You Got Problems? Really?

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. 2 Corinthians 4:8

One day yours truly the Christian devotion writer and author was stewing over a glitch in my first ever book. Mind you, most people were raving about the accomplishment of publishing and very few noticed. So I got it fixed by publisher. Not! My editor found two more glitches I failed to catch. One of my best friends told me the book was wonderful. So back to my own advice and lessons I go. 

In the big scheme of things this is not a huge earth shattering problem. It is nothing to lose sleep over. It is not going to send me to jail or anything. It is just inconvenient and embarrassing. Many people around the globe face major issues daily. Lack of fresh water. Dying of diseases. Getting fired or losing a job. Wrecking your car. And a minor issue will pass. Everything in life needs to be kept in perspective. Someone once told me you will always find someone worse off than you and how true that is.

Are the problems you are facing now really so major that you can't rest and have peace? There is also a saying "this too shall pass". I know sometimes we think we are stuck in a problem forever it seems but when it is just a memory we wonder what was the big issue. So give worry a break and trust in God. 

PRAYER: Forgive me when I have not stopped and taken a deep breath and instead get into the worry mode. I know you don't want me to. Give me peace and help me remember to always pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Snap!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:3

What do you think of when you hear that word or sound? For me the most recent was the sound my knee made,or maybe it was 'pop', when I tore my ACL in a fall I took snow  skiing. "Ouch what was that" is what I said. It was an 11 on a ten point pain scale.

Things sometimes happen we are unprepared for and sometimes have tremendous difficulty dealing with. That dreaded phone call or knock at the front door usually not bringing good news. Stuff happens in life we have no control over and we have to pick up and go on. That 'snapping' sound of not so great news often sets us back. Back in 2001 no one expected the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Unexpected things are part of life. It is the bouncing back that we have to master. And master  you can with God's help! 

Whatever it is you are struggling with today let God have your trials. 

PRAYER: Lord you are good in the good and the not so good. I thank you I know all things will work out somehow. Help me hang on to hope. In Jesus' name. Amen.

I AM A CHRISTIAN...HO HUM.

 

Has there been a time in life when you just did not feel excited about Jesus? Maybe you asked Jesus into your heart, were baptized, and gave your testimony but then something happened. Prayers were not answered. Someone died and you blamed God on "taking them". Friends hurt you and you wondered why God abandoned you. You lost your job and once again said "why did God allow this to happen to me"?  You file for bankruptcy and say "where is God in this?". Why do people always "dump" on God? 

Remember God is a good God. Hebrews 13:5(NIV) says 'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you never will I forsake you.”  Now that is a promise we can hope in. Why not get angry at the devil instead? 

We are here on this earth for only a very short time. Things will happen and it is how we react that matters. You can let your trials make you grow or make you run to the devil and get mad at God. 

1 Peter 1:7 says 'That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.'  

What do you choose? Grow closer in trials and praise God continually or just forget about him and live for the enemy? A question only you can answer.

PRAYER: Today is another day you have blessed us with. In this world we do and will have tribulation but your word says "we have overcome  the world". Help me shine through trials and not glorify the enemy by forgetting about you and getting mad. Be with friends and family who are dealing with a ho hum relationship with Christ and bring them closer to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

PASSED YOUR TEST YET?

 I was at the airport waiting for my husband who was returning from a trip. My car had been doing fine but now at 7:40 p.m. it decides not to start. What a great welcome home for a weary traveler. Ah ha Isaid. Another "test" to see how we both handle this inconvenience.

Many things happen in life that get us "off our game", so to speak.Things are going smoothly then a problem occurs. No matter what happens it is necessary to stay calm. My sister used to tell me that things would keep happening till I mastered the skill to deal with the problem. The key is to keep your cool and ask God to help you.

In these inconvenient situations it is necessary to have peace and patience. James 1:2-3(NIV) says 'Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.' "You want me to be joyful when I misplace my car keys when late to an appointment, when I have a flat tire?"

We all should be wanting to grow more like Christ so getting a few tests here and there is good to help strengthen you. God can and will see you through. Don't blow the opportunity by becoming agitated.

