Forget About It!

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Philippians 4:6

Have you heard the phrase "Don't sweat the small stuff?" It is very true. Many minor things in life can put us in a tail spin as we hyper focus on them. In the big scheme of things so many tiny issues do not matter anyway.  

In my devotion time recently I was listening to the audio stream on the app called 'Abide' and was told to breathe in God's goodness. Do that right now. Stop what you are doing for a moment and thank God for this day. Next ask Him to use you to make a difference. Next breathe out concerns on your heart and give them to God. He has your back. So much that we think is important really is not. 

So today right now ask God to take the controls of your life and give your cares no matter how big or small to Him. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for thinking anything I can do will change something. I know you are in control of the 'big picture' and all the little things I let bother me are not that important. I trust you Lord to guide my steps today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Yikes! Look At The Dow Jones!

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

The past couple weeks the New York Stock Exchange has gone haywire plunging to record lows several days in a row. Our reaction, for those of us blessed enough to have 401k and retirement funds, has probably been one of fear and concern for the future. Riches and wealth are only temporary. We are not to trust in our money, for one stock market plunge or depression could send it right into the toilet so to speak. 

God is our source of being able to attain wealth and even maintain it. When we are blessed with abundance we are not to forget to help others too. Not in a socialistic government grab  but we should want to in our hearts. The government is not God nor should they play God. Every person has to decide on their own what and how to give. Scripture tells us those who give are also blessed. Do a word search on money, giving and other similar words in the Bible and you will find a host of valuable promises. 

In the meantime do not sit around worrying or bury your money underneath your house. Continue to give to the kingdom of God and to share when you are able and God will take care of you. It tells us that in Matthew 6:30-32. Give it a read.

PRAYER: Thank you for the abundance in my life. I know it is humanly easy to fear when we see savings accounts going down the tubes but I know in fact my hope and trust is ultimately in you, not in money. 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

WHITE CAPS MAKING YOU SCARED?

The part of the country I live in is pretty close to the beaches of both Florida and Alabama relatively speaking. The seashore is a great place to visit. When a storm is brewing at sea the ocean waves can be very scary and often dangerous. Sailors out at sea can attest to the tremendous power of the waves that form massive white caps.

Once on a cruise, my husband and I were on the upper deck around midnight and the dark ocean waves were very large and frightening. I love the ocean but seeing it so black and fierce that night stirred up fear inside of me. I could not even imagine what it would be like to go down with the ship. Pretty scary thought.

Do you recall the story in the Bible about Jesus calming the storm? Mark 34:35-39 recalls the story.'That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!”Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.' What they lacked was faith He could save them.

What storm or white caps are you facing in life? God can still the storms of life if only you cry out to Him.

PRAYER: I need you every hour in my life Lord. I can not do anything on my own. Thank you for getting me through some storms in my life and the storms sure to come. You are my hope! Thanks! 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

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.

OFFENSE/DEFENSE

Yeah team. Go, fight ,win! No this devotion is not about the start of the football season which for many faithful fans of this sport is one they can hardly wait for. Instead I am referring to the emotions of taking offense or being offended which I could be a spokesperson for. Then there is defense, feeling like you have to constantly defend yourself in front of others or prove your worth or value. Neither one really draws you closer to the Lord.

These two emotions are no fun to experience. To allow another's comment or perception of you to offend you is not what brings the joy of the Lord to your heart. If you are constantly worried what comments people say or feeling, then you are not trusting the Lord and maybe allowing the enemy to get into a weak area and irritate you. If you can not shake this feeling perhaps it is time to get alone with God for a while and study his word on this topic. A "Fast from Wrong Thinking" as Chicago Pastor Gregory Dickow calls it. I find that prayer followed by really praising God and perhaps listening to praise music really helps. At the end of this devotion today I have included a link to a wonderful song of praise.Take a moment and listen to it.

2 Corinthians 12:10(ESV) says 'For the sake of Christ then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities, for when I am weak then I am string.' Your worth and value does not come from humans but from God. Taking offense is one thing Satan loves to torment the believer with. If you deal with being offended just remember what Romans 8:1(ESV) says. 'There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.'

