DETOURS,DEAD ENDS, U TURNS, OBSTACLES AHEAD

 In life at times we face setbacks. Perhaps things are going well then
out of nowhere something happens to change everything. Maybe it is
being laid off, a job loss, an illness, or some tragedy. Regardless
there are things sometime in life that may seem initially bad and
disruptive on the surface but God can use all things for His purposes.

Life may throw you a series of tests and trials. It is through these
harder times that we grow the most if we do not cave in to the enemy
and allow him to make you overwhelmed and defeated. Even in death
there can be purposes achieved although we never want to tell someone
who is grieving that God can use this.

James 1:2-3(NIV) says 'Consider it all joy my brother, whenever you
face trials of many kinds for you know the testing of your faith
develops perseverance.' Often when traveling and encountering a
detour sign your initial reaction may be something like 'Just great.
Now I am going to be late!' That sign in fact is out there to warn
you and to guide you, to perhaps make you slow down. There is a reason
even though it may not seem so at the time. A barrier on a road under
construction may keep you from an unnecessary road hazard and thus a
possible accident.

The next time some apparent "test" comes into your life ask God what
He wants you to learn from it. He initially is equipping us to be
stronger for his heavenly kingdom. I think back on my military
training and even though we were yelled at, made to march a good deal,
and endure things like gas chambers, jumping walls, swinging on ropes
and a host of other things, it was to help shape us for our duties
ahead. It had a reason.

What are you facing today? Can you trust God to see you through it? I
will leave you with a final verse of hope found in Deuteronomy
31:6(NIV) which says 'Be strong and courageous, be not afraid or
terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you, he will
never leave you nor forsake you.'

PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for getting me through the rough road
bumps that occasionally happen in life. I know you can work through
all situations to bring good. Help me stay focus on you and not my
problems. In Jesus' name. Amen.

7 DAYS WITHOUT JESUS MAKES ONE 'WEAK'

 Many of you have probably seen this title on a church sign  but think about what it really means. When you do not eat food for nourishment your body becomes weak and if you have a constant diet of junk food your body will get fat, broken down, and possibly sick. The same thing occurs without Jesus in your life. If you claim to be a Christian yet do not keep plugged into your power source, The Bible, you will not be equipped and strengthened to face the myriad of battles that may come your way each week.

Do you get up each day and thank the Lord for another day He has blessed you with to serve Him and impact your world or do you gripe and complain about having to get up and go to work, again? I guarantee you many unemployed people would love your job and the income and benefits it provides. Work is a gift from God. Try to start your day saying "This is your day Lord and I will rejoice and be glad."  That is actually a Bible verse found in Psalm 118:24.This is a good start to not being a weakling in Christ.

If you have time in the morning before rushing out the door do you spend it getting informed of the events in the world by newspaper or TV or do you take the time to nourish your spirit by reading the Bible? Many find it easier to click on the television or pick up the local paper than they do to pick up a devotional or Bible. Maybe you feel church is enough. Is eating one meal a week enough? The answer is NO.

The Bible says in Matthew 5:6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied."  Are you hungry for the things of the Lord or do you find them dull and boring? What do you suppose heaven will be like?

Try to start a new habit of putting God first place in your life. When you hear the sermons that say to do it that does not mean simply going to church. That is only one tiny aspect of walking with Christ. Mark 12:30 reminds us to "Love the Lord your of with all your heart with all your soul with all your strength and with all your mind." Do you love him this way? Do you want to? Do you want to have strength to fight the battles ahead of you?

 Being a Sunday Christian only is all fine and good, but what are you doing with that Bible the other six days? It is not a book end or a coffee table decoration. Start today to really put God first. Saying it is fine but living it and doing it is quite another story. Start today and read one chapter in Psalms a day and see if your day isn't better.

PRAYER: Lord God there are times I rush into my day giving you little time. You have given me so much yet sometimes I fail to even give you more time than a prayer at meals. My desire is to be strong in the Lord and to do that I know I need to re order my daily priorities to not put you in if there is time. Forgive me Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.