RAINY DAYS AND MONDAYS

 

Back in the 60's the singing group 'The Carpenters' sang a hit tune "Rainy Days and Mondays" and it went on to say 'they always get me down'. Do they have to get you down? Whatever is causing you to be in slump can be taken care of. You do not have to be down in a pit forever. Even just thinking right will be half the battle for leaning towards waking up with the 'blues'. When you intentionally think on things that are good and pleasant and not dwell on 'what ifs' and your problems then things will be much better. Focus on what you have to be grateful for because, for those of us living in America, right there is one big thank you!

 

I will not disregard the fact that there are some out there who indeed need a physicians care for clinical depression. If you feel that is you then by all means go seek medical attention but on the average many folks wake up forlorn and a little out of it every now and then. Keep your mind set on things that will build up and not tear down. Make a deliberate effort to be kind and positive. The cares of the world will 'choke' the word of God so you have to try to keep looking to Jesus for your strength. Mark 4:19 says, "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." Things do not make you happy but living for the Lord and helping others will.

 

Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble." Whatever you are going through God does care and he is there for you. Make your life count and know that God is there as your biggest cheerleader.  In Acts 20:24 it says,"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."

 

PRAYER: Thanks Lord for another day you have given me to impact the world around me. Help me to smile at others and be at peace in all sorts of situations. Give me your love for all the people you place in my path that I might be your witness. Take away any self centered attitude and help me be Christ centered. In Jesus Name, Amen!

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIvDCV4e318

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY

 

Today is the big day for football fans and fans of cool commercials, some even with a message such as last years' Tim Tebow pro life ad. This is the day once a year big parties are held, bets are made, tons of food is consumed, and people gather round to cheer their favorite team on or just wait for the commercials to air. Even churches at one time got in on the action by hosting 'Super Bowl Sundays' and holding chili cook offs or other events around this big sports holiday of sorts. I was not aware til I started to write this daily blog that the NFL had 'pulled the plug' on churches hosting Super Bowl parties back in 2008 as it said it was a violation of copyright law to play the game on their big screen TVs.(Washington Post, 1 Feb 08,Jacqueline Salmon). Bars still aired the game on their big TVs so it seems to not really make sense. Something in the copyright rules exempted sports bars. Doesn't this just smack of discrimination against the church once again? Apparently if you have a smaller screen then it is allowed but other than that you must host parties in your home.  I am not sure if the law has been reversed as the Rutherford Institute had planned legal action citing discrimination against the churches and religious liberty issues. I hope in fact today if the law was reversed and found to be unfair then there are many churches in the US hosting parties as it is a great outreach tool to bring in the unchurched and unsaved in a non threatening way. I have been to a few and they are lots of fun.

 

We know the body of Christ is under attack. Today their are Christian legal groups defending the rights of students to pray in school, the rights of churches to meet in public places and on the list goes. There are always forces out there that want to snuff out the word of God as it is powerful. There are good forces  then there are forces led by the enemy trying to take away religious liberties. Philippians 3:18-19 says,"For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things." The Christians enemy are not the human forces trying to legislate against anything Christian but are something else. Ephesians 6:12 says "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." 2 Corinthians 3:17 says "Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." Many cases pending  today where people have to defend their beliefs because they are being trampled upon and threatened even by our own government. Our Constitution protects religious freedoms.  

 

Be thankful for the rights we have to assemble under the name of Christ in this country. In many countries of the world you could be arrested for assembling and preaching in Jesus Name. We take so much for granted. Read that Bible. Do not let it get dusty. Some day it could be taken away from you by forces who do not like God or the Bible. And above all if you are going to a church Super Bowl game day party tonight then enjoy being able to gather with believers and non believers alike knowing that this is America. May the best team win and may there be some good commercials for we who are not big into football.

PRAYER: Father thank you for the freedom we enjoy in this country to have television which is not censored by the government. To be able to sit with friends and watch a football game and even maybe enjoy a church party with it. Thank you for freedom in general. May we never take it for granted and may we stand up and speak out when it is threatened. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

DO THE RIGHT THING

What exactly is integrity and do you possess it? First some questions. Do you pay for one movie but then sneak into another one feeling like you are entitled to because they charge so much? Are you a McDonald's customer who buys their cup of coffee which comes with free refills then assumes that means 'for life' and drags your old cup around in car and each time you pass McDonald's go in for your 'free' cup? If you are on an airplane and you use one of their blankets to stay warm do you feel justified keeping it and sneaking it in your carry on because, hey, I paid a ton of money for my ticket so I should get it? In the office where you work do you take home office supplies such as paper clips, ink pens or rubber bands? I would think that would be stealing from your employer. Do you use your office copy machine for personal things such as copying Sunday school papers, tax papers, and other items that have nothing to do with work? When you go someplace that is apparently free admission but they ask for an 'honor' fee do you pay it? Do you take towels from motels? If a clerk gives you too much change do you give it back?