PRAYER: Each and every day opportunities come my way Lord to be a witness for you. When a problem occurs help me to exhibit Christ like behavior knowing you will see my through. In Jesus' name. Amen

BROKEN, SHATTERED, FRACTURED

Does my title describe how you feel at times? Do you ever feel there is no way out or some prayer is falling on deaf ears? First of all God is not deaf but his ways are not our ways it says in Isaiah 55:8-9.

Instead of brokeness why not shoot for the goal of wholeness, being mended, healed, set free, and forgiven.

Just recently I heard from a friend that a neighbor of hers had cancer and was blaming God. Why do people automatically blame God and get mad at Him? Why not be mad at the destroyer, liar, deceiver, thief known as Satan? It is so easy to think God can just wave a magic wand and all things will be happy. Trials and struggles believe it or not do make you stronger.

God can indeed use our brokenness to get us closer to Him. Remember that Jesus Christ suffered the ultimate form of brokenness on the cross when he was crucified. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV) says 'But He was wounded for our transgressions,bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.'

When you are going through trials of any kind it is hurtful and no fun. Seem times you just feel you can not go on and things are never going to change. Those thoughts come from the enemy who likes to destroy our good thought life and positive attitude. In 1 Peter 1:7(KJV) we are told 'That the trial of your faith being much more precious than that of gold that perishes, though be tried by fire,might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.' James 1:2-4(NIV) says 'Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its' work so that you may be mature and complete,not lacking anything.'

God is the great mender,healer, and deliverer. Cry out to Him today.he will see you through.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that you will with me through the hard times of life. I realize that many of these trials are meant to conform me more to your image. Give me strength to hang on and not give up. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Note: There is a new magazine published here in my local area of Huntsville, Alabama which you may want to check out. https://www.shatteredmagazine.net/

Click link for a song of worship.

http://youtu.be/Y1sM4T-_FVw

HELP ME OUT OF THIS PIT!

When you go about you day to day life do you just think about yourself and your own issues and problems or do you ever look around at people and wonder what is going on in their lives? Are any of them in deep emotional pain due to a loss or hurt in their life? We just never know even sometimes with our own friends and maybe even family if some deep problem is weighing them down. It is sure easy to say "Chin up now. God will we you through this storm."

There are those out there who maybe have had so much hurt or so much loss they can hardly believe in God or prayer anymore. This is just what Satan would like for people to do. Give up on God! Friends I have good news. God is always on duty but in life things happen sometimes due to free will we have no control over. God can turn bad things around for the good if you are willing to humble yourself and let Him.

Is there something going on right now in your life you have no control over? Worry is the easiest thing to do but it brings you the least amount of peace. The more you worry the less you trust God. Worry will not change anything but just make the worrier into an ineffective prayer warrior. This is the time to be lifting up shouts of praise to God and calling on Him in prayer.

Matthew 11:28-30 says 'Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.''

Call on God in prayer right now!

PRAYER:Lord today I am concerned about _____________. I know you have a prefect plan and I ask that you work through this situation as only you can. Help me trust you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHAT'S YOUR STRUGGLE?

 Everyone has experienced some sort of struggle in their life if theyhave lived long enough. When you are in the midst of them they are notfun at all. Have you ever thought of your struggle as a proving groundor training ground? For just a moment think back and I am sure youcan recall going "through" something and it turned out after it was all said and done that the trial made you stronger.

When a person works out a the gym lifting weights at first it is verydifficult and you may want to quit, but you hang in there and yourefforts pay off. Have you ever heard anyone say "nothing good comes easy"? It is true. You have to work hard to achieve earthly success.

Things in life seem to happen. Maybe a bankruptcy, car wreck, failed business, furloughed from work, unexpected illness. Whatever be the situation God is still there. Sometimes he does His best work in hard times. There are many cases in the Bible to prove just that.

1 Peter 4:12-13(NIV) says 'Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.

Sometimes God has to take you "through" something to get you "to something".Not sure who originally said that but if you think about it is so very accurate.what are you "going through" today? Perhaps look at it as a training ground for maki you more into Christ image?

