GOD'S EXTREME MAKEOVERS

Recently I had the awesome privilege of attending the Moms in Prayer Southeast Regional Retreat in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina at the Billy Graham Conference Center near Asheville. The event director in speaking one day said something to the effect that "God was a God of extreme makeovers" so I thought, "what an awesome title" for a devotion. God really is in the business of doing some miraculous jobs on some people who absolutely could not stand him or mocked Him.

Think of conversion experiences of drug addicts, alcoholics, prostitutes, Rap artists, Satan worshippers, Muslims and those who do not believe in Jesus like Christians do or may even hate us, thieves, homosexuals who turned their backs on God to try to justify their lifestyle, those living in sin with boyfriend or girlfriend, compulsive liars, and a host of all sorts of things. First let me point out that we are not to judge and assume just because someone looks a certain way or acts a certain way that they do not know Jesus. But think of in the Bible when evil Saul became Paul. Now that indeed was an extreme makeoever wouldn't you say?Read Acts Chapter 9 when you get a free moment.

During the Watergate scandal in 1973 several people went to jail to include the late Charles Colson who was a mastermind of this plot. .In 1974, he served seven months in the prison in as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges. Even the worst possible person has hope of being redeemed and set free. After being in prison he turned his heart to God and later founded Prison Fellowship International. Pretty miraculous I would say.Even the serial killer and rapist Ted Bundy accepted Christ before being put to death in the electric chair in 1989.

Even the worst and most vile person has a chance for redemption and salvation. 2 Peter 3:9(NIV) reminds us 'The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.' We are not to hate others or wish them evil either, God loves and we need to love and forgive too.

Where are you at today? You may not have this story of being set free from things like pornography or drugs but have you asked Jesus to be Lord of your life. He is the great transformer of life.2 Corinthians 5:17(NIV) says 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!' Do you want to have that perfect peace of being forgiven and knowing that when you die you will be in heaven? Then say this simple prayer. "Lord Jesus I ask you to forgive me of ___________ and set me free. I would like you to come into my heart today and change it. I want to live for you and serve you. Thanks for letting me be your child.Amen."

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know that I am not perfect. Keep me from wrongly judging others. Help me to show your love for all of mankind. I remember we are all sinners and it is only by the grace of God I am where I am. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click link and praise God in song.

http://youtu.be/FaUTv1pXRyU

THE FLY AWAKENED ME

Have you heard of people getting messages from God in dreams or other ways? Well a couple weeks ago a common housefly woke me up by continually landing on my face. It was very annoying. After this happened numerous times and many failed attempts to fall back to sleep, a Bible verse came to me about overcoming evil and good and evil being in the world. I can not recall the exact verse, but it prompted me to write on good and evil as when I finally got up I was thinking "overcome evil with good." I can not recall ever waking up to a Bible verse like that before. It indeed was rather bizarre.

So I can thank that annoying house fly for giving me an idea. The housefly itself reminded me of the pesky annoyance of bad junk in our lives. It kind of reminds me of Hebrews 12:1(NIV) which says '

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.' Some versions use the word "beset" in place of entangle, but that word "entangle" really is a word picture. A person can get all tangled up in sin until they are trapped. Think of being in a jungle or in a bunch of weeds and with no clear path how easy it would be to get stuck or "entangled" in a the underbrush. I have prayed the prayer before that Jesus would help "detangle" a situation someone was in as only Jesus can, and I have seen Him do it. I believe is was my friend Stephanie who I first heard coin this creative word. Jesus can indeed "detangle" a person from a trap that the enemy has laid for them. Do you need a fly to wake you up to give you a reminder about something? Can you recognize and run away from evil or sin that has kept you "tangled" up? Turn to God. He is the great "detangler" and indeed can help you run your race to win. PRAYER: Lord Jesus I know the enemy sets traps he wants me to fall into it. I will keep my eyes on you so I am not tripped up. Keep my eyes wide own to the schemes of the evil one as I focus only on you. In Jesus' name. Amen. Click on link for awesome song of praise: http://youtu.be/BJ4jOX6f_1s

GRADUATION DAY

This is the time of year that lots of graduations are occurring. High school, college, graduate school, medical school and even kindergarten and eighth grades often times have graduations. It is a special time families look forward to almost as much as the individual graduating! Receptions, open houses, and parties are held in honor of the graduate.

