Help My Unbelief

 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

I know of people who doubt God or Jesus because their prayers weren't answered. Perhaps a friend or family member died. Maybe a prayer has still not been answered. Whatever the case, because of a situation, a person may choose to not follow God at all or barely at all. To me this is sad because you are either for God or against Him, no halfway.

Jesus wants us to pray and not stop. Some may find this quite foolish, but the alternative is to follow the world and the ways of the enemy, which is Satan. Yes Satan is not a cartoon character. He is the power of evil and darkness of this present world we live in.  When we do not follow or believe God we give him a foothold in our life.

I don't know about you but I choose to believe and keep on believing as I know sometime I will see the glory of the Lord and for that I can not wait.  Who do you choose?

PRAYER: Help me to be patient when I pray Lord and know your ways are beyond my understanding and you have a plan better than any I could dream up. Comfort those who have a hard time believing. Let them feel your presence in their lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Let Go and Let God Work

"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 Got any control freaks reading today?I know sometimes I have been. You just want your plan to be adhered to or want to be in charge. Perhaps you try to manipulate the outcome of a situation. Trust me, stay out of it. Others will lose their trust in you if you try to orchestrate plans.

When it comes to change in a loved one we have been praying for, our hands are off the controls. God has a plan and we have to realize we can pray but then step aside and let God work.  God's plan is way better than the one we may devise. There may be some pain and problems involved but He is the one in charge and it will work out great in the end.

Waiting for a breakthrough? Let go and give the controls to God.

PRAYER: I trust you have my times in your hands. I need not fear the future as your plan will be fulfilled. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Your Choice...Worrier or Warrior!

Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Your situation may never change. Your children may never stop doing dangerous things. You are going to die someday. Everyone will. You can enjoy flying without gripping the arm rests. You may get sick, people do.

Please know when you worry you make yourself into an ineffective prayer warrior. Pray, trust, believe, then let it go. Your fretting and anguish will not bring you closer to God or change anything. Many worriers out there need to understand  when you worry you make Satan very thrilled. Don't keep saying "I'm just a worrier" and go through life stressed and anxious. Learn to practice letting go of a situation knowing that by you worrying as it says in scripture in Matthew 6:27, "you can not add an hour to life."

Wake up each day and look at yourself in the mirror and say "I am not going to allow Satan to make me ineffective for you. I trust you God and will NOT worry" then walk away and let it go. If you have been a constant worrier as your daily routine this may take a while to get this new habit.

I have a son who flies planes for a living and another son and daughter in law who enjoy rock climbing.  I do not wake up and fret all day. I am excited for them that they are doing what they enjoy.

Start your day and truly let God have your situation. Turn on some praise music and think of the song 'I Surrender All' then do just that.

 PRAYER: You are always with me. You care for my needs and walk with me each day. I need your strength to trust you and stop trying to constantly be on edge. Help me Lord. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Click link for this song I mentioned above:

http://youtu.be/xultsXJpwl8

Scab Picker

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

When you have a scab on your body if you continue to pick at it, it will never heal and may even become infected. With relationship hurts, if we keep 'picking' and talking about the issues and do not move past them, it is like a scab that will never heal. Don't keep fighting and picking at each other but learn to let things go and let them heal.

Is there something in your life you have been picking at that you know you need to let go and let God heal it? Trust Him and cry out to Him. Don't allow problems to fester and become so major that they are out of control.

Release your problem to the Lord. He can and does heal those 'emotional scabs' we continually can not let go of. 

PRAYER: There are times I can not seem to let things go and just keep picking and picking at them.  Help me Lord as I seek to let go and trust you to heal wounds in my life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Recovery Mode

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. Ephesians 3:20

The all too familiar phrase pops up occasionally on computer screens "Word Has Entered The Recovery Mode" and a grateful shout of "hallelujah" comes from the mouth of a very relieved writer who thought I had lost my work. There have been times I have done work and can not find it. When this occurs an outbreak of panic is not the answer but trying to remain calm in the midst of this. Often I just laugh because I believe it is spiritual warfare.

No matter what in life you are facing or what has upset your day God can restore you and give you his perfect peace. He is the all powerful mighty God and the best "recovery mode" ever. Do not let bad news, computers crashes, traffic jams, tax deadlines, or wayward children cause you to start fretting. You can run to Jesus and let Him take you and help you recover from whatever has gotten you down.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord that you pick me up and help me recover from the setbacks in life. in Jesus' name. Amen.

