I decided to just list a a bunch of random things that if you did today will probably be much better. Here we go.
Speak positive. Seek peace. Mind your own business.Watch your mouth. Love unconditionally. Forgive and forget.Say you are sorry when you have messed up. Put Jesus first then others.Pray continually. Run after God. Read your Bible. If married, date your spouse. Be a friend. Call your parents if they're still alive.Write an actual love letter to your beloved. Be kind. Be courteous. Be thankful. Don't fault find. Smile. Do not behave rudely or crudely. Do not seek revenge. Look upon good and pure things.Keep your mind on things 'above'. Remember to go to church. Stop worrying. Stop judging. Stop throwing pity parties as no guests want to attend. Listen more. Talk less. Be holy as Christ is holy. Love your enemies. Do something good to people who do not like to hang around you. Trust God. Do not fear. Let God have your future because He knows the 'big picture'. Follow the Ten Commandments( if you have forgotten them they are in Exodus Chapter 20). Work at all things as if Lord was right there. Do not be lazy. Control your anger. Love always. Encourage someone having a hard day. Let the Lord guide you each day.Stay amazed at God's creation. Believe in miracles.
If you can go through the above list and if you are having trouble having a good day try to follow the advice of the random ideas above. Most are right out of God's word. As a matter of fact in writing this before I had a chance to save this I was commenting on the enemy coming and trying to confuse people and make trouble in your life. Well my computer froze up and I lost lots of what I wrote. Remember the battles are the Lords. Deuteronomy 31:6 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.”
Psalm 118:24 says "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." 1 Peter 5:8 says "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." If you try to stay focused on good things such as above it will be easier to have the strength to face the trials of life when they come.
PRAYER: This day Lord I choose to focus on what to do to be closer to you. Help me get rid of things in my life that do not draw me closer to you. Forgive me for when I have refused to do what I know is right according to your word. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
401K...BAH HUMBUG
Today in light of the financial stress lots of folks in America are going through I thought it appropriate to remind all out there that God has a plan and He is in control. The government may try to terrorize us and control us but ultimately God is on the throne. Americans these past couple years have been fighting a battle trying to remind the Representatives in our nations' Capitol that they are there to 'represent' and not to dictate. Thankfully after the last election it got somewhat better but we are still fighting an uphill battle to save our nation from financial default. We know who really is in charge. A 'mere man' can not take this land down on his own.
God may allow certain things too in order to get our attention. Americans have had it quite good for the past couple hundred years. That is why so many have wanted to move to our shores. We are a unique nation with freedom and many opportunities. Somehow things are changing and apparently those in DC want to control us more.Besides our freedoms we see vanishing in different areas such as health care and banks we see our retirement accounts and stock markets taking major hits. It is worrisome to many who have put so much trust in their riches. We know from history that we can in fact bounce back. Like I said, God is the one really on the throne, not anyone else. Man may try to exalt himself over God or deny Him but in the end God gets the final say.
There are many opinions out there. Some say those in charge are trying to dominate and put us down to size. We see evidence of class warfare tactics such as displayed on a grander scale during WWII in Germany. This is not a democrat thing or a republican thing and it is not a devotion about a man but it is a devotion about trusting in God and not your wealth. Believing what the Bible says and following its' principles.
Psalm 62:10 says " Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Psalm 73:26 says "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." God is your portion. He will take care of you. Further in Psalm 16:5 it says "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." See the word secure. God is our security, not the stock market, not a human man or woman. When we take eyes off of God we start to get worried and wonder what is going to happen to us. Psalm 56:4 says "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" See that word 'mere'. No matter what the rank or how high the office, man to God is called 'mere'. That should make you feel a little bit better.
But you say "I have a family to feed and a mortgage. What am I going to do? What about the college fund?" Once again 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you." "But that won't pay my bills" you say "this casting you speak of". Just trust God and believe He will see you through things. See there is another magic word "through' meaning it will be over sometime.
There is a promise in the Bible that says in Psalm 37:25 " I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." God will not let us starve. No matter what He is there and He will see us through. Proverbs 23:5 says "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
So who do you trust? God or the stock market and your 401K? Just remember this is not a battle against flesh and blood but against evil forces trying to take out this great nation. Ephesians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Pray for those in authority over us whether you agree with them or not and keep believing God is in control and He has a plan.
