WORD POPPER

When you are sick what do you normally do? You take care of yourself and sometimes go to the doctor to get medicine  to help you heal. We get so concerned about our physical health and "pop pills" to get well but what about our spiritual health?

When you have problems, worries, and storms in your life what is your normal reaction? If you are like most people it is to fear and worry. What should be the reaction for a believer?  It should be to pray and read the word of God to strengthen you to get through whatever comes your way. Human nature is good at worry. Aren't we supposed to have God's nature instead? Instead of letting a situation get the best of you why not arm yourself with God's word. Do not wait till all your troubles pile in on you then "pop a Bible verse or two" into your head. Make it a daily habit to spiritually nourish yourself so can face the battles that are sure to come your way in life. 

By reading God's word and trying to memorize key passages to give you strength you will be better able to defeat the enemy when his onslaught comes your way.

Psalms 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

PRAYER: I need you in my life Lord around the clock. Forgive me when I let troubles overwhelm me and do not pray and go to the Word for help. You are my strength Lord. Thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

BACK TO SCHOOL

 It is that time of year in many parts of the country and perhaps the world. Children of all ages prepare for school. It is exciting for children to see friends again and meet new teachers.

We as Christians should be going to "spiritual school" every day and by that I mean reading and studying God's word. Don't make it a chore or obligation that you think is required to get into heaven, as it is not. Do it because you want to be closer to Christ. There is no way possible you can learn about the character of Christ unless you get into the Bible. Someone once said the word Bible could be turned into an acronym meaning " Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth". Pretty good example of what it truly is!

I can imagine Satan loves it when the different denominations try to claim they are the "one" or the best. He probably also loves when a church goer identifies themselves by their particular denomination and not just say "I am a Christian". Another good one that keeps some away from the truth is when they are captivated by a denomination just because they were raised that way and may not even be growing in Christ but simply punching their weekly ticket for attendance. Christians are those who have asked Jesus into their hearts and follow His commands not just a person who goes to some particular church.

In John 14:6(NIV) it says 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'

Just as students in classrooms around the world strive to please their parents and learn what they need to succeed in life and in their future, by being "spiritually" trained we prepare ourselves to face hardships that will come on Earth and help us become more like Him. 2 Timothy 2:15(KJV) tells us to 'Study to show thyself approved unto God,a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth.'

There are many false religions and counterfeits out there to attempt to lure believers away from the truth. There are many dead churches too.

If you have a loved one that has learned the truth as a child but perhaps strayed from the path he or she was taught, you can gain comfort from several verses one of which is Proverbs 22:6(NIV) which many may be familiar with. It says 'Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.' There are deceptive spirits out there. Also in 2 Timothy 3:15(KJV) says 'And that from a child thou has known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ.'

2 Timothy 3:5-7(NKJV) gives us a warning. 'Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.'

Too many people are just "religious" and cling to a denomination and not to Jesus. Just because their granddaddy and his granddaddy went to a certain church so do they. Perhaps they just go through the motions and quite frankly feel bored. It is okay to change denominations as there will not be separate churches in heaven. If you are not getting fed the word of God and getting excited about Jesus and growing in Christ where you attend perhaps it is time to change churches. It is not about a denomination but about Christ.

Do you want to be a good spiritual student and get excited about learning His word. If you have not done so already ask Him into your heart today. Then go be a student for Jesus!!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I want to be a "student" of the word and not be one who has to cram for tests some day. I know Lord you are sad when I treat my Bible like a table decoration but do not use it as a spiritual tool daily. Give me wisdom Lord about what church I should attend and keep me away from those who would not follow the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link for a powerful worship song.

http://youtu.be/kGVazfjJPLo

NO GUILT TRIP INTENDED

 

Are you able to squeeze time with God into your very busy day? Just five minutes. Can you do that? My intent is not to send you off on a "guilt trip" as the only type of trip fun to take is usually a vacation trip or something fun. Guilt trips are not fun. The point is we have so many obligations and commitments in our busy days. Even those who are not employed for a pay check still contribute to society and especially those busy stay home moms out there. But with all of our busyness it seems I hear that the first thing to get squeezed out or forgotten is spending time reading the Bible. It even happens to "yours truly". Just because I write devotions does not mean I am perfect. Far from it. Time with the Lord has to be intentional. Do not wait to go on a spiritual retreat, although they are wonderful, and I have one coming up in early October in the mountains of North Carolina with Moms in Prayer International. Have a daily "retreat" with the Lord. You might have to be creative. The enemy is going to come up against you as he knows you gain power to defeat him when you study and read God's word.