I LOOK TO THE HILLS

During the Christmas season, one of my all time favorite movies was on, not once, but twice. I am referring to "The Sound of Music" with Julie Andrews and the 2013 version with Carrie Underwood. I simply love the music and the story which is loosely based on the real Von Trapp family.

The message in the movie was the Von Trapps escaping over the Alps to get away from Nazi control. Maria Von Trapp was comforted by the nuns who gave her a verse of hope to cling to found in Psalm 121:1-2(KJV) which says 'I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.' Continue reading this chapter. It brings real peace and comfort.

When you are facing difficulty of any kind you need to keep looking to Jesus. In other words, look up to the heavens. Psalm 91:3(KJV) says 'Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.' If you believe in the promises of God's word what is there to fear? You can either believe and have peace or not believe and walk in fear.

PRAYER: Today is the day that you have made. Another day to serve you. Another day to face whatever is out there with confidence and trust. Another day to proclaim your goodness. Forgive me when I have let problems around me overwhelm me. Help me trust in you and look to you always. In Jesus' name. Amen.

FOCUS ON GOD NOT YOUR PROBLEMS

 

How many people have problems? Big ones or small ones, it does not matter. What is the normal human reaction to dealing with problems? Perhaps worry and fears or the overwhelming concern it will never end?

The solution to peace in the midst of problems is to pray and give God those concerns. Often there are times in life when those seemingly major problems looming over you are like a dark cloud. A few years pass and they seem to be quite small. You might say "I don't know why I acted like I did." Don't be too hard on yourself because all of us, if we admit it, have let little things grow into huge "mountains" because in many instances we forgot to totally surrender them to the Lord.

Look to Jesus and keep your gaze straight ahead. Matthew 14:28-38(HCSB) says ' "Lord, if it’s You,” Peter answered Him, “command me to come to You on the water.” "Come!” He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” God was there all along and Peter did not sink but started to when he took His eyes off Jesus and focused instead on the huge stormy sea.

Are you focusing on the storms of this life and not on God? Today ask God to help you trust Him in good times and not so good times. He will see you through whatever it is if you can only trust Him.

PRAYER: There have been times when I have become overwhelmed by a certain situation in life. When I try to manipulate and control it only makes matters worse. When I entertain worry, I also get no peace. Lord it is my desire to give you the controls and trust you. Help me give up worrying and controlling and give it to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHAT IF........BUT GOD!

 Fear. We all have experienced it. I am not referring to fear of snakes, heights, storms, and falling but fear of the unknown,perhaps even fear of death, even for believers. Other types of fears are fearing your children will be in some sort of accident. Fearing for your own life when there is bad weather and you are in a plane at 35,000 feet. Fearing your children will get into the wrong crowd and go downhill and forget God. You could make yourself a "nut case" so to speak by conjuring up all sorts of scenarios.

Mothers are the good worriers out there and can make themselves fearful if they do not get refocused on something else. Not being able to let your adult children grow up and constantly checking up on them daily is really not a good thing for the parent child relationship. Fearing you left the iron on and your house will burn down after you have left for vacation. Fear of war. Fearing a democratic government will turn into a communistic one. Fearing your doors are unlocked at home and someone is going to walk in and steal your earthly possessions. Fearing you will get cancer. Fearing bankruptcy. Fearing your car will break down on a dark country road at night. Can anyone identify with any of these examples? Perhaps you can add to the list.

What makes us fear? Human nature for one. What can we do to get out of this cycle of worrying and being fearful? You need to replace fear with faith. Trust in a loving God to take are of you and your family. Sitting in a constant state of panic will not only make you continually, needlessly stressed out and perhaps sick but it indicates you do not have much faith in God to do what He says.

Isaiah 41:10(ESV) says 'fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' That my friend is a promise from the Almighty God. One of the best ways to combat always being fearful is to listen to uplifting praise and worship music. Oftentimes I include a song at the end of a devotion for everyone to take time to listen to. Today is no exception. You will find a link to click at the bottom of this devotion. Take time to listen.