PRAYER: This is the day you have made Lord and regardless of my circumstances I choose to rejoice for I know you have a wonderful outcome waiting for me and my loved ones. I know Satan is the author of discouragement and he is the one who tries to get us to blame you. Father forgive me if ever I have blamed you. I choose to keep my eyes n the cross. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Click link for an awesome song of worship:

http://youtu.be/sBWHBrKqMdE

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.

KEEP ON KEEPING ON

What in life has you feeling you just want to check out,give up,or quit? The pain of something is way too great and you just do not think you can endure and hold on any longer. You maybe feel you just wish you could go home and be with the Lord. The passing of time takes care of most pain. The death of someone close is probably the hardest thing to endure or understand or perhaps the ripping apart feeling of a divorce.

Friend, God is here for you and He has a reason to keep you around. He knows what pain is like.After all he endured the cross. He loves you. Often when people are in pain they get mad at God instead of running to Him. The keyword here is to run and endure whatever is going on. Do not throw in the towel. Hang on to God. Jesus loves you this I know for my Bible tells me so.

James 1:2-4 says "Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance and and perseverance must finish its' work so you may be mature and complete not lacking anything." Do not go up to someone who is suffering loss and quote this to them. Just listen and give them a hug. All of us will go through bad things in life. Being a Christian does not mean we are problem free. Hang on to Jesus and know he has a plan and you will be okay.

PRAYER: Lord God I do not know why bad things happen but I know you are our redeemer and you love us and feel our pain. Lord God help me to run to you and not let Satan drag me into a pit of despair. I know the enemy wants me to be crushed by pain but you want me to be victorious, I want to learn to praise you no matter what.In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to be blessed by an awesome praise song.

http://youtu.be/tZIMDcgrF-Q

STORMY LIFE??

As I sit writing this devotion today there are storms outside which a good deal of America needs right now. Storms in life come to all of us. It is how we deal with these times that matters. When you become a Christian that does not mean your life is going to be a bed of roses or your family is all going to be perfect by human standards. In James 1:3 it says "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." We at times have to look beyond the 'storm' and look for the 'rainbow'. All storms will end. You have to ask God what it is he wants you to learn from the storm you are experiencing.


What storms are going on in your life right now? Maybe you are just getting over a storm. If you know of someone going through a hard time be there for them. Be an encouragement and a comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says "who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

Sometimes when we go through things maybe God is allowing it so somewhere down the road you will have the ability to help someone else endure a hard time. When you go through a trial it is not pleasant but it helps to strengthen you. Romans 5:3-5 reminds us "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

The storm may be a prodigal child, a divorce, a lost job, being hurt by a friend, addiction to drugs or alcohol, being sued, a health issue, loss of property, bankruptcy, a death, to name a few. Whatever it is God can get your through it. Isaiah 43:2 is a great verse of hope for those suffering through some issue in their life and it says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

God will not allow you to be alone. He is the one to turn to. Do not turn to a horoscope, a fortune teller, or some other means to get comfort and advice. Run to him. Pray to him. He alone can strengthen you and get you to the glorious rainbow waiting for you.


PRAYER: Father God there are times things happen I do not understand. There have been times I have caved in and been fretful or even angry at wondering why something has to happen the way it does. Lord I give you my life or that of a family member in a struggle and I ask for understanding and strength to go through this storm and know there is a rainbow waiting and everything is going to be okay. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link below to worship the Lord in song:
http://youtu.be/uHdcyue0bSw

FACES IN THE WAITING ROOM

 Several days ago as I sat in  my car dealer service waiting area with four other very quiet women.(Yes I can be quiet.) I started to possibly wonder what they are going through in their lives. Perhaps everything is great but more than likely there is pain, hurt, or loss of some sort.  When you walk through the mall and pass unknown faces most frown, but even an occasionally smiling face may have deep issues going on. We just don't know. Only God knows. Maybe they walk with God and are close to Him or maybe not.

 Problems are not happening exclusively to people who don't stay close to God but Satan is alive and attacking those close to God too. It is his speciality and the method he uses to get us to doubt God even cares. No one wants to hear that trials are good for you. Most people may think that once they give their heart to the Lord nothing bad will ever happen. Quite the contrary. Life goes on and sin is rampant and it does not leave the Christian family alone. It is how we choose to deal with our problems.