"But Becky I have to really hustle to get out of the door in the morning. I need to watch the news and check my Facebook status." There you go. Two major things not necessary to do and are taking time from the one thing you really need to do. So many feel Sunday is all they need. Even well meaning church goers and those who claim to be Christians often see no need to dig any deeper than what they are "fed" each Sunday. Many of those people then would not even be reading this devotion. Many are stuck in denominational ruts where maybe they never saw any need to go beyond their one hour on Sunday. Perhaps you live with a person like that. Beating them over the head with the Bible will only drive them further away. The Holy Spirit is the one who needs to touch them. As Bible teacher Joyce Meyer says " Do not be Holy Spirit Junior" as it just will not work. If you do not stay knowledgeable of God's word you can be easily deceived by Satan. He is a liar and the Father of lies it says in John 8:44 and John 10:10 and has tricked many people into believing what they think is true. He is operating at full speed ahead in our world today in case you have not noticed.

Try these tips to start. Get a devotional book that is brief and to the point. (God's Lemonade Stand will hopefully and prayerfully be in book form before the end of 2014). Remove those hindrances from your morning that take you away from "God time" and are not all that important, or in other words the world will still spin if you forget to do them. Things such as checking on friends on Facebook, watching the morning shows, and reading the paper. Put them "after" the Bible and see if you don't feel better and have more time. If you are at work before your day starts open your Bible and read a Psalm or Proverb or sign up to get a daily devotion sent to you at work if your work place allows this on your free time.

Proverbs 18:10(NKJV) says 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.' That name is above every other name and it is Jesus Christ. You learn about Him and get closer to Him by reading His word daily and living each day for Him. He is not just a Sunday Jesus. Start today and make Him the first priority of your day.

PRAYER: Thanks Jesus for loving me. Forgive me when I have ignored you and given my time to every other thing but forget about you. I desire to prioritize my day to get strong in you by reading your word The Bible. In Jesus' name.Amen.

THE BIBLE IS FUNDAMENTAL

We have probably all heard the saying "Reading is Fundamental" which indeed it truly is. Without reading and knowing how to read you can not do too much else in life. The A B C's and teaching children to read from a very young age is critical to good child development.

This idea for this devotion came to me as I sat in the parking lot of the library at Redstone Arsenal. I observed parents and children there for the annual summer reading program. That is a fond memory of mine from childhood and we made certain our sons participated in things like that as well, or just did them at home with me.

Even more crucial is reading the Bible. If you are a parent reading this devotion today with babies or toddlers why not start from a very young age reading to them and read them Bible stories and the actual word of God? If you go to a baby shower why not tuck in a little book for babies and children from your local Christian bookstore? I even had a teddy bear that played the tune  "Jesus Loves Me". Take the opportunity to hide the word of God in the hearts of not only yourself but the younger generation.

2 Timothy 3:15(NIV) says 'And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.' There is not some "new parent" rule book that says that you only have to read nursery rhymes and things like that to them. I remember this one book we had about Noah's Ark I read to our two sons a great deal and it ended with "I'll never bring a flood again to cause all flesh to die and the symbol of my vow will be a rainbow in the sky." I am not sure if they still remember it, but I sure do!

What is more important? Storing nursery rhymes in your head or storing up God's word in your head. When little ones are in the church nursery what a great opportunity it would be to have the workers reading Bible stories to them. I know there are some that do.

Psalm 119:11(NIV) says 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.'

Start today and everyday and make sure the Bible is fundamental in your life and the life of your family. In Jesus' name. Amen.

PRAYER: Father in heaven I thank you for your word which is fundamental to good spiritual health. Every day put the desire within me to read it. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Note: Sorry for lateness of today's post but I am in Arizona and this is first chance I had today with Wi Fi. 

DON'T BE A FOOL!