In life you may continue to receive little "tests" in order to grow in Christ. You can identify what your weak area is and then need these little "tests" in order to try to overcome your weakness and thus grow more Christlike. Do you want to keep being "tested"? I think it was my sister Judy who told me that we keep going through the same things till we learn. I know that is true.

If you feel the emotions of offense or defense coming on and you know in your heart that you do not want to have them then cry out to God. When you are offended you can risk an otherwise healthy relationship due to misunderstanding.

The thing to do is to seek Christ and His face continually. When you dwell on what bothers you then you can get more and more offended and defend yourself even more. None of us are perfect. We seek to be Christlike in what we say and do. Being offended and defending yourself is of the flesh and not of the kingdom of God. We need to recognize that.

Romans 7:18(ESV) is a good place to conclude. It says 'for I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh, for I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.' Aren't you glad Jesus can take those things and help you be a brand new person as you seek His face daily?

PRAYER: My hope is in you Lord and you alone. At times my human nature kicks in and then I have to stay close to you even more. Thank you for forgiving me when I mess up. In Jesus' name. Amen.


Click link to hear a wonderful song to start your day!

http://youtu.be/BOtuJQhW93A

LIONS, TAINTED LETTUCE, TSUNAMI'S, OH MY!

Being afraid of disasters and what "could happen" is probably pretty common with some people. Like in the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz" the late actress Judy Garland who played the main character Dorothy who was on her way to Emerald City going through a scary forest. She chanted "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" as a way to possibly take care of her fears. I have to admit when I was a child it was those flying monkeys that scared me.

Turn on your nightly news and no doubt you are inundated with news of murders, wars, rapes, floods, fires, recalled food, failing schools, sex scandals, financial ruin, drought, riots, and on and on the list goes. If a person feeds their mind with nothing besides bad news all the time then what do you suppose they will do? Probably worry and speculate when something is going to happen to them. Certainly they will have a difficult time having peace.

Then there is Hollywood, bless their sweet little hearts. When I was growing up all the television shows were mostly happy and family friendly. Bonanza, My Three Sons, Lassie, Lawrence Welk, The Ed Sullivan Show, No Time For Sergeants, The Lucy Show, Andy Griffith, Gun Smoke, Batman, Donna Reed, Flipper, Mickey Mouse Club, Leave it to Beaver, and The Monkees to name but a few of the choices on only three channels. Many of you reading have no idea what on earth I am talking about. I am talking about decent, wholesome television that taught values and didn't create fear. The movies were basically the same. The slippery slope we have gone down since the 60's continues. Today we have crime dramas, implied sex on television, alternative families, murders, lawyer shows, reality shows and on it goes. Most likely the best viewing will be not the mainstream channels with a very few exceptions.

What do we as a Christian do? We do not act holier than thou, but we really need to ask ourselves if what we are about to watch is suitable if Jesus were your guest. No one needs to have a steady diet of profanity and violence in their heads. The infamous F word has become like slang and some are not even phased by its' use.Even government officials have been caught on open mikes using it.

Do we purposely and intentionally go to things that scare us or do we practice discernment? Some say "It is only a movie". So what do we do?

Let me give you a few verses to ponder. The first is Romans 12:2(NIV) which says 'Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is God's will-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.' Next is a verse found in Psalm 101:3(NIV) 'I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate, they will not cling to me.' Finally Isaiah 41:10(NIV) says 'So do not fear, for I am with you.Do not be dismayed for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.'

We are to be in this world but need to be different in our choices of things based on our walk with the Lord. The whole point is that it is the enemy who wants you fearful of things in your every day life. It is Jesus who brings peace. Turn off the bad news and fearful things around you and turn on to God instead.

PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I have intentionally gone to a movie knowing it was not going to be good for me to see. Convict me Lord when there are things around me that seem popular and I may want to fit in but these things I know deep down in my heart are not right. I want to be your witness and therefore keep me on the right path. 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.

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

WORRY! WHO ME? NO WAY!

How many of us say we have the "worry monster" thing beat then you catch
yourself wondering what someone thinks of you or second guess a
decision you make or start fearing something? I know I have then I
have to say "Becky. Stop it. You know God is taking care of you so
just pray!"