 Do we cave in and curse God? I am sad to say many well meaning Christians first reaction is anger at God or why did God allow this to happen. In life we are going to go through things. There is that word 'through'. If you are not equipped to handle them you may become upset.  To equip yourself as a believer you need to be into God's word. Many who need to do this won't even read this devotion or any others because they feel their one hour on Sunday is sufficient. Only the Holy Spirit will convict someone. Jamming Jesus down their throat will not. 1 Corinthians 1:18 says "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." In 1 Corinthians 2:14 it says "But the natural man does not receive the things of the spirit of God because they are foolishness to him and are spiritually discerned."

Just know in life there may be some bumps along the road but it is hanging on to God during these bumps that makes us stronger. I will end with a verse I have used frequently before and it is in James 1:13 it says "and you know that the testing of your faith elopes perseverance."
 PRAYER: Lord I want to believe and trust you will work things out and so when a bad situation arises help me hold on to you and not run from you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click link below to listen to a powerful praise and worship song. Happy Saturday!
http://youtu.be/Lj2_kDyqzvE

HELP IS ON THE WAY!!

What are you struggling with in life? Maybe whatever it is you feel rejected by God because you pray, but still don't see changes or anything positive. You may be mad at God wondering how he let a bad thing happen to you or your family member. You may feel like stopping your prayers and just letting the enemy get his wish and that is having you so upset with God you do not want church, Bible reading, and least of all prayer. You may think "well what good has it done me?" I think of a good example of the school shootings at Littleton, Colorado's Columbine high school where in one case the student killed had a praying mom in a moms prayer group yet he was killed anyway. She prayed for his safety didn't she? So what's up? Why didn't God intervene and stop these shooters? Then there was the Amish school shootings in Pennsylvania. Why on earth didn't God stop that? What about the infant that dies in childbirth after the parents have prayed diligently for a healthy safe delivery?

All I can say is I have been there and been in despair. I have listened to the enemies lies so much one time I nearly quit leading a prayer group and came close to stopping this devotional. Satan is like that. It says in scripture in Revelation 12:10 that he is 'the accuser of the brethern'.

It is hard to understand why people go through things and some seem worse than others but all know is God knows the big picture and if you study and believe His word and hang in there and keep your faith things will be okay and you will have victory.


Let me leave you with this verse in James 1:2-4 which says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

What battle are you facing today? God is there and the story is not over yet.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus things happen sometimes in life and we wonder why but after we have had sufficient time we understand. Be with those reading this today who are perhaps struggling to come to grips with something overwhelming in their life. Perhaps they see no way out or feel you have abandoned them. Give comfort as only you can. In Jesus name. Amen!

Click on link to be ministered to in song.
http://youtu.be/GsjJmk7tdk4

STORMS IN EVERYONE'S LIFE

 Wednesday 27 April 2011 was a horrible day for storms in the Southeast United States especially here in the area I live close to. Devastating killer tornado's swept through at F4 and F5 intensity, leveling homes, picking up vehicles and tossing them like toys and carrying debris over 80 to 100 miles before it came to rest ,some even in our field here in Tennessee. Unbelievable the force of the winds.

 It is amazing more people did not lose their lives this day. I for one did not realize it was going to be so serious and was out running errands. My husband kept calling saying to get on home. We were spared and I was blessed to get to help several days in the clean up efforts in the nearby communities of Harvest and Toney. When a homeowner sees all they have worked for either gone or laying all over their yard or up in a tree it is a little bit disheartening and hard to take mentally. These folks just needed someone to help them pick up the pieces. What a better time to serve the Lord than by pitching in and helping pick up stuff in yards and talking to homeowners in the process.