Another even more "special graduation" awaits the believer who has accepted Jesus Christ into their heart as Lord and savior and that is our "graduation" into the heavenly kingdom. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9(NIV) that '

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" -- the things God has prepared for those who love him' or in other words as there is no way a human can possibly conceive of what awaits those who have asked Jesus into their hearts. In Isaiah 65:17(NIV) it says 'see I will create new heaven and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered nor will they come to mind.' In our mere human minds we often wonder if "papa or mama are looking down on us" but apparently they are overcome by the beauty and grandeur of the heavenly kingdom it sounds like by this verse. Are you ready for heaven? There have been stories told of believers who have died and miraculously been brought back to life after getting a glimpse of heaven and wished they could have stayed. We friends and family members want our loved ones to live, and rightfully so, but it sounds like by these stories that they are much better off in the splendor that awaits us with Jesus. Everything down here is so temporary. Heaven is forever. It is eternity. I did not ask if you were a church member or have been baptized. In Matthew 7:21-23(NIV) it says 'Not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day "Lord Lord did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?" and I will tell them plainly "I never knew you. Away from me you evil doers."' I am not saying this to scare anyone but to truly search your heart. There is not one special denomination that has all the answers. Many people do lots of good "church things" but their heart really is not right with the Lord. James 1:12(NIV) says 'Blessed is the one who has persevered under trial for having stood the test that person will receive the crown of life that is promised to those who love him. ' Many denominations think their way is the only way to heaven. I have news for you. There will no doubt be many surprises in heaven. We human "judges" think we have all the answers and even wonder at someone's death if they "got in". It is not our job to do that. We simply pray. I remember many years ago hearing a friend relate to me how this elderly woman had said to her mom that she did not think it was "fair" for someone to have a "death bed conversion" when she had served Jesus almost all her life. Say what? Like I said, there will be surprises in heaven. Murderers, thieves, rapists, those who committed suicide, and all sorts of people we humans like to say "probably did not get in". If they asked God to forgive them and asked them into their heart they are redeemed and set free. We all have sinned. There is not a big chart classifying which is "the ultimate worst one". We humans do that, not God. 1 Corinthians 6:11(NIV) says 'And such were some of you but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.' Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Are you ready for your "heavenly graduation day"? In Hebrews 3:15(ESV) 'As it is said "Today if you hear His voice harden not your hearts as you did in the rebellion."' Do you hear God's voice? Do you want to? If only you could stop and make time for Him today. If you are not sure you have asked Him into your heart it is a simple prayer. "Lord Jesus forgive me for doing my own thing. Forgive me Lord for shutting you out. I want you to come in and live in my heart today." Next find a growing dynamic church where you can grow in Christ and one that shows love and forgiveness. Finally get into your Bible each day and get to know Jesus better. You can not "know" friends without spending time with them. Same with Jesus. It is not just one hour on Sunday. Get ready to graduate!! PRAYER: Today Lord I thank you for being my Lord and savior. Forgive me if I have made judgments on where another person stood or whether or not they would go to heaven because of something they had done. I do not know their heart. I want to know you better and I know that Satan does not want me to. I choose this day to live for you. In Jesus' name.Amen. Click on link for an awesome praise song. http://youtu.be/9La_4svq8JI

DEBRIS IN THE ROAD

When we are driving on the streets and highways and byways it is critical to be paying close attention to the road ahead of us. We have to avoid potholes, roadkill, and debris that may be in the middle of the road. If we do not and are unfortunate hitting it, then we could do serious damage to our vehicle or worse yet, wreck and become injured.

Sin is like that foreign object or dead animal in the road. Somehow it is out there and gets into our path and we get injured. The injury could be devastating and life changing to take us off God's path and make us believe the enemies lies. The sin could be little and hardly noticeable such as a tissue on the highway. We do not see it and it will not really hurt us but it is still litter and should not be there. 

Satan sends powerful delusional spirits at times and tricks those who sometimes are even believers. That is why it is so critical to stay in an attitude of prayer and do not entertain things you know are against God's word. 2 Thessalonians 2:10(NLT)  says 'He will send us every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.'  Satan is real. He is tricky. He lies and is the father of lies. His task is to destroy the believer. Maybe he makes loving Jesus and serving Him seem crazy to you by putting wrong thoughts in your head. Remember what he did in the Garden of Eden? Maybe he deceives you into thinking going to church is all you need to do. 