It is easy to slip into this "worry mode" if we are not careful. Our
enemy, Satan, is waiting to take advantage of our weak points. Do not
let him. Stand up and say to him "Devil I have had enough of your puny
schemes. I am strong in the strength of the Lord and according to Isaiah 54:17(NIV) 'no
weapon formed against me shall prosper.' So Devil you can leave me alone right now!" Wacky you say? Not really.

We have God's word as our authority. God is greater than the devil. The enemy is out to torture us and to try to get us off track for the Lord. He knows where we are vulnerable and will keep attacking because he knows how we react. Why not surprise the devil and quote scripture to him?

When you are tempted to start worrying cry out to God and start reading scripture. Start praising the name of Jesus. The enemy has to flee at the sound of His name. We have to get serious about walking with the Lord and taking authority over bad junk in our lives or that of a family member. Worrying does not bring you closer to God but trusting Him does.

The Bible is not there to be a coffee table ornament but it is to be used and studied. If the enemy can get us too busy to use it or make us think Sunday is enough then we remain in the same rut with the same issues hanging over our heads. Now is the time to get powerful and serious about walking with the Lord. Start reading in the book of John in the Old Testament for starters. 

1 Peter 5:7(NIV) tells us to 'cast our cares on Him for He cares for us'. Can you "cast" that worry away? You say, "I am just a worrier". Now is the time to stop saying that and pick up the "sword of the spirit" and instead know that Jesus can help you. Worry is not from God. It is not a fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. We can overcome this and be filled with peace instead. Would you like that? Cry out to God. Do not allow worry to become a stronghold in your life.

PRAYER: Today Lord I choose peace over worry. I know worrying does not change a situation but only keeps me tied up in "knots" and I know also that Satan loves to see children of God all weak and worried. Now is the time I choose to be strong and trust in you. I know you have a plan greater than I can imagine and I need to trust in you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click link below to start your week off praising Jesus.

http://youtu.be/HzNsEBPB-Z8

WORRY! WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?

The answer is "absolutely nothing"!  It was not a trick question. We all know worry is not good for our health or even our relationships. For example, if you are a parent of an adult child who is living on their own , it is not good to have them constantly checking in with mommy or daddy. Trust that God will care for them and you raised them correctly then move on. Easier said than done I know. And as for your health, worry could cause many medical problems as well. 

What do you worry about? Maybe it is waiting to hear back on a college application to see if you were  accepted. It could be your child is in a war zone and you can not stop thinking about the dangers and the "what ifs". Perhaps you worry what people think about you. If you're a parent of a teen out driving you may focus on hoping they get home in one piece without a phone call. In the area my sister lives in they are being inundated now with tornado after tornado. People who live in "tornado alley" may be used to these monster storms but they are still frightened. If you happen to be employed by the US Government or in the military you may be worried about your paycheck or the security of this great nation. This list is obviously endless. The worry is absolutely USELESS as it will do nothing to change a situation. Prayer is what you need to do when you start becoming this way.

Guess who is the author and originator of worries? Well I will tell you who it isn't and that is God!  When  you catch yourself sinking into a worry mode then is the time to begin praising Jesus.  The devil will hate that. Start saying things like "thank you Lord that you are watching over me. Thank you Lord that I do not need to fear. Thank you Lord for protection. Thank you Lord for your perfect peace." Worry and fear go hand in hand. 

Here is a good scripture to memorize or write on a 3 by 5 card to read when you start to let Satan drag you into the "worry pit".  Psalm 91:5-19(NIV) says '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 make the Most High your dwelling-- even the LORD, who is my refuge-- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.'  There you have it!  Just remember that when you worry you basically are glorifying Satan because he is a "peace robber" and a "joy stealer". 

Isn't it time we do what it says in 1 Peter 5:7(NIV) and that is "Cast all your cares on God for He cares for you."

PRAYER: Today Lord there are many things I could fret about but I choose to "cast" my concerns on you. It is not your desire that I be weighted down with a load of concern. Only Satan likes that. I refuse to let Satan control my thoughts. I choose peace. 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.

I'M JUST A WORRIER

 So stop it! I have heard people say they can not stop worrying. Their mom worried, her momma worried and on it goes. Where is worry from? Certainly not a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Do you think worry brings you closer to God or further away from Him? I am sure all of us have worried at one time or another but the important thing is to not make it a habit. You certainly can not be at peace if you can not stop this bad habit. Does worry change anything? The answer is no. So why worry?
"You don't understand though my son does dangerous things and I get scared.' The thing is that fear needs to be turned into faith and trust. Worry is worthless. It does not stop someone from doing a dangerous activity or being ill. What can you do to stop if you are a worrier?