'Storms' in general are going to come to everyone in their lifetime. Maybe not in the form of a physical killer tornado but in the form of death, bad news, job loss, failed tests in school, disappointment, rejection, and much more. It is how we handle these 'storms' that matters. Do we just give up and get into a depressed state which is natural or do we cry out to Jesus for his help and comfort? Many get mad at God when 'storms' come into their life. Many storms have a silver lining if we can hang on the 'getting through'  process. James 1:3 says "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

What storms are you going through right now? Do you feel like God doesn't care or you will never see the sun again? It seems that way in the midst of turmoil but there are rainbows after storms and there will be 'rainbows' for you too if you only keep praying, believing and hold on to Jesus.
Luke 18:1 says to "pray and never give up". Can you do that? Can you keep praying in the midst of your troubles? It is the best way to get through it and to get victory and peace.

PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for both the good times and the bad. Thank you that you never leave my side and I find comfort in knowing you are always with me even in the rough spots of life. Help me Lord to learn to run to you and not fear when problems arise .In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link for an awesome praise song.
http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

 The saying goes that April showers, which we tend to complain about, bring us May flowers. Also without rain there are no rainbows. No one doesn't like to see a beautiful rainbow after a storm. Sometimes bad stuff brings good stuff. Everyone always seems to like and want good weather similar to how we like to have good things happen in life. When bad stuff happens or things go wrong we tend to gripe and complain. It is in the hard times of life that we learn and grow. When we make a mistake we learn from it, or should.

If we expect to have water to drink, water for swimming pools, fresh produce in the grocery store, running water to shower in and a host of other things then we will need those 'showers'. For some, only when tragedy occurs in their lives or lives of loved ones do they even think about praying or running to God for comfort.

1 Peter 1:6-7 reminds us "In this you greatly rejoice though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials, these have come so that your faith, of greater worth. Than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may  result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Are you able to rejoice in the 'showers' of life?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you and praise you for both the good things ad bad things in life. I know and trust you that all things have a purpose and will work out. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link and worship God in song.
http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ

HELP ME!!.BUT GOD!!

Sometimes we wonder why we have to go through certain things. Somehow many think once you accept Christ you will have no more problems. Problems are what make us strong. No one likes to go through anything. Note the word 'through' indicating you will come out on the other side. Do you ever feel like God is not listening to you and wonder how much more you can take? It says in James 1:3 " Because  you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." "But why God? I can't take much more! Help me!" you might exclaim.

God uses all things in our life to shape our character. He does not cause bad stuff to happen but he uses it for good to mold you into a child of God. Most of us are familiar with the verse in Romans 8:28 which says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Now mind you it is not recommended to approach a friend going through a terrible situation with this verse right on the spot. I have heard of altar calls at funerals where the deceased family uses a death as an opportunity to let others accept Christ.

1 Peter 1:7 carries this theme of trials further when it says "These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Why is it people have a tendency to get mad at God when things go bad or the worse case scenario, when someone dies? It seems it is always God's fault. Everyone is going to die someday. People do not see God's big picture at times and just want to blame Him for after all "He is God and He could have stopped it". In John 11:21 Martha got mad at Jesus and she said "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." There we go again. God is the fall guy.

James 1:12 tells us "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Can you hang in there through the storms and uncertainties of life knowing God knows the 'end of the story'?

           God is able to redeem your life from a pit. He is able to comfort you when no one else can. Ephesians 3:20 says " Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." We are the potter and He is the clay and he forms us and shapes us through all sorts of things. Jeremiah 18:6 says "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."

In the movie 'To Save A Life' ,a young man has a bunch of bad stuff happen after he decides to follow the Lord. He has lived a reckless life in high school and hurt people and some of the things has done come back to haunt him. But in the end it is a story of healing and redemption. Rent the movie and see it for a story of hope and promise.

So where are you at? Do you place blame on God when things do not always go your way? Stop today and turn your scars into stars for the Lord and ask Him to forgive you if you have hardened your heart against Him and blamed Him for calamity in your life. He can heal, restore, redeem and set free so why not let Him?

PRAYER: Father in heaven I thank you for each thing in my life which I know helps to mold and shape me to be more like you. Even though it is painful sometimes I know when I hang on things will be better. Help me to trust you and turn to you for things I do not understand. You are God after all. I thank you for loving me and having a plan for my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link and praise God in song. Be set free!
http://youtu.be/2tg9reEvRPM

BEATEN UP BY YOUR FELLOWMAN??