John 10:10(NIV) says '

'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.' Have you hit some "debris" in the pathway of your life that has taken you away from the things you know to be right? Has your love for Jesus grown cold? Do things of the world that you know separate you from still captive you? Do you feel the Bible is boring? Friend now is the time to remove the "debris" and make your life right with the Lord. You want to keep running but kick that debris out of the way. Philippians3:14(NIV) says 'I press onto receive the prize to which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.' Colossians 2:8(NIV) is a good verse to pray for a family member you may know that is caught up n believing a lie from the enemy or if it is you then pray it for yourself. It says ' See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.' Now go out and take notice of the "sinful debris" and  purge it from your road of life. PRAYER: Lord Guide my steps each and every day. Help me never be ashamed of you. Teach me your truth. Your word is truth. Help me to not listen to false teaching or the lures of this world. In Jesus' name. Amen.

HE MAKES BEAUTIFUL THINGS OUT OF MESSES

Several years ago there was a book by the author Patsy Clairmont  entitled "God Uses Cracked Pots". Great title for a book about normal people with normal issues in life that aren't perfect but God uses them for His purposes. Some people who at one time have been the furthest away from God are now working mightily for his kingdom.  It is through these "cracks" or imperfections in life we often learn to grow closer to the Lord. Mistakes often teach us valuable lessons. One of the greatest illustrations I can think of is former Watergate insider, the late Chuck Colson,  who went to prison for several years as a result of his crimes and later started Prison Fellowship Ministries.

Sometimes it takes complete brokenness to get someone to see their need for Christ.  When many think God is being hard on them, maybe He in fact has you on His "potter's wheel" shaping you and molding you so you can be more effective for Him.

You may recall the verse in Romans 3:23 (NIV) which says 'All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.' Don't  think you are beyond hope no matter what you have done. That is a lie from the pit of hell. He turns scars into stars.  From your mess He creates your "message". So no matter what, God can use you if only you will let Him. 

PRAYER: Lord I realize the enemy, Satan, is the one who lies to me to make me feel beyond redemption. I know Lord you are the great redeemer and came to set the captives free. You have forgiven my sins and remember them no more. For that I thank you. Help me lead a life pleasing unto you. In Jesus' name.Amen. 

NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS....NO NOT ONE!

NO ONE IS RIGHTEOUS..NO NOT ONE

How many of us have been guilty of judging others or pointing the finger at sinners when we in fact are sinners ourselves?  Do you beat up on "God's sheep" trying to come back to the fold? Do you classify sin as which one is despicable and the absolute worst?

There are churches out there that have a habit of "shooting their wounded". Just what gives us the right to classify sin? Some of those people who were the greatest in the Bible have had rough shady pasts. God can and does redeem. God can and does set free. God can and does

love you regardless of what you have done. God can and does heal the brokenhearted. God can and does set the sinner free.

In Isaiah 64:6(NIV) it says 'all of us become as one who is unclean. And all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. We all shrivel up like a leaf. And like the winds, our sins sweep us away.'  Just remember we all have messed up so do not get so high and mighty deciding which sin is better or worse than the other.  Let God be the judge. Romans 3:23( NIV) says 'All have sinned and fallen short of Gods' glory.'

As you begin a fresh new year here on the 4th day of January 2013 make it a point to stop judging others and and feeling that what you have done is not as bad as what someone else has done. It is your job to try to lead a righteous life. So go now and seek His face in 2013.

PRAYER: Father if I have every tried to act like a judge please forgive me. Forgive my self righteousness. Lord Jesus I want to be your servant and have a pure heart. Help me as I walk daily with you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

MESSED UP? YOU'RE FIRED! (NOT)

Who hasn't made mistakes in their life? We all have. Sometimes the thing you do might possibly be a sin against God. Guess what? God doesn't say 'you're fired' but instead He allows you grace and mercy. He forgives you. It says in Psalm 103:12(NIV) 'As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our sins from us.' Isn't that terrific news? 'But wait, I really messed up and think there is no hope' you may say. God is the God of hope and second chances. He loves you with an everlasting love. When bad stuff in life happens He does indeed care for you. He is your best friend if only you would let Him be. Often times, when awful stuff happens and you fear for your future, you might be tempted to run to friends and just get mad at your situation instead of seeking God and praying.

In 1 Corinthians 6:11(NIV) we are reminded 'And that is what some of you were but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.' Again more wonderful news! Psalm 56:4(NASB) reminds us also that 'In God whose word I praise, In God who I have put my trust, I will not be afraid what mere men can do to me.' I love that, mere men! God is greater and more powerful than any mere man. He is sovereign over all. Remember that.