PRAYER: Uncertainty, particularly when it comes to money, is unsettling. Father help us to lean on you and not our checkbooks and savings. We know it could be gone in an instant. Father with the money we do have help us not hoard it but let us use it to bless others while we can. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE:At the bottom of this devotion is a worship song to remind us who is really in control. Turn up your speakers and worship the Lord.
http://youtu.be/HCuaQCr0hws
Today in Houston there is a day of prayer and fasting for the nation at Reliant Stadium and it is being simulcast in places across the land. You can also watch it live streaming ...
http://theresponseusa.com/
God may allow certain things too in order to get our attention. Americans have had it quite good for the past couple hundred years. That is why so many have wanted to move to our shores. We are a unique nation with freedom and many opportunities. Somehow things are changing and apparently those in DC want to control us more.Besides our freedoms we see vanishing in different areas such as health care and banks we see our retirement accounts and stock markets taking major hits. It is worrisome to many who have put so much trust in their riches. We know from history that we can in fact bounce back. Like I said, God is the one really on the throne, not anyone else. Man may try to exalt himself over God or deny Him but in the end God gets the final say.
There are many opinions out there. Some say those in charge are trying to dominate and put us down to size. We see evidence of class warfare tactics such as displayed on a grander scale during WWII in Germany. This is not a democrat thing or a republican thing and it is not a devotion about a man but it is a devotion about trusting in God and not your wealth. Believing what the Bible says and following its' principles.
Psalm 62:10 says " Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." Psalm 73:26 says "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." God is your portion. He will take care of you. Further in Psalm 16:5 it says "LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure." See the word secure. God is our security, not the stock market, not a human man or woman. When we take eyes off of God we start to get worried and wonder what is going to happen to us. Psalm 56:4 says "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" See that word 'mere'. No matter what the rank or how high the office, man to God is called 'mere'. That should make you feel a little bit better.
But you say "I have a family to feed and a mortgage. What am I going to do? What about the college fund?" Once again 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your care on Him for He cares for you." "But that won't pay my bills" you say "this casting you speak of". Just trust God and believe He will see you through things. See there is another magic word "through' meaning it will be over sometime.
There is a promise in the Bible that says in Psalm 37:25 " I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread." God will not let us starve. No matter what He is there and He will see us through. Proverbs 23:5 says "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
So who do you trust? God or the stock market and your 401K? Just remember this is not a battle against flesh and blood but against evil forces trying to take out this great nation. Ephesians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Pray for those in authority over us whether you agree with them or not and keep believing God is in control and He has a plan.
PRAYER: Uncertainty, particularly when it comes to money, is unsettling. Father help us to lean on you and not our checkbooks and savings. We know it could be gone in an instant. Father with the money we do have help us not hoard it but let us use it to bless others while we can. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE:At the bottom of this devotion is a worship song to remind us who is really in control. Turn up your speakers and worship the Lord.
http://youtu.be/HCuaQCr0hws
Today in Houston there is a day of prayer and fasting for the nation at Reliant Stadium and it is being simulcast in places across the land. You can also watch it live streaming ...
http://theresponseusa.com/
Friday, August 5, 2011
DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE STORM
There is a song whose lyrics say "when you walk through a storm hold your head up high and don't be afraid of the storm". Now this does not necessarily mean a literal storm but the occasional storms of life that come and threaten our stability and peace. These storms come in the form of medical diagnosis, lost job, unexpected deaths, unfaithful friends, loss of home, family problems, and a host of other things I am sure you could add to this list.
Matthew 8:23-27 says " Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Isaiah 43:2 says "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Your strength is in the Lord God Almighty and He WILL get you through whatever you are going through. Get rid of wrong thinking.
Do not let the enemy bring worries and fears upon you. Keep your mind focused on Jesus and know He is in control.When you take your eyes off Jesus the storms of life seem to get bigger. You have to remember this too shall pass and soon there will be 'rainbows' again.
PRAYER: I am glad Lord that I can trust you with the storms that sometimes come in life. I know you love me and you have a wonderful plan for my life. Help me trust you. In Jesus name, amen.