Do you feel like Job in the Bible who seems to have everything go wrong? Has one thing after the other continued to press down on you til you think you can not take it anymore? Have you lost your job? Have friends turned their backs on you? Have you been betrayed by family? Have people told lies about you at work? Have you been wrongly accused of something and are having a hard time proving your innocence? Has there been a death that has left a gaping hole in your heart you feel will never be healed? Are bills piling up but you do not know how you will manage to pay them?

Not everyone has a rosy life. Some people bring on struggles themselves but others have things happen they did nothing to cause.1 Peter 1:7 says "These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."  Psalm 66:10 says "For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver." Sometimes we are put in the refiners fire,so to speak, to test us and grow us and shape us into more of a God like character . We know it says in James 1:2-3 it says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." That is what we are striving for. No one likes suffering. But somethings that happen that seem bad ultimately turn out for our good.

Psalm 145:14 gives encouragement to those who feel like they have lost hope. It says "The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 37:24 says "though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." Psalm 57:6 says "They spread a net for my feet--I was bowed down in distress. They dug a pit in my path--but they have fallen into it themselves."  Psalm 108:13 tells us "With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." Psalm 147:3 says "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

What is bothering you today? God is for you so who can be against you?(See Romans 8:31). That is all that matters. Hang on. God has a plan!

PRAYER: Lord God help me to trust you and you alone for all that I need in life. When others come against me and hurt me or ridicule me I know you are all that matters.Help me to learn to forgive those who have wronged me. It is love that covers a multitude of sins and love that will win out.I want to focus on your love Lord so I am not sunk into a pity pit or a cavern of despair. Lord I thank you for delivering me. In Jesus Name. Amen.
 
Note: Please take about 4 minutes and listen to the song by clicking link below. It will lift your spirits in a big way. http://youtu.be/cCwAkJQ4-Io

TESTING! TESTING! 1,2,3,4

Today I write about the 'tests' that come our way to see just how patient, cool, calm and collected we really claim to be. My test yesterday was in the computer store when a seemingly simple procedure being performed on my Ipad by their tech  went bad. I ended up losing all my photographs and my address book and nearly lost all my writing and other files. It was the classic scenario that a normal reaction would have caused great anger and maybe sent some folks into a rage. I almost did feel like crying. When he was able to restore parts of it I exclaimed "praise the Lord"!

Now I think these items were also on my laptop, but at first I wanted to scream, go crazy, blame someone and freak out.  Since I am a Christian, and had just left our prayer group two hours earlier praying all of us would 'go out into the world' and be an example for Christ,  I did not think it would be very appropriate to cry, yell,and blame, although that is what my human nature wanted to do. I had to sort of laugh when I remembered  this prayer I had prayed. Be prepared after you ask for something like patience in a prayer to have a test come along to see if you really are patient.

Even writing this I lost a bunch of the stuff I had written right into 'thin air' and had to once again recreate it. I was nearly done when poof, I hit a wrong key and lost half my devotion.

There are many things in life that come around to test our faith and our reaction. 1 Peter 1:7 says" these have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."  James 1:3 says "and you know the testing of your faith works patience".

Bad stuff does happen in life and unexpected things do happen such as flat tires on a car, a grocery sack full of food bursting open in the parking lot of the store, a long line forming at a store when you are in a hurry and of course the clerk is slowest  in the store. You have something stolen such as your debit card, your bicycle, your purse or wallet, or your laptop. All these things happen and test our reaction. We can choose to react like the 'world' and cuss and get mad or we can choose to silently pray " Lord help me react in a positive way to this bad situation and help it turn out for the good."

Where are you at today on the patience meter of tests and trials? It is a spiritual discipline to learn to form positive reactions  to adverse situations. I have heard it said if you pray for patience look out because tests will come.

PRAYER: Lord I want to be able to react in a positive way when bad things happen. I want to act like a Christian in good times and in not so good times. Forgive me for times in the past when I have acted poorly and not represented Christ very well. I want to be like you in the things I say and do. Please strengthen me and guide me. In Jesus name. Amen!