Crazy world we are living in today. What is wrong is being called right and what is right is being called wrong. Speaking up against something in the Bible makes you "hateful". Since when did disagreeing with something imply that we hated a person? The enemy is alive and well on planet Earth my friends, doing some of his best work yet this time trying to distract Christians and have people called evil if they won't tolerate something they know is wrong. Even ministers of the gospel, rabbi's and priests may not publicly have the courage to say what is in God's word is true.

For those unaware this is occurring and think I am crazy, let me tell you, it is happening and many times endorsed by our own government. Very sad day indeed.

In an excerpt from Psalm 14:1(NIV) it says 'the fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Many movements are underway to try to get rid of "religion" or anything that has a cross or Bible verse on it. Philippians 3:18-19(ESV) says 'For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction,their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things." Does that remotely sound like today? It is going to get to a point if a Christian speaks up against evil or something that is wrong in God's eyes they may be arrested for being "hateful and intolerant'.

We know the "end of the story" so it is not necessary to sit around fearful and in a panic. We do need to be studying and equipping ourselves with knowledge of God's word. What if one day it got so bad Bibles were banned? It has happened in other places so why are we any different? Our Constitution is great only when it is obeyed and followed. Do you have enough of God's word stored up in your heart to help you through hard times that may come?

Psalm 119:11(NIV) says 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.' If you are a parent, even of a newborn, you need to start now getting scripture into their tiny hearts. Every day read a Bible verse. 2 Timothy 3:15(NIV) says 'And how from infancy you have known the Holy scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.' Young moms and dads out there or grandmas and grandpas, let your children hear the word of God daily. Their life with God is more important than nursery rhymes or Sesame Street.

So do you want to be a fool or have great wisdom? I think the answer is evident. Start today and get serious about getting into the word of God.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you this day for all you have given me. Thank you for the privilege of worship and studying God's word. I pray for those who may be residing in countries where Christian radio, television, and expression is cause for arrest or even death. Lord Jesus use me as a light in the dark world around me and keep me from ever being a fool. In Jesus' name. Amen.

NO SUBSTITUTES

There are some things you can not substitute in life but need the real thing.
You might be able to get by with artificial sweetener, recycled paper, used furniture, fake marble countertops, or a school teacher standing in for the actual teacher but when it comes to being a Christian there is no substitute for the Word of God, the Bible.

I love watching Christian television stations and there are several good ministers of the gospel who preach and teach over the airwaves. Most all of them will tell you to not substitute your "TV Bible time" for an actual getting alone with God time. This takes discipline because there is some real good teaching out there I enjoy watching. What is needed is to make a habit of getting alone with you,God, your Bible and a journal to write down thoughts. I enjoy doing this on my back porch or maybe up in a park somewhere.

Coca Cola advertises as "The Real Thing" and The Bible is the real thing too. Revelation 22:19(HCSB) says '

And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away his share of the tree of life and the holy city, written in this book.' There is a church that claims to have "another testament of Jesus Christ". My friend, there is only one word of God not to be added to or taken away from. There truly is no substitute for the truth and promises found within its' pages. Satan would love to extinguish it and have it vanish from the Earth because through it we are saved and have eternal life in heaven. Lately the enemy is at work trying to get people to believe lies about marriage. It is like in the Garden of Eden when Satan appeared as a cunning serpent and deceived Adam and Eve. There the downfall of man all began. The truth of God was exchanged for lies straight from the enemy and the pit of a fiery hell. 1 Corinthians 16:13(NIV) says 'Be on your guard. Stand firm in your faith. Be courageous. Be strong.' 1 Peter 5:8(NLT) is a great verse to end with and it says ' Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.' Don't be led astray and fooled. Stay in the Bible and the truth will indeed set you free to recognize Jesus as Lord. PRAYER:Lord you indeed are the real thing. You are my hope and I trust no one else. It is only through you Lord that we are saved and have eternal life. I know the enemy is lying to millions of people and trying to get them to believe lies. Protect me and my family from ever being tricked by his schemes. In Jesus' name'. Amen.

KEEP THE FAITH

Have you ever felt we are in the center of a culture war and the
Christian side is losing? That is what our enemy wants us to think. We
are truly in a battle of good and evil but if you read the end of the
Bible you know the "good guy" wins.