Praise tune included below.
http://youtu.be/uHdcyue0bSw
Matthew 8:23-27 says " Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
Isaiah 43:2 says "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Your strength is in the Lord God Almighty and He WILL get you through whatever you are going through. Get rid of wrong thinking.
Do not let the enemy bring worries and fears upon you. Keep your mind focused on Jesus and know He is in control.When you take your eyes off Jesus the storms of life seem to get bigger. You have to remember this too shall pass and soon there will be 'rainbows' again.
PRAYER: I am glad Lord that I can trust you with the storms that sometimes come in life. I know you love me and you have a wonderful plan for my life. Help me trust you. In Jesus name, amen.
Praise tune included below.
http://youtu.be/uHdcyue0bSw
Thursday, August 4, 2011
STARVED FOR THE BIBLE
Do you hunger for God's word? I would say a good majority of people do not even pick up their Bible in the morning or at night for that matter and have no clue the power within its' pages. I have no proof but it is a good guess. Satan would like to keep it that way. Once we are knowledgeable of the word of God and what is contains Satan will have to flee. He does not want us having the victory and power that is within its' inspired pages.
There are many countries where being a Christian and having the word of God can get you jailed or killed. We have thankfully not reached that point yet in this country. Do not take your Bible for granted. Many nations are not allowed the Bible. When we have leaders who do not acknowledge the supremacy of the almighty God and in fact make laws against things in the Bible it is a frightening thing. God is not to be mocked. The Bible was the authority for the founding of this great unique nation. Slowly mankind and evil forces who know it's power try to get it removed. They make laws against it and approve things as okay and normal that are clearly sins in the eyes of God.
Government elected leaders need to be starting their day thanking the Lord for the ability to lead. There is more to being a Christian than simply ending a speech with the words 'God bless America!' Pray for our leaders to turn to Him for guidance. Can you imagine what would happen if the Congress, Senate, Judicial Branch and President started their day on their knees sincerely crying out to God and asking God to make them a serve?? Now that would be power! Our Founding Fathers always referred to the Bible for guidance.
There is a verse in the Old Testament that mentions in latter days there will be a famine for the word. Amos 8:11 says ""The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land--not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD." Imagine that if you will. The Bible, so readily available now, would not be able to be found. If you have not hidden God's word in your heart you will have no strength or power for these times . Sort of reminds me of the theme of the secular movie 'The Book of Eli' where there was only one copy of 'the book' left and Denzel Washington's character was entrusted with getting it to a place where it could once again be printed.
I love going into a hotel or motel room and opening the bedside table and finding the Gideon's have placed a Bible there. A couple of 'high end' hotels though, which I will not name in this devotion, made a business decision to not place these scriptures in their hotel chains. Very sad because Gideon's gives them for free. These Bibles help the weary traveler have power and deal with situations in their life. They have power and threaten those who want to do evil.
Psalm 119:11 says "thy word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:16 further says "I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." Proverbs 18:10 says "The word of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe."
Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." My hope is you will get hungry for God and His word. Be prepared to know it and draw on it for strength as a famine is coming.
PRAYER: Father God I want more of you in my life. I want the power to live life victoriously and I know it is found in the Bible. Help me Lord as I rearrange my schedule to make room for you in my life so I have power to stand up against the attacks on the enemy. In Jesus name, amen!
When you have time listen to the following praise song by artist Jeff Deyo
http://youtu.be/6Jo3y_XoHHQ
Further reading: Nehemiah 8:1-8
There are many countries where being a Christian and having the word of God can get you jailed or killed. We have thankfully not reached that point yet in this country. Do not take your Bible for granted. Many nations are not allowed the Bible. When we have leaders who do not acknowledge the supremacy of the almighty God and in fact make laws against things in the Bible it is a frightening thing. God is not to be mocked. The Bible was the authority for the founding of this great unique nation. Slowly mankind and evil forces who know it's power try to get it removed. They make laws against it and approve things as okay and normal that are clearly sins in the eyes of God.