Romans 8:31 reminds us 'If God be for us who can be against us?' Do not allow the enemy, Satan, to intimidate you and drag you down into his pit of fear. When you are fearful you have a hard time praising Jesus and I can just see the enemy sitting there saying "ha ha,I got them." Psalm 27:1 says 'The Lord is my light and my salvation in whom shall I fear. The Lord is the stronghold of my life in whom shall I be afraid?' Psalm 23:4, often recited at funerals, is really for everyday life. It says ' Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.'

We are approaching the Halloween season where some people love being scared. If you have to celebrate Halloween why not do a new twist and make it fun and a harvest celebration instead of attempting to scare people, especially small children? Just my thought for what it is worth.

So my friend. You can choose to have freedom over fears. You can choose to be lifted up and set free from the enemies attempts to keep you anxious. Why not purpose in your heart to get a grasp on the fear that entangles and ensnares you and run to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1(ESV) is an awesome verse to end with and sort of a "word picture". 'Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.'

PRAYER: I indeed need you every hour of my life Lord. I can let the cares of the world cause me to be fearful. I want to live a life free from the cares,worries, and fears of this world. I want to make Satan mad that he can not make me get fearful. I choose faith instead. If I start to tremble help me run to God and remember the verses in this devotion. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link and praise God with your whole heart.

http://youtu.be/A9Ya7ryNob4

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

BE CALM! GOD IS STILL GOD!

Are you worried? Are you fretful? Do you think the world is coming to end soon? Are you not trusting God to help you or help situations?

First of all remember that God is still on the throne. He has not abandoned you. He loves and cares for His children who call Him Lord. 2 Chronicles 16:9(NASB) says 'For the eyes of the Lord move to and for throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose hearts are completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed now you shall surely have wars.' I have loved that verse since a family friend of ours since my childhood wrote it on my birthday card many years ago. It just stuck with me.

God has a plan. He is not up in heaven worried that some dictator is going to dethrone Him, after all He is the Alpha and Omega, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 2 Peter 3:9(NIV) says '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.' He does not like His people and those that love Him to be oppressed. There is freedom in Christ. Freedom to live a life without fear.

Many people who call themselves Christians can not seem to let go of worry. It almost possesses them. In order to have that calm assurance of Jesus taking care of you and knowing the "bigger picture" you just have to have faith and trust Him. Your ultimate home if you have asked Jesus to be Lord over your life is of course your heavenly mansion. No more concerns up there. No more fretting. Simply being in awe of God's majesty and glory.

Are you not able to let some things go? I recommend finding a good scripture verse to cling to and keep with you if you start to be overcome with anxiety.

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV) is one of my favorites. It says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and He will direct your paths.' For a believer death is the ultimate prize. No more heartache, weeping, worries, troubles, sickness but just pure joy in the presence of God.

Whatever is taking away your peace take it to God in prayer and leave it there. Once again let me remind you it is Satan that wants to make you a worrier. Stop now and be a "warrior" for Christ.

PRAYER: Thank you for another day to sing your praises and make an impact in the world around me. Forgive me when I keep worrying as that shows I must not trust you to work. I need patience to be able live day by day. I refuse to allow the enemy to steal my peace and joy. In Jesus' name.Amen.

^{Click link below and listen to a wonderful song to give you peace. Why not lift your arms in the air and praise Him?http://youtu.be/MtbN5N8I8Hk}

OH WELL!!

 Exasperation is what I felt after writing a new devotion and have it entirely disappear. I know that the enemy probably does not like that I write about Jesus and he can do his thing to frustrate me. Especially when the devotion was completely from scratch and no drafts were available. I refused to have a meltdown. What good will it to to get frantic and worry? None. It will not bring the writing magically back. So what to do? Pray and move on.

We all have patience tests in life but for a writer, losing your work is a real test. I guess I need to ask God to help me recall what I wrote and start again. I am not sure what happened but for me to keep dwelling on it will achieve nothing. What is done is done. I can pray and let it go. All of a sudden I have a brand new topic and that is what I am writing right now.

So whatever has happened to you in your life that is beyond your control as well, has to be let go. You can not just sit and mull over something out of your hands.

This whole ordeal makes me think of the topic of peace once again. Imagine for a moment that you are a victim of a tornado ripping your house to shreds and scattering your belongings for miles. There is nothing you can do. As with one tornado victim I spoke with day or two after the 27 April 2011 F5 tornado ripped her home off its' foundation and placed in the middle of the street and then it collapsed,"I just want to find my drivers license". A few days later her neighbor whose home was barely touched told me she indeed had some how found it in this mess.Life mattered and material possessions were of little concern except maybe drivers licenses, birth certificates, and photographs.