God is supreme. He will not be mocked by a corrupt government. He will
not be "redefined" as His word is yesterday, today, yes, forever
unchanging. He will not be ruled "unconstitutional" as He is God. Many
may try to ignore Him trying to defend their way of life but He is
still here and He represents truth and forgiveness for those who
repent of their sins.

I drive home the point allot in my writings of how important it is to
know the word of God for in it lies truth and the answers to many of
life's issues. God is so much bigger and powerful than puny mere men
who try to legislate Him away.

When we ignore him doing our own thing and listen to the lies of the
enemy, Satan, he is sad.

A good Bible verse for this modern "do my own thing" era is found in
the book of Romans chapter 12 verse two and it says simply 'Do not
conform anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind then you will be able to test and approve what
God's will is.His good, perfect, and pleasing will.' In other words
you have to be a non conformist to things you know are not right. This
does not mean start fights but this means to speak up in love and do
not allow God's word to be mocked.

Galatians 6:7(NIV) says 'Do not be deceived. God can not be mocked for
whatever a mans sows that will he reap.'

Whose voice are you listening to today?

PRAYER: Today I pray for a soft pliable heart so that I do not become
desensitized to sins around me or in my own life. Keep my eyes opened
to your truth. Give me Holy boldness to speak the truth in love. In
Jesus' name, Amen.

Click on link for a powerful song.
http://youtu.be/MpWozyQ2QH4

SNACKS THROUGHOUT THE DAY

The other day when I wrote about SNACKS VERSUS A MAIN COURSE one reader said she knew what I was getting at but said she liked little snacks of nourishment throughout her day too. She had a valid point. Sometimes healthy snacks are good throughout the day. I thought about that for a moment and said "Yes that is true. We need to be thinking of Christ throughout our day." By this I mean we need to start the day with prayer and throughout the day to think of Him.

You just do not "gobble him up" in one sitting on Sunday and that is that till the following week but you seek out His nourishment throughout the week on a daily basis and sometimes several times throughout your day.

For instance when you are in your car you can be singing praises or praying. Obviously you would not shut your eyes to pray but you can "talk" to God wherever you are. Remain in an "attitude" of prayer. You could have a good praise and worship station on your radio in the background while at home. Try to stay focused on good things and keep your thoughts "above".

Obviously Satan will attempt to throw you curve balls to get you messed up but resist Him. Try to get in a regular habit of taking the first part of each day to have a quiet time. It may take some creative scheduling on your part especially if you have children at home or have a job to go to. When you start doing this ,wait and see if you don't start feeling lifted up in your spirit. Enjoy "snacking" on Jesus throughout your day each and every day.

Colossians 3:1-2(NIV) says 'Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.'

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I choose this day to stay in an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. I know when I sing your praises the enemy has to flee. Thanks for the freedom I have to read and own a Bible. Forgive me for neglecting it at times. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WEEDS IN YOUR GARDEN

Do you have a garden at home? What are you growing? Is your garden thriving and producing crops or is it limp and choked by weeds? Gardens take time and effort if you want them to produce the desired plant. By time and effort I mean that you need to make sure the plants get adequate water as all living things need water to sustain them or they will die. Next you may want to fertilize them if necessary. One of your biggest responsibilities will be to keep the weeds from growing in the same place with the crops as they will overtake the garden if it is not tended to.

My strawberries have done fairly well this year but there is a wild strawberry plant, also known as a weed, that is growing amongst the big lush berries. If I do not get rid of this, plus the clover that is wrapping itself around the strawberries, then I will not get much fruit from what has been planted.

How is your "spiritual garden"? Is your spiritual life growing and thriving or does it need to be watered, fertilized, and weeded? Is the only time you spend any time with God on Sunday for one hour when you "have to"? Do you even bother trying to get to know Jesus better and strengthening your spiritual life? The "fertilizer" of sorts would be getting into the word of God to know Him better so you can "grow" in Christ. The "weeds" would be things you are doing or sins you commit that take you further away from God. It could be an attitude of your heart.

What kind of "weeds" are growing in your life that need to be pulled out down to the roots? If you have clover in your yard and simply cut the flower off the rest of the weed is still under ground and will spring up again. The thing about weeds is they do not require much to grow but take lots of effort to eradicate.