Government elected leaders need to be starting their day thanking the Lord for the ability to lead. There is more to being a Christian than simply ending a speech with the words 'God bless America!' Pray for our leaders to turn to Him for guidance. Can you imagine what would happen if the Congress, Senate, Judicial Branch and President started their day on their knees sincerely crying out to God and asking God to make them a serve?? Now that would be power! Our Founding Fathers always referred to the Bible for guidance.
There is a verse in the Old Testament that mentions in latter days there will be a famine for the word. Amos 8:11 says ""The days are coming," declares the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine through the land--not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD." Imagine that if you will. The Bible, so readily available now, would not be able to be found. If you have not hidden God's word in your heart you will have no strength or power for these times . Sort of reminds me of the theme of the secular movie 'The Book of Eli' where there was only one copy of 'the book' left and Denzel Washington's character was entrusted with getting it to a place where it could once again be printed.
I love going into a hotel or motel room and opening the bedside table and finding the Gideon's have placed a Bible there. A couple of 'high end' hotels though, which I will not name in this devotion, made a business decision to not place these scriptures in their hotel chains. Very sad because Gideon's gives them for free. These Bibles help the weary traveler have power and deal with situations in their life. They have power and threaten those who want to do evil.
Psalm 119:11 says "thy word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:16 further says "I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." Proverbs 18:10 says "The word of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe."
Matthew 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." My hope is you will get hungry for God and His word. Be prepared to know it and draw on it for strength as a famine is coming.
PRAYER: Father God I want more of you in my life. I want the power to live life victoriously and I know it is found in the Bible. Help me Lord as I rearrange my schedule to make room for you in my life so I have power to stand up against the attacks on the enemy. In Jesus name, amen!
When you have time listen to the following praise song by artist Jeff Deyo
http://youtu.be/6Jo3y_XoHHQ
Further reading: Nehemiah 8:1-8
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
THE MISSING CROSS
Yesterday when driving home from all my errands I noticed that a palm branch cross I had had in my car window by the drivers side for almost 4 years was missing. This may seem like no big deal but to me it was a huge deal. This cross symbolized a time in my life I was in turmoil and God sort of 'gave it to me' as a way to have peace. I will explain in a moment. But what had happened is I had my oil changed and somehow someone had removed it from my dashboard whether on purpose or accident I do not know nor does it matter. While sitting at a stop light a little over an hour later I noticed it was missing. Thankfully the car dealer was still open where I had my oil changed and I told him what happened and he was able to find it.
Now about the cross and why this particular one was a sign to help me through my struggles. I was going through something a few years back and was coming out of the Redstone Arsenal Family Clinic when I looked down by my car door and there in a puddle next to my car door I found this cross. Some would say just a coincidence but I beg to differ. I saw this as a way God was speaking to me to tell me to not worry that what I was going through would be okay and things would work out. Ever since that day when I found the cross I have kept it on my car dash board on the drivers side. Once before it had been broken at this same dealership and I put it back together but this time it was flat out missing. I mean maybe someone needed it to find peace, who knows.No accusations went out. Maybe the person needed it more than me who knows. I just looked at this occurrence as an opportunity to write a devotion about it.
We can become attached to things but this cross was very special. First the cross of Jesus is very special. Many people wear them around their necks perhaps as a fashion statement or others because of what they mean. So the cross of Jesus is very special.Many hate the cross and try to get them taken down and destroyed. Finding this cross in a puddle while I was in turmoil over a situation is just what I needed as a way to hear from God. God can speak to us through people, through His word or through crosses laying in puddles in a parking lot.
The cross is a symbol of salvation. I have heard it said "the ground is level at the foot of the cross" which to me means all of us come to the Cross of Jesus and we are not treated more special because of who we are or what we did or did not do. God is an equal opportunity God. He has mercy and grace to forgive. He is a God of comfort.
Isaiah 43:2 says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
I was so thankful yesterday to have this happen as I think God wanted this story to be told. When I shared it with two people at the car dealer they looked at me funny like 'yeah ,whatever lady". But I do not apologize for I do in fact feel this was God speaking to me.