You let go and let God. You give Him your concerns. In the big scheme of things my lost writing is frustrating but is really no big deal. 1 Peter 5:7(NIV) says 'Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.' Indeed He does care. Pray and leave it with Him. Losing things and having material you have worked on disappear into cyber space is annoying but in order to have peace you have to move on.

John 14:27(NIV) 'Peace I leave you, my peace I give you.I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.'

PRAYER: Lord thanks for the ability to forget and move on when I am frustrated about losing things especially when there is nothing I can do. I cast my cares on you Lord and ask you to work in my heart to not let me be burdened by earthly issues that do not really matter. In Jesus' name.Amen.

HELP ME!

Help me Lord to love when I feel like hating.
Help me Lord to overlook an offense when I feel offended.
Help me Lord to share when I feel selfish.
Help me Lord to forgive when I feel like lashing back.
Help me Lord to be friendly when I do not feel like it.
Help me Lord to accept others when I feel like judging.
Help me Lord to rejoice when I feel like complaining.
Help me Lord to be happy for others when I feel jealous.
Help me Lord to give thanks when I feel like comparing.
Help me Lord to walk away when someone has hurt me.
Help me Lord to pray when I would prefer worrying.
Help me Lord to hang on when I feel weak and helpless.
Help me Lord to think of others when I feel a pity party coming on.
Help me Lord to keep quiet when I would rather open my mouth.
Help me Lord to be patient when human nature wants things now!
Help me Lord to sing your praises when I would rather gossip and condemn.
Help me Lord to read my Bible when I would rather read a magazine.

God is truly only a prayer away. He wants to hear from you. Talk to Him and share your heart. In Romans 15:30(NIV) it says 'I urge you brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.'

Memorize the following verse. Psalm 46:1(KJV) says 'God is a our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble.' God truly is a helping God.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus when I feel overwhelmed by issues in life or struggles within my family I know that there are others out there too with similar problems. Help me Lord to learn to lean on you as you are my helper but also to remember to focus on the needs of others who need help as well. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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.

FAITH OR FEAR/PROBLEMS OR PROMISES?

In life we have choices. We can choose good or evil. Right over wrong. We can choose to have faith and trust God or to cave into fear the enemy puts in our hearts. We can choose to believe God's promises found in the Bible or to continually focus on problems in life. What do you choose?Trust God or let the enemy torment you?

Did you know God's word, The Bible, is filled with promises to help combat doubts and fears that may come your way. It is good to try to memorize as many of these as you are able in order to draw it from your "faith arsenal" to use against the enemy when he tries to make you feel hopeless and alone.

Here are just a few.
Hebrews 13:5(NIV) 'Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what have for God has said "never will I leave you nor forsake you."'

Proverbs 22:6(NIV) 'Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.'

Matthew 6:33(NIV) 'But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.'

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV) 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.'

Philippians 4:19(KJV) 'But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.'

John 3:16(NIV) 'For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'

There are many many more promises in God's word. Satan will do all in his power through a myriad of excuses and busyness to keep you from opening God's word each day. Is the newspaper going to comfort you and give you peace of mind? I don't think so. Will you be able to find the promises of God in a sports magazine? Probably not. The answer is to stay connected to God and His promises by making daily Bible reading a priority of each day.

What do you need to do in order to incorporate the promises in God's word into your life? Only you can answer that.

PRAYER: This is your day Lord. You gave it to me to serve you and to love you. Often I am fearful of things in the world around me because I dwell more on the news than I do the word of God. I plan to start anew to get my day planned where you are first, not just in my thoughts but it my habit of reading your word. Give me ability to do this with no excuses. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH SUPERSTITIONS AND HOROSCOPES?

There are months when Fridays fall on the 13th.It almost did this month. Many people find this disheartening and fear this day. Superstitions overwhelm them. I say "well that is just super" and go on with my day. There are many fearful of the number 13 whether it is the 13th floor in a building, the 13th row on a airplane, or just plain old Friday the 13th. My birthday is on Halloween and that is fine by me and never worries me. It is just a day! I am not superstitious. Black cats and walking under ladders is not a fear of mine either. We can either declare we have faith or fear. Being scared of the number 13 is an obsession and a fear to give to the Lord.