Even if you have something terrible happen it does not mean it is the end of the world. Now mind you, those reading this who have lost a child or loved one may say there is no way to go on, but God does indeed want us to go on. He has plans and purposes for all things and if you run to Him he will see you through whatever storm or trial in life you are in the midst of.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for being with me in good times and in not so good times. Sometimes I do not understand why awful stuff has to happen but help me Lord to lean on you and not listen to the lies the enemy puts in my head trying to get me angry at you. You are a God of mercy and truth and I thank you for the many ways you have blessed my life in good times and in bad. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below and praise God in song:

http://youtu.be/9xPzTSpbYmk

LOOK AHEAD, NOT BACK

 The idea for this title came to me while driving about 5 p.m. one weekday. I realized just how important it was to not look behind me but to keep my eyes focused on the traffic particularly in the high traffic times of the start and end of the work day. If you live in a major city you have true rush hour but here where I am we have lots of cars on the road but nothing like a huge city rush hour. It is important when you drive in lots of heavy traffic that you keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you and pay attention always looking ahead down the road for hazards. If you start being distracted by your rear view mirror the traffic could, in fact, suddenly stop and you will more than likely crash into the vehicle ahead of you.

In life too, we need to look ahead and not behind. The past is gone and can not be resurrected. You can learn from the mistakes you have made and confess sins you may have committed, but after that you are to move on and let it go and focus on the here and now and the future. Constantly clinging to the past is not going to bring it back. It is gone, period!

Let's say you can not forget some sin you committed in your life even though you confessed it and God forgave you but Satan keeps trying to torment you with it. Talk out loud to Satan and say 'Satan I will not believe your lies. God has redeemed me and set me free to lead a life pleasing to Him so in the name of Jesus be gone' then move on. After all there is a verse in Psalm 103:12(NIV) that reminds me 'as far as the East is from the West so far has He removed our transgressions from us.'
You might recall the story about Lot's wife in Genesis 19:18-26 where the family was fleeing the evils of the city of Sodom before God destroyed it. God had commanded them to not look back. Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Not listening to and obeying God then sure had dire consequences. It is tempting to maybe turn around but forget it and keep looking ahead. Charge on!

The Army used to sing a Jody call for marching in formation and maybe it is still used and it went something like this: 'Ain't no use in looking down, there's no discharge on the ground. One two three four, one two give me some more.' Looking down and looking back indicate perhaps a lack of peace about the future or wanting to stay way you are.

Can you look straight ahead and keep your eye on the prize, that being living a life pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ and throwing off the weights of sin along the way that cling to you and try to drag you down? Keep your eyes on the future. God has good things in store!

Philippians 3:14(NIV) says 'I press on toward the goal, to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ.'

PRAYER: I thank you so much that in Christ I have a future and a hope. I need not cling to the past and worry over things that can not be changed. Help me Lord as I press on for the prize of eternal life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT MAN

 

Have you ever put your trust or faith in a 'mere man' only to be let down and disappointed? Take a sports figure who is caught doping or cheating. Maybe it is a preacher who fell from grace. Perhaps a respected school teacher caught in a criminal act. Maybe it is a friend who has betrayed you in some way. For some maybe it is finding out a spouse has cheated on you. It could be an individual you trusted that it is found they embezzled money. Perhaps you shared something in confidence and found out it was not kept a secret. These are just a few examples. The point is humans can let us down but God never let us down.

When bad things happen to people, and they will at times, we are not to be the judge. Beware or the same scenarios occurring in your life. Pray for protection and for individuals caught in these traps. God does and can restore, redeem, and forgive. Often tragedies and downfalls in life cause the individual to get closer to the Lord.

Our hope and our trust should not be placed in mere man. Now in the case of the mention of an unfaithful spouse, those individuals, if they had a Christian marriage, took a vow before God to stay true to each other so that in fact should be followed as you grow in love daily putting God first and your spouse second. Don't ever put yourself in a tempting situation where you might fall. If one of the partners failed it is time to seek reconciliation and counseling to restore what God brought together. Stay best friends and this is unlikely to occur but still make sure God is number one.

Turn to the Lord and look to Him for your strength. Pray for you to stay strong and not led away by temptations and roadblocks man may put in your path.

Isaiah 40:31 says "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles. They will run and not be weary. They will walk and not faint."

Who do you trust today?