PRAYER: I thank you Lord for the little ways you speak to us each day and get our attention. I thank you for the ways you comfort when we are going through a tough spot in life. You are there for us. Father help us look to you for our strength and deliverance. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE: Once again I include below an appropriate praise and worship song for you to listen to when you able.
http://youtu.be/7cEmlYax8sw
Now about the cross and why this particular one was a sign to help me through my struggles. I was going through something a few years back and was coming out of the Redstone Arsenal Family Clinic when I looked down by my car door and there in a puddle next to my car door I found this cross. Some would say just a coincidence but I beg to differ. I saw this as a way God was speaking to me to tell me to not worry that what I was going through would be okay and things would work out. Ever since that day when I found the cross I have kept it on my car dash board on the drivers side. Once before it had been broken at this same dealership and I put it back together but this time it was flat out missing. I mean maybe someone needed it to find peace, who knows.No accusations went out. Maybe the person needed it more than me who knows. I just looked at this occurrence as an opportunity to write a devotion about it.
We can become attached to things but this cross was very special. First the cross of Jesus is very special. Many people wear them around their necks perhaps as a fashion statement or others because of what they mean. So the cross of Jesus is very special.Many hate the cross and try to get them taken down and destroyed. Finding this cross in a puddle while I was in turmoil over a situation is just what I needed as a way to hear from God. God can speak to us through people, through His word or through crosses laying in puddles in a parking lot.
The cross is a symbol of salvation. I have heard it said "the ground is level at the foot of the cross" which to me means all of us come to the Cross of Jesus and we are not treated more special because of who we are or what we did or did not do. God is an equal opportunity God. He has mercy and grace to forgive. He is a God of comfort.
Isaiah 43:2 says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
I was so thankful yesterday to have this happen as I think God wanted this story to be told. When I shared it with two people at the car dealer they looked at me funny like 'yeah ,whatever lady". But I do not apologize for I do in fact feel this was God speaking to me.
PRAYER: I thank you Lord for the little ways you speak to us each day and get our attention. I thank you for the ways you comfort when we are going through a tough spot in life. You are there for us. Father help us look to you for our strength and deliverance. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE: Once again I include below an appropriate praise and worship song for you to listen to when you able.
http://youtu.be/7cEmlYax8sw
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
I SURRENDER ALL
Do you really? This song is melodiously sung "I surrender all, I surrender all, All to Jesus I surrender , I surrender all." Nicely sung in church but when you are done and go home and all things go haywire in life do you remember the words of the song you just sang? Sometimes it is hard to totally surrender and is a spiritual discipline. You might have some pretty dicey stuff going on in your life or that of a family member. But still the Lord wants us to give us his cares. In the world today there is much uncertainty even though we know God is behind the scenes and is ultimately in control it can be difficult if not impossible for some to let go and let God have the controls. It is easy to surrender in church with all the praise music around us. But real life starts when you walk out the church door and that is when you are tested.
We seem to like to control everything in our lives so it is sometimes hard when we feel a lack of control. If you have prayed , you are supposed to let it go and rest in God. I know this is one I struggle with and have not completely received victory in as of yet. You have prayed and given something over to God so why go 'fishing' and try to take it back. 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you." "I know, I know but can't you see what is happening Lord?" "Yes child I can see but I know the 'rest of the story'" as the late Paul Harvey used to say on radio.
Proverbs 3:5-6 has always been a favorite passage of mine and it says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
John 16:33 says " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is comforting to know that God overcomes all the junk we are going through now and he will have the victory and so will you if you follow Him.
So what are you struggling with today and can not seem to let go of? Let God be your pilot, not your co -pilot and trust Him to get you safely to your destination in life and take care of the things that look so big in your life.
PRAYER: Today Lord I want to fully surrender my life to you and the situations I worry about daily. I know you love me and you care about what I am going through. I know nothing happens that you can not take care of in your time. I trust you in the good times and in the storms. Give me strength to not cave in to the temptations to worry. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE: Take time to listen to this song "Cry out to Jesus" by Third Day. Really listen to what it's words say. Be blessed to be a blessing.
http://youtu.be/S-WwrL5jCSM
We seem to like to control everything in our lives so it is sometimes hard when we feel a lack of control. If you have prayed , you are supposed to let it go and rest in God. I know this is one I struggle with and have not completely received victory in as of yet. You have prayed and given something over to God so why go 'fishing' and try to take it back. 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you." "I know, I know but can't you see what is happening Lord?" "Yes child I can see but I know the 'rest of the story'" as the late Paul Harvey used to say on radio.