Matthew 13:7(NIV) says 'Other seed grew among thorns which grew up and choked the plants' referring to the word of God falling on hard hearts that do not have Jesus inside of them. Are the "weeds" of sin choking your relationship with Jesus? Only you can answer that question. Have you neglected your "spiritual garden" and gone out and done your own thing? Do you want to bear spiritual fruit or just have weeds all over the place?

Get those weeds out daily by having time alone with the Lord. Take time to let the "fruits" of the spirit grow in your life.

Galatians 5:22-23(NIV) says 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.' Don't let weeds choke your life but be "fruitful" for the kingdom of God.

PRAYER: Today I choose to keep the weeds of sin out of my life. I do not want growing closer to you to be choked out by sins. Give me strength to resist attempts by the enemy, Satan, to make excuses for why I can not spend time each day with Jesus. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HIGH FIVE

The "high five" sign or "give me five" or "thumbs up" seems to be the universal language of goodness, happiness, or congratulations. My foreign readers will have to let me know if it is used in the country they reside in. When you say hi often you say "Give me five"!

tami

This "giving of five" is done when people feel joyful or happy. Do you feel joy or happiness in your life? Joy should not be dependent upon what is going on in your life but deep down you can experience the joy of the Lord no matter what is happening around you. "Now Becky don't be ridiculous! You are saying people in Moore, Oklahoma who have lost loved ones can actually have joy?"

Scripture says in Nehemiah 8:10 'Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Is The Lord your strength? Do you or can you feel His presence? When you get a moment read the entire chapter of John 15. Verse 11 says 'These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.'

Joy comes from God. You need to meditate on His word and His love for you. Do not allow your circumstances or people to rob you of joy. Joy could also stand for an acronym which is "Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last". Think of that for a moment. If you did concentrate and put Jesus first each day you would have a much better chance for maintaining your joy.

PRAYER:Lord I thank you that in you is found true joy. I know the enemy tries to defeat me daily and steal my joy. I will not allow things to spoil the joy of the Lord.Comfort those who are grieving today and bring them joy in their sadness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link and worship God in praise and song.

http://youtu.be/ibPUbKW5Sak

THOSE PESKY WEEDS!!

This past week I discovered what happens when you forget about your strawberry patch. It gets choked and buried under weeds. You have to work for hours to bring it back to life and make it look pretty again. Then it is necessary to keep weeding it so the plants do not get "choked" and not grow.

Our spiritual life is like that. In previous devotions I have mentioned pulling the "weeds" out and referring to them as sin in our lives. These "weeds" keep the fruit of the spirit from growing in our daily lives. You may think you have yanked them out by the roots but lo and behold they crop up again and again and keep choking the plants. Sometimes they are vines with thorns that stick you when you try to get them out of the ground.

Sin in our life can keep us in bondage. Like these weeds, it grabs hold of you and unless it is dealt with and uprooted completely it will come back again and again. How do you get these devastating things out of your life? It is as simple as not conforming too much to this world and reading your Bible and meditating upon its' truths daily. The world can lure you into many "briar patches". By getting into the word of God you are putting on the "armor of God" to protect you from the attacks of our enemy, Satan. The more you read it you are able to "kill" those "weeds" that are choking your spiritual growth.

Certain things may tempt you and deep down you know you should not do them but that old devil tricks and deceives you and you cave in. Some sins are harder to escape from but you can not quit. God is on your side and He can help you get those roots of sin completely pulled up if you ask Him to.

Is sin choking out God and His word in your life? Make up your mind today that you will do what is necessary to not allow Satan to gain a foothold and become a stronghold of weeds in your life.
James 4:7(NIV) says 'Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.' This might mean saying no to something friends want you to do. It might mean being careful what you read and watch on TV and in the movies. It might be that you need to start a regular time with the Lord. You can not be strong and attempt to defeat the enemy if you do not hide God's word in your heart.