All these scenarios mentioned above boil down to two things, lack of integrity and stealing. Stealing?? Yes taking things that do not belong to you is stealing and the Bible clearly tells us in Exodus 20:15 says "Thou shalt not steal". Yes taking things like mentioned above is wrong. So is stealing the bosses time using Facebook at work and things like that.

Out where I live there is a road called "You Take It". I am not joking, this is the actual name of this country road. In the almost 6 years I have lived out in Tennessee this road sign gets stolen at least once a month. After all it says "you take it" so the thief is just doing what he is told, right? Wrong! It is still taking property that is not yours and stealing road signs is a worse offense and can get you into serious trouble if caught. Sometimes young high school students take things they think is funny such as traffic cones off  the highway, mugs from restaurants, towels, and various other things. The sins of my youth  as the Bible calls it. Psalm 25:7 says "Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious ways and according to your love remember me, for you are good, O lord."

All of us have sinned and not met the mark at times. (See Romans 3:23). If you are guilty of anything listed above first you have to be convicted by the Holy Spirit of your wrong or you can not truly repent of it.

I have a funny story. Back when I lived in Arizona I was taking a short hike in The Grand Canyon on one of the top trails and picked up a rock. I love to get rocks from hikes especially out West.I have a collection of sorts. A sign clearly stated to not remove rocks from the park. But I did it anyway. Upon arriving home I became super convicted of the wrong of my action and packed the little rock up and mailed it back to the park ranger. I did not include my name, just a note. I later heard stories of others doing this because of some superstition of what would happen to you. Mine was not superstitious worry, but the fact it was just wrong to do this when it asked us not to. 

When I was stationed at Ft.Campbell, KY in the early 80's a former soldier wrote a letter to the editor of the post paper stating that he was returning an Army blanket he had taken when he had been stationed there. He went on to say he had become a Christian and was convicted what he did was wrong so was returning it. What an impact that letter had on me and others who read it too I am sure!

So where are you at in all this? All I can advise is to do the right thing.

PRAYER: Dear Lord help me truly know right from wrong and good from evil. Forgive me for not always living up to excellent standards you want me to. Lord God I know all I need to is confess my sins to you and you will forgive me and forget as well. Thanks for being like that Lord. In Jesus name Amen.  

YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO GOD

I would think it would be tough being a celebrity who all of a sudden finds themselves not in demand or not in the limelight anymore. Perhaps this is why many take to doing strange things .You have been top dog and top billing and all of a sudden someone else is the big person everyone is swooning over. Unless you were pretty well grounded and secure this could throw you for a loop. No one is clamoring for autographs anymore. You are a 'has been'.

It could happen in normal life too. Let's say you are a lady who is the 'big cheese' at some corporate firm and you decide you want to stay home with your children and raise them. There may be a few admirers that know you are doing the right thing but many will blame you for wasting your education or giving up such a lucrative position or a job title. I actually had someone tell me once I was wasting my degrees by staying home with my children. I begged to differ. I was raising leaders for the future and proud and happy to do it. My husband even affirmed me with my own 'stay home mom' business card. It was terrific! Everyone needs a boost to their self esteem so this was a great encouragement.

Seems like the world is hung up on title and position. You have to be secure in yourself if you have been in a big important job and stepped down. When I got out of the military several years ago right before starting a family, all of a sudden I was not 'Captain Miller' but just another dependent of a active duty soldier. For a while it bothered me but not because of the fact I was an officer, but because I seemed to get treated differently. No one should treat big wigs better than others. Sure there is a matter of protocol but besides that we are all important in Gods' eyes. Each person has a valuable contribution to make to his or her world no matter if they work in a skyscraper, if they are at home baking cookies or collecting garbage. All people deserve respect.

Romans 12:3 says for us to "Not think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think ..". Ecclesiastes  7:16 says for us to "not be over righteous and overly wise...". Proverbs 27:2 says " Let another praise you and not your own lips.A stranger and not your own lips." Romans 12:16 tells us to be "willing to associate with men of low estate."

Another thing is you were made by God and he thinks you are pretty super. God may not always be pleased when we disobey him but he created us special. In Psalm 139:13-18  it tells us that we are 'fearfully and wonderfully made". " For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,  your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!  Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you."

  Do not ever think you do not matter. Everyone is special to God.

PRAYER: Lord God thank you for just where you have me in life. Help me Lord to reach out to others in the world around me and bloom where you have placed me in society whether it is a mom, factory worker, volunteer, business person, teacher, bus driver or whatever job I am in. I have value and help me to not put myself down.Help me learn to be kind to all kinds of people. Give me your love for all people.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

DID I SAY THAT??? AGAIN??