Proverbs 3:5-6 has always been a favorite passage of mine and it says "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
John 16:33 says " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is comforting to know that God overcomes all the junk we are going through now and he will have the victory and so will you if you follow Him.
So what are you struggling with today and can not seem to let go of? Let God be your pilot, not your co -pilot and trust Him to get you safely to your destination in life and take care of the things that look so big in your life.
PRAYER: Today Lord I want to fully surrender my life to you and the situations I worry about daily. I know you love me and you care about what I am going through. I know nothing happens that you can not take care of in your time. I trust you in the good times and in the storms. Give me strength to not cave in to the temptations to worry. In Jesus Name. Amen.
NOTE: Take time to listen to this song "Cry out to Jesus" by Third Day. Really listen to what it's words say. Be blessed to be a blessing.
http://youtu.be/S-WwrL5jCSM
Monday, August 1, 2011
SEASONED SPEECH
Seasoned speech does not mean that you salt and pepper your tongue, but try to not lead a double life with your mouth. If you claim to be a Christian one of first indications should be your mouth and what comes out of it. Do you act nice one time then cuss a blue streak to a guy who cuts you off on the road? Perhaps you are not so kind to a phone worker who is only doing his job. Lets say a solicitor calls. You may not like it but in a kind way say thank you for calling but no thanks. No need to get nasty. For those of us who have been call center employees it is a thankless job at times. I was fortunate when I was a reservations agent for an airline to not get too many people who ridiculed or were harsh to me but if they were it was my goal to treat them as kind and respectful as possible and give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they are going through something bad. Perhaps the way they were raised has something to do with their actions. Maybe the example set by a parent earlier in life is imprinted and they feel justified in condemning people. But it is still wrong. I remember once on my first cruise a couple who were extremely rude and 'racist' to the waiter who happened to be from a South American country. I was so embarrassed and was hoping the waiter did not think we were with this couple. It was uncalled for and shameful.
There is no need to pop a cork, fly off the handle or anything else. If your job causes you to want to vent try to do it before coming in the door at home or taking it out on the poor check out guy at the local store. Ask God to help make you aware of when you are starting to be rude or cruel and ask Him to give you His strength to zip your lip. As the saying goes "If you do not have anything good to say do not say it at all." No one deserves to be verbally abused and it does not show the love of Christ. This goes for also saying ugly things behind people's backs too. God is always watching. If you have hurt someone and are aware of it say you are sorry. Sometimes those who are harsh with others seem to do it so much they make it their lifestyle so for those it may be hard for them to understand what they are doing is wrong. Measure your actions by what God's word says. No one deserves to be talked down to at all!
When someone is ugly to you do not retaliate lest a root of bitterness spring up. Hebrews 12:15 says "Make sure that everyone has kindness from God so that bitterness doesn't take root and grow up to cause trouble that corrupts many of you". And as for telling off the clerk at the store, have you ever thought of what if you ran into him at church? Talk about embarrassing!! There is your double life creeping in. Do you wear a 'church face' and a 'go out in the world face'? If you call yourself a Christian your face should be the same and your speech should be the same. Too many of us may forget that. We do not just go to church then act like wild crazy people the rest of the time. Our light is supposed to be shining brightly for Jesus in the public square and at home not just for one hour on Sunday inside church walls. Do not be two different people.
Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Does this verse characterize your life or do you say mean hurtful things to friends and family and think it is okay to 'abuse' total strangers such as waiters or other service employees? It is never okay to treat anyone wrong and belittle them with your mouth. All people deserve respect. It is really bad when a person claiming to be a believer starts verbally tongue lashing anyone. If you are guilty just know it is not right and seek help to overcome it. For sure it is not a Christlike trait to possess. Some may speak harshly to a spouse and there is no excuse for that either. Come back to James 1:19 which says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." I love that verse and have used it in lots of my devotions on our tongue and words. Make it part of your life and you will have less conflict. No unpleasant or harsh words should flow from your mouth be it to friends, family or strangers.