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for being there for me when it seems the world around me and people are faltering. Lord I thank you for being supremely in control. I look to you for my source of strength as I go through life. In Jesus name.

Click on link for a wonderful song of praise:
http://youtu.be/W48NfLLSFNc

FAMILY IS FOREVER

In the movie 'Dolphin Tale' one of the main characters gave his nephew a token of his love before he went off to war and it was inscribed with the words "Family Is Forever'. Your family is there or should be when the world runs out on you. Too many families are fractured in today's world. Wedding vows seem to be meaningless to many. The traditional family is indeed the backbone of our society.

When a family member suffers all should want to help. I know of a family where two siblings had a quarrel a few years ago and neither one would budge to restore their relationship. To this day they have not spoken. When the family unit breaks down it affects all members. If you are the product of a divorce I am not trying to condemn you because God can and does forgive and redeem and heal. He is indeed the God of a second chance. When a member of the body hurts all members should hurt. Do not point the finger and condemn.

If you are reading this today pray for the unity of your own family unit. Pray that you will always do what it takes to keep things working properly. Above all keep Christ in the center. If you are a married couple and one spouse claims to know Jesus but yet does not read his or her Bible and seemingly acts like the rest of the world after Sunday do not preach to them, simply pray.

Parents out there, if you have a child who has messed up or is a prodigal, love them and pray for them. God is not through with them yet. If you have messed up and hurt someone ask forgiveness. Harboring resentment and hatred only keeps the argument going. Be the bigger person and seek to restore a relationship if one is broken.

Be devoted to your family and your spouse. It is okay to be independent and have your own interests but you should also try to find things that you like to do together. Some couples are already very uniquely matched in their interests so this is not hard to do. Be thankful if you are and nurture that time together for intimacy and building a strong married life. Romans 12:10 says "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Treat others like you want to be treated. Go out of your way to show kindness. If you are spoken to harshly do not retaliate but respond with love.

 If you are a part of an estranged family and maybe you have been the one not willing to budge, then pray and ask for courage to confront this to mend a broken relationship. Some family members can in fact be downright mean and try to bring dissension in the ranks, so to speak. That type of person would indeed be hard to embrace and love. Just keep praying. Try to love them. Perhaps this person has told lies to try to break the family apart or pit one against the other and you have just about had enough. Continue to pray for them. The more you pray the less you want to hate. Romans 12:21 reminds us to "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." That is a good thing to remember. When someone talks sarcastically or hateful to you try to ignore it and speak in love. Hard to do humanly but not with God's help.

 Leave and cleave is the key for marriages. If you are a parent let the children alone once they are married. Do not try to tell them what to do. Do not run to mommy or daddy but seek advice of your spouse. Genesis 2:24 says "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." Leave and cleave that is the key. If you are a child living in the same town as your parents keep this in mind. Meddling families are not a good thing. If your marriage needs help go seek Christian counseling.

Today I write this in honor of my husband of 35 years who affectionately introduces me as his first wife Becky.Today is his birthday. Marriages and families today are under fire more than ever so appreciate and love your family. Remember the vows you took. If you are newlyweds maybe it is good to make it a practice to read your vows each month on the date of your anniversary.  Joel 2:25 reminds us this about God and it says "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten." Things aren't over if you have messed up. Keep on looking to Jesus. And if you are flourishing as a family keep it that way by looking to Jesus in all things. Keep him in the center. Keep in the word of God.

PRAYER: Lord God thank you for family. Thanks for the family you gave me. Thankyou Lord for problems for through them we learn to be strong. God I ask that you take care of my family and help grow them more and more into your image and  help me always love no matter what. In Jesus Name. Amen.

ALL WE LIKE SHEEP

Things in your life may be pretty good right now or you may be going through an awful ordeal with yourself or a family member or perhaps a close friend. Lawsuits, divorces, alcoholism, drug addiction, same sex attraction, bankruptcy, inability to pay bills, a prodigal child, unwed pregnancy, loss of a job, abortion, estrangement from a family member who refuses to forgive, anger control, domestic abuse, and on the problems go. Stuff in life happens. Problems brought on by our own actions or problems out of our control. There is probably no one reading this that has not had one issue in their life that has been hard to go through.

We are God's sheep it says in Psalm 100:3."Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His. We are His people the sheep of his pasture." Now speaking of sheep who need a shepherd to guide them, sometimes the sheep get away from the shepherd. Scripture says in Isaiah 53:6 "We all are like sheep gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." When you follow the shepherd he will keep you safe and out of trouble.
God can forgive you if you have sinned and gotten away from Him and he can give you peace if you are waiting for a family member to be rescued and set free from something in their life.