I have met Christians who read their horoscope daily for guidance. Long ago before I was serious about my walk with the Lord I may have even read mine occasionally. It seemed to be fun and seemingly innocent. Once I got "born again" things were not perfect all of a sudden, but I had no desire to do some of the things I once occupied my time with. Don't go the the horoscope section of your newspaper for your guidance. Is God the editor of the horoscope telling you through it this is what is going to happen? No.When I am asked what horoscope "sign" I am I simply say "I do not follow them" and often get weird looks implying "get with it girl".

Instead of worrying about the number thirteen or wondering what your horoscope tells you you need to do today, why not instead open up God's word? Start in the book of John in the New Testament. Read a chapter daily and then go to the Lord in prayer. The more you trust God each day the less you will find it necessary to go to the "stars" or worry about numbers.

2 Corinthians 5:17(ESV) says 'if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has passed away, the new has come.' I found that to be true. The Christian life is a constant journey. You fall down and get right back up again so to speak. God heals,God forgives, God redeems, God restores, God sets the captive free. Forget the past. If you have areas of your life that still need work and if we are honest we all do, then go to God in prayer and ask for His help. He is mighty to save!

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for this day you have made. It does not matter what date it is. I am not fearful of manmade superstitions that cause me fear instead of building my faith. I choose this day and every day to rejoice in the Lord and thank Him for another day no matter what the date is on the calendar. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below to start your week with a wonderful praise song.

http://youtu.be/Q2Fy4RxOa1c

SAFE FROM DANGER

 

Do you and can you really trust God to take care of you and your family? Prayers are said so it is at that point we need to let go and let faith kick in. Our arch enemy, Satan, loves to torment us with concern, fretting, fear, and worry. Do not allow him to steal your peace and faith in God. He is not worth the extra gray hairs.

There may be some readers who do not hear much about the concept of "spiritual warfare" but we indeed are in a battle of good and evil, right and wrong, and for our very souls. Scripture and prayer are powerful tools we have to use against Satan. Remember in John 10:10(NIV) we are told 'The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.'

Deception is rampant in our world today. Modern culture is even entrapping well meaning believers who are being captivated and deceived by him. Do not let it happen! Use the word of God as your greatest tool to stop him in his tracks! Tell him to get his stinking little hands off you and your family and be sure to say, "In Jesus name" as there is power in that name.

I thought today I would go over Psalm 91 as a way to sear it in your brain to recall when you tend to want to start fearing. The author of fear is not God. It is one of Satan's tools to try to defeat us. We have victory in Jesus Christ so remind Satan of that when he starts to come against you. Perhaps you need to maybe read it out loud and personalize it with a name to make it hit home.

Here goes!

'Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra you will trample the great lion and the serpent." Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him, I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.'

Try to recite those verses out loud and see if you don't feel a stronger faith inside of you.

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose to know and believe you are my strength and I have no reason to fear. I trust in you Lord and I have power because of you to defeat the enemy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a powerful song of praise and worship.

http://youtu.be/O4QOuGI3irI

WORRIER OR WARRIOR?

Worry is a bad disease. It is a compulsion. Are there things you can not get out of your mind? The enemy of our souls, Satan, loves worriers. If he can get you to not trust God and to doubt that your prayers are heard then he has  you in his clutches. I must admit I say I do not worry, and that is true in many cases,  but then I start obsessing over what I did or said to so and so, therefore I am doing what? Worrying!

The best way to not worry is to stay in a attitude of prayer and praise. Get your mind under spiritual discipline. Do not start dwelling on bad stuff and "what if's" as it will make you go nutty. Purpose in your heart that you will pray then let go and let God take control. Things in life will happen. Trials and tests will come. It is how we respond to these that counts. Worrying does not change anything but it just gets you fixated on something you can do nothing about.

Matthew 6:26(NIV) says 'Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than them?' the answer is "yes". Verse 27 of that same chapter goes on to say 'Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to his life?'  So why do we do it? 

You have to discipline your thought life. The way to do that is to make prayer and Bible reading a daily HABIT.  Getting your mind set on the word of God sets it on heavenly things. 2 Corinthians5:10(NASB) says 'We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Picture that if you will! Every thought captive for Christ. Renewing your mind daily on the word and giving your "issues" over to God our burden bearer. 

What is it you are worrying about right now? Are you able to start being a daily prayer warrior and let Jesus give you peace?