Psalm 119:11(NIV) says 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.'
PRAYER:Lord I need to be more like you and less conformed to the world around me. Help me Lord to impact the world you have placed me in. Forgive me when I have allowed sin to seep into my life and have done nothing to stop it. Give me your strength Lord to resist temptations the enemy throws at me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for a powerful song to get your day started:

http://youtu.be/mSF8YzUzZmY

 

Additional reading: Read Ephesians 6:10-18

YouTube - Videos from this email

CONNECTIONS

 

In my travels I get a kick out of everyone on their portable "life saving devices" or at least that is what we modern era folks look like constantly thinking we have to be connected. People almost look like robots rushing through concourses at various airports constantly on these little devices. Oh what on earth will someone do if they can not get you on the phone? How did we manage to survive without our communication devices 24/7 before this?

Every now and then you should seek to find peace without being "connected" all the time. It is necessary to just get away at times and just relax. You do not need to know every friends' Facebook status. Life will still go on.

When thinking of being connected, I was thinking our best and most important connection is with Jesus, yet how many of us fail to even give him any time in our day? We rush about doing all sorts of "necessary" things without even caring to have the power to resist Satan by getting daily into the word of God for a dose of the truth.

Are you guilty of putting God on "hold"? Right now you can change that. How much time do you spend on your wireless devices? Maybe try to budget your time and give Jesus some too. Do not make it legalistic in the sense you are just checking a block. But sincerely ask God to help you make time for Him and give your device a break for a while.

Isaiah 26:3(NIV) says 'You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.'

PRAYER: Lord Jesus it is my desire to let you be my biggest "connection". I know I have been at fault in neglecting time with you as I give more and more time to all the little "communication toys" I own. It is my desire to grow more in Christ and let you have first place. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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

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

M AND M(AKA MOUTH AND MIND)

Those two M and M's in our lives can at times create lots of trouble
for us. If we say the wrong words we can hurt someone or destroy a
relationship. If we allow our minds to focus on the wrong things we
can also be deceived by Satan into believing lies. These two M and M's
need God's intervention to help you with self control of both what you
say and what you think.


The mind is a battleground of sorts for the enemy Satan. He can get
you to imagine things, concur up scenarios, worry, fret,reason, or
have self pity. To combat this, it is essential to keep your mind on
things "above". You may recall the favorite Bible verse of mine I use
lots and that is Philippians 4:8(NIV) which says 'whatever is
true,whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever
is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy, think on these things.' Letting your mind dwell on bad
junk or worrying unnecessarily not only robs you of peace but keeps
you from being productive for the Lord. The enemy can captivate you by
causing your mind to dwell on wrong things.

Now as for that mouth, nothing unholy should be coming out of it. Do
you gossip, argue, belittle, lie, or curse? These are a few examples
of bad junk that proceeds from our mouth. James 3:11-12(NIV) says 'Can
both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My
brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?
Neither can a salt spring bring forth fresh water.' Likewise our mouth
should not curse at someone then bless them. If your tongue is a
problem pray and surrender that area to your life. God can help you
have kind and pure speech if you are serious.

It is so easy to offend someone with words we say. Perhaps something
is said in innocence and totally taken out of context. And that mind
too can get us into some real wrong thinking predicaments. The cure
and your assignment is to dwell on the word of God each and every day.
Start reading the Bible daily. Read the book of John, Romans, or
Proverbs to start out. Ask God to open your mind to the good things He
has for you to learn. With The Lord's help your M and M's can be under
God's control.

PRAYER: Lord it is my desire to have a pure mind and speech that
glorifies you. At times I know I have hurt someone by words so please
forgive me. Help me lead a life pleasing to you and being kind to
those around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ARE YOU LISTENING?

No I am not writing about the old Verizon spokesman whose famous line
was 'Can you hear me now' but I am wanting to know do you
listen,really listen to those around you? I would have to say I do
not always do such a good job of it having been blamed in college for
being spacey. But listening and showing you care are very important,
especially for the believer. If this is an area you are weak in it is
important to learn to focus and not let the distractions around you
cause you to not tune in to the person talking to you.

I have great news. I know someone who always listens and always cares!
His name is Jesus! Jeremiah 33:3(NIV) says 'Call to me and I will
answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you not
know.' God wants us to listen to Him and He listens to us when we
pray.