The solution is to admit you are a worrier and ask God to fill you with peace only He can give. Stop focusing on bad things such as disasters, wrecks, and all the scenarios that will probably never happen. Say out loud "Lord I thank you for taking away my concern and fears. I know it is the enemy trying to make me weak and ineffective for your kingdom. Satan has no power over me so I choose to cast off worry." How do you feel once you say that our loud?

Meditate on God's word as well. Get up each day and say "This is the day The Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24). Isaiah 26:3(NIV) says 'You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast for they trust in you,' Do you really trust Him to take care of you? If so give him your worries and go on and do something constructive and let God give you peace.

PRAYER: Help me Lord. I want to trust you but at times I am consumed
with fear and worry. I know only Satan rejoices when I get like this.
I give this to you Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

FEAR MONGERS OR PEACE SEEKERS

 If you are a fearful or worried person then you need to stay away from your news on television. For instance after the Texas explosion the local news people here in the Huntsville area started saying that similar factories that manufacture fertilizer are located here. Now people have something else to worry about. Why do we need to know about all the bad stuff anyway? Want to enjoy your day or evening, then skip the news. Life will go on. You will not be ignorant. You may find a new found peace of mind.

Isaiah 26:3(NIV) says 'He will keep in perfect peace, he whose mind is on him'. Just how do you keep your mind on Him anyway? This past week we also had the Boston Marathon bombings which terrorized people for the entire week till the one who did it was found. Once again we can choose to feed our mind on fear and wonder where the next terrorist will strike in the United States or we can go on with life and give the controls to God.

Isaiah 41:10(NIV) says 'So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.' How do you "not fear" when so many things are going on around you to make you anxious? Stay in the word of God on a daily basis is how! You have to purpose in your heart to spend time focusing on good things and not constantly worrying. Once again the devil has you right where he wants you if you are fretting and concerned over things all the time. Worry is caused by lack of trust in the Saviour to protect you and your loved ones.

Romans 8:31(NIV) says 'What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?' In Deuteronomy 20:1(NIV) it says 'When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.'

Another really good verse to help combat fear is Deuteronomy 31:6(NIV) which says 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

When we fear, we only give victory to Satan. He has you right where he wants you as fear disables the power of Christ if you constantly dwell on bad things. Psalm 91:5(NLT) reminds you also 'Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.' You have God on your side. Talk to the evil devil and tell him you are a child of God and you do not fear! Put him in his place.

Psalm 23:4(NIV) is often one you hear at a funeral but it is for everyday life of the living as well. 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.' Do you feel God's comfort? You can if only you will cast your worries and fears on Him as it says in 1 Peter 5:7.

PRAYER: Lord I need you every hour of each day to help guide me through the challenges of this life. I do not need you for one hour on Sunday. Forgive me if I have put you on the "back burner" of life and not come to "talk" to you in prayer more often. I realize there is more to saying you love Jesus than just going into a church building as a matter of fact much much more. I want more of you in my life and less fear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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Click on the link below and worship the Lord and do not fear:

http://youtu.be/7foqxkkh51M

I TRUST YOU LORD!!

 Do you trust the Lord or are you constantly fretting, worrying, unable to have peace?
Most the time the things we worry over never happen and even if they did happen what good did your worry do? Did it help you? Did it change the situation? The answer is no. It simply gave Satan a bit of fun knowing he has you, a child of God, upset.

Do you want to win this battle against Satan and relax and let go and Let God so to speak? You can you know. Why can't we pray and then relax and trust Him? What do we have to do to have peace? Perhaps a good dose of scripture or study on peace is in order.

Worry does not help you at all and takes you further way from God. When you constantly feed your mind with things of the world and tragedy and all the "what ifs" of life the you can become so consumed you are ineffective for the Lord. How many "tests" do we need before we can turn over this area to the Lord. Things in life are bound to happen but consistently focusing on things that may happen drags you down. Instead focus on what God can do.