The tiny little tongue in your mouth has probably got the most things in the Bible written about it or at least is up there at the top. We can never hear too many sermons on watching our mouths and what we say.  I will highlight just a few verses from Proverbs to ponder.
Proverbs 10:14 says " a wise man holds his tongue. Only a fool blurts out everything he knows,that only leads to sorrow and trouble.". Proverbs 11:9 says "evil words destroy, godly skill rebuilds."  Proverbs 10:19 says "Don't talk too much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow." Proverbs 12:18 says "some people like to make cutting remarks but the words of the wise soothe and heal."  Proverbs 13:3 says "self control means controlling the tongue. A quick retort can ruin everything!"  Proverbs 13:17 says " An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress."  One of my favorites is Proverbs 15:1 which says " a soft answer turns away wrath but harsh words start quarrels." Proverbs 17:27-28 says" The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore,even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut. "
There are many more, especially in the book of Proverbs. Thinking before we speak is a discipline to develop. Bad things that proceed from the mouth are lying, gossip, sarcasm, hatred, nagging, belittling, anger, bad advice, complaining, rudeness, blaming, abrasiveness, excuses, critical spirit, negativity, harshness, name calling, judging, swearing, quarreling, offensiveness, bitterness and probably a few others you could fill in. These types of communication are certainly not from the Lord. Ask God 'how do you want me to respond' but may I suggest to try to respond with 'grace' to everyone around you and you will be much better off. And above all think before you speak as sometimes our emotions get us to say things without thought causing pain and hurt in relationships.
With our mouths we should bless others and speak words of encouragement and love. There is a saying 'if you do not have anything good to say do not say anything at all'. Good advice for all of us. James 3:9-10 says to us " With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."
If we could just control our tongue we have won a tremendous battle. If you have hurt someone with words you have said go and ask forgiveness. Try to let the Lord control what comes from that mouth and you will have a better life. I will end with Ephesians 4:29 which says" Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
PRAYER: Father forgive me when I have not always used pleasant words in my daily activities. Help me Lord to be careful what I say and to be honorable and kind. Help my words be gracious as if seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) both inside my home and out in the marketplace and with my friends. In Jesus name. Amen.

ALONE WITH GOD

 

Do you often rush through your day with hardly anytime left just to sit and rest? If you work your mornings are probably crazy just trying to get out the door. Even if you do not  have a paid job you may be a homemaker with many responsibilities and just have to hurry and get out and get going. In this hustle and bustle of activity when is there time to sit alone with God and just meditate on his word? It can be a challenge.

 

In the prayer ministry I am a part of, Moms in Touch International, one of the leaders at the National level came up with the idea of a DAWG day. DAWG stands for 'Day Alone With God'. Pretty nifty concept. I have done it a few times. Sure you may not have an entire day but if you can, and you do not have small children underfoot you are caring for, then perhaps you can schedule this on your calendar every now and then. I find it nice to get away from the distractions of the home or even a coffee shop. Go somewhere without crowds around. Pick somewhere safe but just find a quiet spot where you and God can be alone. If the weather is nice then perhaps a park at a picnic table or on a bench. A few times I have gone up to an overlook at a nearby state park and have even just sat in my car with Christian music playing and have my Bible handy and a notebook to write my thoughts and maybe even a Christian book to read. You can be creative but just make it a time alone with you and God. Unless you have an emergency even turn off your cell phone. Your family and friends can wait for a couple hours and the world is not going to fall apart.

 

So take the time to do this. For those of you who have children either grown or at home you can remember the times you had special times with them in the park? Well this will be your special time with God in the park. Have fun and enjoy your day.

 

Luke 5:16 says "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."

 

PRAYER: Dear Lord today I pray you will help us take the time and energy to focus on you. Our world is filled with many things to distract us and keep us away from you. Help us be deliberate in putting you first. Help us Lord too to set aside a day to just get away with you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

MIND CONTROL

Where is your focus when you step out of bed each day? As you go about your day do you start fretting, dreading the day, worrying, dwelling on issues from the past, concerning yourself with things none of your business, dwell on celebrities lives by saturating yourself in People magazine, and reason situations out in your head that you have no control over? Starting out like this is setting yourself out for a horrible day. Your focus is on the wrong things and many situations you can do nothing about. Instead practice getting up and taking control of your thoughts from the get go. Say 'this is the day the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it.' (Psalm 118:24) 
You have to make a determined effort to let the past go and it's issues and challenges and turn things over to God that you can do nothing about. Philippians 4:8 says " Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Are you making a concerted effort to think on good things? In 2 Corinthians 10:5 it says " We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." So capture those bad thoughts. It is a spiritual discipline to train yourself to think properly.
To be victorious in Christ you have to be able to take control of your thinking and discipline yourself to keep good things in your head. Practice being positive. Things in the past you can do nothing about have to be given over to God. Release situations to him. God cares so give him your burdens so you do not continually dwell on them. 1 Peter 5:7 says "cast all your care on him for he cares for you."

The more you release things to the Lord and allow him to fill your thoughts each day the better off you will be.

PRAYER: Thank you Jesus because I know I can have the mind of Christ if I just practice thinking about you. Give me the desire to get into your word, the Bible, so  my life can be more conformed to yours. In Jesus name, amen.