Proverbs 4:10(NIV) says 'Listen my son,accept what I say, and the
years of your life will be many.' In other words you "listen" to Him
by reading His word, the Bible, and He "speaks" to you through it's
pages. In Proverbs 1:8(NIV) we are told 'Listen, my son to your
father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.' Why
do you suppose that is? Maybe it is because their rules and things are
for your own good but when you rebel and go your own way you suffer
the consequences. Proverbs 19:27(NIV) says 'Stop listening to
instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.'

When you listen to wrong voices you may take the wrong path that will
lead to trouble and heartache. Staying in God's word and learning what
it says within it's pages will guide you and help you to discern wrong
from right, evil from good. Do the right thing. Listen to God!

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for the words in the Bible that are my
guide. Help me be alert to the still small voice and tune out
distractions that may keep me from you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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

TRYING TO STAY POSITIVE IN 2013

 

It seems as though the area of staying positive, uplifted and not

worried is a major issue with many people. There is plenty to despair
about if you turn on the evening news. To stay focused on good you
have to make a deliberate effort to remove distractions from your life
that tend to cause you to get upset, sad, worried and fretful.

What is stealing your peace? Bad news on TV, worry about your job, a
family situation? This is not to say we have to "stick our head in the
sand" but do not allow yourself to be agitated and upset with the
things of the world. Also sometimes when we try to control a person or
situation, it will bring on immense frustration. Give whatever it is
that is bothering you over to the Lord. You may recall the verse in 1
Peter 5:7(NIV) that reminds us to 'cast all your anxiety on Him for He
cares for you.'

On that New Years resolution list beside where you might have written
"get in shape" why not try to make it a point to be a "spiritual
fitness freak" and spend oodles of time alone with Jesus. This will
only occur when you purposely set time aside DAILY to get into His
word and pray. How important is having peace and joy to you? Try
giving God the first part of your day and not reading the newspaper
before the Bible or flipping on a morning show only to get upset and
stressed over world news. Tune into God instead!

PRAYER: A new year brings excitement for new ideas, new goals, new
ventures. Lord I know I need to give you more time and I need to dwell
on things that uplift and not tear down and destroy. With your help I
can achieve this goal. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DON'T GIVE UP!

What it is in life that is getting you down with discouragement and
despair? Perhaps it is loss of a job? Maybe an illness that threatens
your life? Is it maybe the state of our country if you are reading
this from the United States? Loss of a friend or family member to
death recently or in the past? Perhaps guilt over abortion? Maybe you
are pregnant and unmarried? Whatever it is God hears and understands.
Sometimes when people feel "down" they may listen to "wrong

voices" and feel that the only way out is to end their life. My
friend, that is never the way out. Ask any surviving family

members of those who have committed suicide.

On talk radio the other day there was a former Navy Seal who called
in, and I wish I had his name to give him credit for something. He
had lost his leg, arm and was suffering greatly, feeling very down but
he said that talk radio "propped him up when he felt like giving up".
That is sort of how God is and our friends too. When you run to God
and run to the Bible you can have peace. When overcome by discouraging
thoughts it is necessary to not drown your problems in alcohol or
drugs. Those cures are placed in your head by the enemy who is out to
destroy you. God is here to make you whole and to get you through the
tough times to the rainbow that awaits you on the others side.

Sometimes a friend just needs to talk it out. At times you may be
tricked by Satan to not unload your burden and get help. Thoughts such
as, you will be made fun of or your friends will not want to be with

you anymore. Don't believe it! In 1 Thessalonians 5:11(NIV) it says

'Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in
fact you are doing.'

You are of great value to God. He has a purpose for you. He wants you
to run your race to win. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) says 'God is our refuge and
strength. A very present
help in time of trouble.' Run to Him today.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for helping me through the storms of life that
come my way. I know Lord I need to get into the word when the enemy
gets me thinking gloomy thoughts. It is only through you that I gain
strength for each day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below for an awesome song to lift you up.
http://youtu.be/CZzUFei6slA

I have included links to some hotlines for those in crisis:
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE 

Prayer Hotline:1-800-759-0700 (Operated by volunteer counselors from
The 700 Club)
Pregnancy Hotline: 1-800-395-HELP 
Runaways Hotline:1-800-RUNAWAY
Veterans' Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 
ALL ISSUES: 1-800-AFAMILY (Not 24 Hours)