 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to "Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you." In closing 1 Peter 2:25 says "For you were like sheep going astray,but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for your comfort and your open arms of forgiveness. Help me to learn to be more like you and help those family members or friends who may be struggling with understanding why problems happen in life. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to be blessed by a tremendous song of worship.
JESUS FRIEND OF SINNERS
http://youtu.be/DnhWExqyRRA

WE ALL HAVE MESSED UP

Yes it is true. Even the seemingly most perfect individual on earth has messed up in some way one time or another. Remember only Jesus is perfect. You there in your 'holy huddle' thinking you are so wonderful as you trot off to church each week. Do you live for Christ when you exit the church doors or do you start gossiping, judging, backbiting, condemning, fault finding and all the rest? What good did church even do for you other than punch your religious obligation card if you act like a creature of the world when you leave?

We humans can be good at judging. Maybe it makes us feel better about ourselves but all of us have some sort of junk in our lives. No matter what it is God can restore, redeem, and rebuild a broken life. He is the God of restoration and second chances.The story is not over yet . He does not throw you out on a garbage pile and say "Well you did a horrible thing. Shame on you!" That is what Satan wants you to feel. Satan will condemn you and lie to you. But God loves you no matter what. He is standing with his arms open wide and saying "Come child". Matthew 11:28 tells us "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

1 Corinthians 6:11 says "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." God can heal broken lives and put the pieces back together  no matter what it is you have done. When you are at your lowest point and the world will not show mercy Gods' grace and mercy are there. You are not worthless and God has a plan for your life and He uses both the good and the bad to get you to where he wants you.  So when humans get in your face and judge you just say to yourself "I am redeemed, I am set free, I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus" and finally "No weapon formed against me shall prosper".  (Isaiah 54:17).

PRAYER: Father I thank you for loving me and forgiving me when I have fallen short and messed up. Help me to not listen to the lies of the enemy when he tries to bring condemnation and guilt upon me. Father you have come into my life and set me free and for that I thank you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link and be blessed with a song of praise and worship.
http://youtu.be/ycknXVDCYQ0

GOD CAN TURN IT AROUND

 This past week, Watergate henchman and later Redeemed set free Christian, Charles Colson went to be with the Lord. Back during the Watergate scandal in the 70's you would have never thought of this man as leading a worldwide ministry but that is just what he did. He went to prison as a result of his dealings with Watergate but it was there at his lowest point that he saw his need for redemption and setting his life straight and became born again.  Once discharged from Prison he was instrumental in the founding of Prison Fellowship ministries.

 Ted Bundy, convicted rapist and killer of many young women back in the 70's, was an unsuspecting handsome law student, who no woman would have been scared to talk to. Due to his family background and exposure  to pornography  at an early age and later his full blown addiction to hard corn porn, he did not get 'enough' from the magazines and acted out things thus ending up a murderer and rapist. It was on death row in 1989 that Mr. Bundy requested an interview with then Focus on the Family founder and president Dr James Dobson. In this taped interview, later available on a DVD entitled 'Fatal Addiction', he spoke of his sorrow for what he had done and had since become a Christian but he also warned others  of the dangers of dabbling in pornography.

 By these two examples, which are pretty drastic, you can see that God can in fact use cracked and damaged material  to bring people into His kingdom. There are many examples in the Bible of vile people making a turn around as well, Saul to Paul, for instance.

Satan tries to plant lies in your head and say " well you are pretty crooked and wicked and look what you did back in high school or college." These are lies from the pit of hell. The Bible says  in 2 Peter 3:9 that "God does not wish any to perish but all to come to repentance." 1 Corinthians 3:11 reminds us "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."   It is said "the ground is level at the foot of the cross" or in other words there are not 'degrees' of sin.

Jesus says in John 8:11 speaking to the woman caught in act of adultery "Go and sin no more." He doesn't say " oh my gosh, look what you have done you despicable piece of garbage."   No in fact he says to you and to me "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest". ( See Matthew 11:28). Are you ready to accept his forgiveness and love?

PRAYER: Lord I am grateful for your undeserved mercy. Thank you for loving me even when I have turned my back on you by my actions. Father I desire to be a vessel used by you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link for a wonderful song.
http://youtu.be/aX7ucgWlusY