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose to be at peace. Forgive me for wrong thinking. Forgive me for not meditating on your word when I start to get caught up in worry. I trust you Lord with me and my loved ones. Thank you for hearing my prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

BIG PROBLEMS? BIGGER GOD!

What kind of problems and concerns are weighing on your mind and heart today? Financial troubles? A wayward child? Loss of a job? Potential loss of a job? Betrayal by a friend? Whatever it is my friend know that God is bigger and mightier than Satan and your problems. 

In Psalm 40:11-12(NLT) says ' Do not withhold your mercy from me  Lord;  may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, I can not see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.' 

Sometimes a situation may seem so huge you get overwhelmed and start conjuring up things in your mind that may happen. This goes back to the devotion on worry. We can not allow Satan to hold us captive with fear and concerns. Our God is a big God and no problem is too big for Him to handle. You have to believe that. 

James 1:2-3(NIV) reminds us 'Consider it all joy brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.'  All of us could probably use a good dose of persevering. When you go "through" trials you know they will eventually end. 

What is it that is bothering you today? Can you trust God to see you through with only strength He provides? 

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose to let you handle my burdens. I often fear for things that have not even happened. I know when  I do this I enable Satan to capture my thoughts. My choice is to demonstrate your perfect peace in a storm. In Jesus' name. Amen.

CEASE STRIVING

What has got you all "wound up" inside? Is it trying to get a new title or name plate on your desk? Perhaps you are a stay home mom being told you don't do much and you feel bad about yourself even though you know God called you there?  Maybe it is a money issue that has got you concerned and desperate? A friend has unfriended you on Facebook and you do not know why? Is it maybe our world situation? Hopefully it is not a marriage problem. Whatever it is, God truly cares for you and loves you. Remember you are His child! You can talk to Him about it 24/7 as He is never off duty. 

Psalm 46:10(NIV) it says 'Be still and know that I am God.I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.'  Can you be still? Can you trust God to bring you peace only He can?  The enemy of our souls, Satan, is the one who wants you all caught up in this world and it's problems. In the New American Standard Bible the translation reads 'Cease striving and know that I am God.'  Are you able to trust God for the details of your life and not worry about other people? 

Psalm 39:5(NIV) says 'You have made my days a near handbreadth, the span of my years is nothing before you.Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.'  Ecclesiastes 1:11(NIV) puts it this way.'No one remembers the former generations, and even those  yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow them.'  So why the chaos and stress. Pray to God and go where He calls you but do not get yourself all fretful. God will see you through. Whatever you do the most important thing is to impact this world around you for Christ. If that is at home as a mom you have the most important job and that is raising that little one to love Jesus. 

Whatever you are striving for let go and let God guide you.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus there are times I do things that seem futile or I worry about what others think. The only person I need to please is my Father in Heaven. Help me remember that as I journey throughout my life.In Jesus' name. Amen. 

LOST KEYS? NO BIG DEAL!

Every adult sooner or later has misplaced the keys to their car either accidentally or by locking them in the car. The natural reaction is to stress and get hyper. Getting agitated over this does not solve the problem or nor does it help get your keys magically back. When you do this try to remain in control and calm.

The other day I did just this. I went to the bank and somehow had placed my car keys on the passenger seat then pushed auto lock not thinking. Sometimes rushing around is what causes us to lose them in the first place. When I had this happen this time I must have turned over a "new leaf" so to speak as when I had to use the bank phone the bank employee says to me 'I can't believe you are so calm". Wow I can not believe someone noticed. Maybe that meant I was actually learning to be at peace.

It takes patience, prayer, practice, and letting God have the controls to be able to not worry or stress. This "key thing" is just one example of something minor that seems major at the time and can distract you and get you extremely agitated. If you have this problem how do you overcome it and begin to relax?

First you need to take a breath then you need to pray. Next realize all the worrying in the world will not change anything so you may as well seek peace and take a breath.

Psalm 34:13-15(NKJV) reminds us 'Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.' Do you believe this? It takes practice and God's help to remain in control of your emotions. Satan is the great "frazzler" of nerves and Jesus is the gateway to a peaceful life. Trust Him today.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the times in my life that things happen as I need to have times to practice your presence and not be sent off the "deep end" and start fretting. I choose this day to allow you to work in my heart and bring peace. In Jesus' name.Amen.