  When things do not seem like they are happening you have to walk by faith and not by sight and feelings.(See 2 Corinthians 5:7).  Trust God to deliver you and get you out of your valley.

Men may turn their backs on you, All hope may seem lost but that is a lie from the pit of hell. There is always hope with Jesus. It is Satan who brings confusion, doubt, turmoil, fear, anger, bitterness, doubt, wrong thinking and a host of other bad things. Make up your mind whatever happens in your life or the world around you you will not be moved. Keep looking to God and let your roots go down deep in Jesus. Stay in the word of God for it is through the Bible you will find strength for each day. Do not let the things around you determine how you feel.

Keep thinking on good things and positive things and do not let Satan get you off track and make you feel hopeless. God loves you no matter what! Men may fail you but God will never fail you.  All things are possible for those who believe.(See Mark 9:23). Keep your eyes on Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord I pray sometimes but when an answer does not come I get discouraged. Lord help me to hang on to the hope you give and know that things will not stay dark. There will be a new day and a new rainbow and you will take care of me and the situation I am encountering. Father I thank you for the word of God which is my source of strength and hope. Help me put it first in my day and stay on my knees. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Note: once again there is a wonderful worship song appropriate for this devotion to listen to. Take the time to listen and worship God. Click on link below.
http://youtu.be/jX-_wJjfnRo