James 3:11-12 says "Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh." If you know someone that seems to get angry and spout off a good deal of the time that claims to know Jesus you may be afraid to confront them but pray for them. Pray they will recognize and be convicted that this trait does not 'become' a believer or someone trying to win the lost to Christ. This person can also lack grace and compassion which are needed to show love to the hurting. None of us are perfect. Hurtful words can be said and an apology never rendered. You just have to pray for the person and learn to blow it off. We all have probably been hurt by carelessly spoken words in one way or another. The bigger person will not try to get back and will pray and let it go.
Do not lead a life at church for one hour then the rest of the week feel free to let it all hang out. Let your witness for Christ extend in all areas of your life. Get that tongue under control. Ephesians 4:29 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." Go into the world and really let others be able to tell you are a Christian because of your love and kindness. Practice only saying nice things.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus today I want to say and do only what pleases you. It is easy to get mad at times. Stress of various things can cause us to come 'unglued' at times but help me Lord to look to you for my strength and ignore those people around me who may be ugly or try to hurt with words. We pray for anyone in our lives who may have issues in this area. God help us tame our tongue. In Jesus Name. Amen.
There is no need to pop a cork, fly off the handle or anything else. If your job causes you to want to vent try to do it before coming in the door at home or taking it out on the poor check out guy at the local store. Ask God to help make you aware of when you are starting to be rude or cruel and ask Him to give you His strength to zip your lip. As the saying goes "If you do not have anything good to say do not say it at all." No one deserves to be verbally abused and it does not show the love of Christ. This goes for also saying ugly things behind people's backs too. God is always watching. If you have hurt someone and are aware of it say you are sorry. Sometimes those who are harsh with others seem to do it so much they make it their lifestyle so for those it may be hard for them to understand what they are doing is wrong. Measure your actions by what God's word says. No one deserves to be talked down to at all!
When someone is ugly to you do not retaliate lest a root of bitterness spring up. Hebrews 12:15 says "Make sure that everyone has kindness from God so that bitterness doesn't take root and grow up to cause trouble that corrupts many of you". And as for telling off the clerk at the store, have you ever thought of what if you ran into him at church? Talk about embarrassing!! There is your double life creeping in. Do you wear a 'church face' and a 'go out in the world face'? If you call yourself a Christian your face should be the same and your speech should be the same. Too many of us may forget that. We do not just go to church then act like wild crazy people the rest of the time. Our light is supposed to be shining brightly for Jesus in the public square and at home not just for one hour on Sunday inside church walls. Do not be two different people.
Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Does this verse characterize your life or do you say mean hurtful things to friends and family and think it is okay to 'abuse' total strangers such as waiters or other service employees? It is never okay to treat anyone wrong and belittle them with your mouth. All people deserve respect. It is really bad when a person claiming to be a believer starts verbally tongue lashing anyone. If you are guilty just know it is not right and seek help to overcome it. For sure it is not a Christlike trait to possess. Some may speak harshly to a spouse and there is no excuse for that either. Come back to James 1:19 which says "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." I love that verse and have used it in lots of my devotions on our tongue and words. Make it part of your life and you will have less conflict. No unpleasant or harsh words should flow from your mouth be it to friends, family or strangers.
James 3:11-12 says "Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh." If you know someone that seems to get angry and spout off a good deal of the time that claims to know Jesus you may be afraid to confront them but pray for them. Pray they will recognize and be convicted that this trait does not 'become' a believer or someone trying to win the lost to Christ. This person can also lack grace and compassion which are needed to show love to the hurting. None of us are perfect. Hurtful words can be said and an apology never rendered. You just have to pray for the person and learn to blow it off. We all have probably been hurt by carelessly spoken words in one way or another. The bigger person will not try to get back and will pray and let it go.
Do not lead a life at church for one hour then the rest of the week feel free to let it all hang out. Let your witness for Christ extend in all areas of your life. Get that tongue under control. Ephesians 4:29 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." Go into the world and really let others be able to tell you are a Christian because of your love and kindness. Practice only saying nice things.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus today I want to say and do only what pleases you. It is easy to get mad at times. Stress of various things can cause us to come 'unglued' at times but help me Lord to look to you for my strength and ignore those people around me who may be ugly or try to hurt with words. We pray for anyone in our lives who may have issues in this area. God help us tame our tongue. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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