Get up and say 'thank you Lord for putting angels around my children and protecting them. Thank you Lord that you are in control and you love me and my family. I have no need to fear. I trust you Lord.' Psalm 91:5(NIV) says 'You will not fear the terror or night or the arrow that flies by day.' Make the devil mad for a change. Say out loud ' Devil you are not going to steal my peace. I am covered by the blood of Jesus and nothing you can try to do will hurt me or my family. I am standing with Jesus so get behind me now Satan.' Sound fanatical? Try it and see if you do not feel better. Then do a study on peace and try to get up each day and say 'I will not allow fear to entire in my mind today.'

Now go and have a good day and know that Jesus is indeed Lord!

PRAYER: Dear Father God I thank you for your perfect peace and love. I choose today to walk in peace and not in fear and worry. I know when I do this I do not bring glory to you and am not a very good witness for you either. I choose to trust. In Jesus' name. Amen.

PROBLEMS OR PROMISES?

What are you thinking on? Are you worried about your health, your job,
your finances ? Why not start meditating on God's word and REALLY
trusting Him and do not let Satan capture your thought life. Bad
thoughts, fear, worry all come from the enemy.

Remember in John 14:27(NIV) it says 'Peace I leave with 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 be afraid.' Does being scared or worried
do one bit of good? The answer of course is NO. So why can't we let go

and let God? Does your worry change the situation? Once again the
answer of course is NO.

Proverbs 3:5-6(NIV) is one of my absolute favorite scriptures and it
says 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own
understanding and in all your ways submit to Him and He will make

your paths straight.' There is that word "Trust".

Psalm 119:165(NIV) says 'Great peace have they who love your law, and
nothing can make them stumble.' The law meaning the Bible. This is

why it is so important to keep the word of God an essential part of

every day life. The world has enough junk to throw at us to frighten
us. Tune out the bad stuff. For instance turn off the news if it makes

your fearful. Put on some Christian praise music which helps to lift

your burdens. This is why I often attach an appropriate worship song

to my devotions.

Refuse to allow the enemy, Satan,to put worry and fear in your head.
Cast off works of darkness and let Jesus' light shine out. When you
are praising Jesus it is often very hard to worry.

So which is it going to be? Will you mediate on God's promises or will
you cave in to doubt, fear and your problems?

PRAYER: Lord I love the word of God. I know if I make an effort each
day to not forget to get in to the word I will have lots less worry
weighing me down. Help me resist the enemies attacks on my thought
life. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link below for a wonderful song to add to this devotion.
http://youtu.be/XkljgA5SQc8

CAPS AND CATS

My title has nothing to do really with either cats or caps except that
that a few weeks ago I found myself needing to practice what I preach
because I was missing a favorite winter cap and our outdoor cat went
missing. Well hallelujah, both were found a couple days later. This
gave me an idea for a title which might be eye catching in order to
maybe once again drive home the point of worry.

People seem to get attached to their "stuff". Why is our "stuff" so
important? What makes us stress out when we misplace things? Wouldn't
it be better to practice peace and realizing all the fretting and
worry is achieving nothing at all? Does worrying bring your lost set
of car keys back any sooner or your lost debit card? Of course not. So
what is the cure for this constant worry?

Matthew 6:27(NIV) says 'Which of you by worrying can add a single hour
to his life?' The answer? None of us! Verse 28 continues by saying

'And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field
grow? They do not labor or spin.' Verse 30 says 'If that is how God
clothes the grass of the field, which is here today then thrown into

the fire,will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?'

The most important thing to do is to pray and let it go. It does take
practice because it is hard sometimes to "discipline" your mind to
stop thinking about something. That key word is "discipline". And how
do we "discipline" our mind? The answer is by keeping your mind on
things "above" and the best way to do this is to stay in God's word,
the Bible.

Colossians 3:15(NIV) says 'Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart
and be thankful.' Get your mind off your problem, pray, and trust
God.

PRAYER: I wish I could stop worrying Lord. I know you are watching
over me and I realize fretting and worry does nothing more than keeps
my mind from peace and thoughts of you Lord. Lord with your help I
choose to cast my cares and concerns on you and to worry less. In
Jesus' name. Amen.

TRYING TO STAY POSITIVE IN 2013

 

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

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

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

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

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