Friends are great!! It is wonderful to have someone trusted to talk to and hang out with. In this new generation of social networking we have entered a new era and new type of friend. There are people who you 'friend' on the social networking site but then do not really ever hang out with.
Proverbs 18:24 says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity". Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up."
Then there are true blue friends who are there whenever you need them. These are not just facebook friends but a friend that sticks closer than a brother. This past week on my birthday paper cards in the regular US mail came pouring in. It was so special to me to be remembered in this way and I thought to myself I have nothing to complain about because I have friends who like me or in the words of actress Sally Field during her second best actress win in the Academy Awards "You like me, you like me, you really really like me." Friends are great. These remembrances made my day and my week! I felt blessed indeed. These were from friends both near and far.
Sometimes people you thought were friends decide they no longer want to hang out with you. They may tell you to read "Boundaries' or say you were a friend in that 'season' of life. They may go on to say they are too busy now and do not have time for you as they have 'new friends' and do not have time for everyone. I say 'make new friends but keep the old, one is silver but the other gold."
It made me think of Facebook and how we rack up all these names as 'friends' but are they really our friends? For anyone who has ever been defriended or unfriended on this social medium it is very puzzling and hurtful. Facebook should not be taken that seriously. It is nice to post pictures and keep in touch but to be a real friend if you live in the same town you need to invest time in your friends. In a similar way you will never truly get to 'know God' if you do not invest time in reading the Bible and doing things to bring you closer to Him. And I have good news! God will never ever defriend you no matter what!! He does not care what you have done. He loves you unconditionally. Oh that we humans could take his example as we are supposed to and treat our friends and those around us the same way. Wouldn't this be a much better place?
For those of you reading this who are married, your spouse is ideally supposed to be your best friend but sad to say in some marriages the spouses have become almost enemies. God can help restore this 'ultimate friendship' if you ask him too.
What kind of friend are you? Is there someone you need to say you are sorry to because you have hurt them? Is there a friend who wants nothing to do with you anymore who you just have to release to God? Are you making time in your week to get together with a friend? If married, are you still going on dates with your spouse like you did back in your dating single engaged days?
True friends will stand by you. A true friend will accept your apology. A true friend listens. A true friend forgives and forgets. A true friend loves unconditionally.A true friend does not judge you. Is there someone you need to be a friend to today?
On birthdays we seem to find out who our friends are. It is really nice to be remembered. Just remember to show God's love to the friends you are blessed with and remember also 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'. Do not wait til a birthday to tell those friends you care.
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the gift of friendship. Lord help me to remember to sow seeds of kindness in to the lives of others in order to grow friendships. Forgive me if I have ever hurt a friend. Forgive me when I was not there for a friend who needed me. Help me be a true friend to those in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Note: once again I have included a link to a wonderful and appropriate worship song. Turn up speakers, click link, and enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMnMN08sv4k&feature=related
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
GO TO YOUR STORM SHELTER
The storms of life will come. All of us have them. They can be in form of death, loss of job, divorce, health problems, betrayal , or a myriad of things. Jesus is the one true 'storm shelter' we need to run to when the storms of life hit. Storms of life always hit. Everyone seems to have one of some sort sometime. They are unavoidable. We go through lots of things in life. Note the word 'through' which indicates you do not stay there but move on 'through' to something else. That word alone brings hope and promise.
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." God will walk with you through the storm. Remember how he protected Daniel in the Lions Den(See Daniel 6:4-27) and Shadrach Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace? (See Daniel 3).He can protect you too. Isaiah 43:5 tells us "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west."
Deuteronomy 31:6 promises " 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." Hang on to the hope that Jesus will be with you and by your side at all times. Remember the footprints illustration where there were two sets of footprints then suddenly only one in the sand? When one set of footprints was in the sand that is where we are told "God carries us". Psalm 23:4 further tells us "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
The storms of life will come and we do not need to fear, for God is with us seeing us through til the skies become sunny once again.
PRAYER: Lord I know storms will come. Help strengthen me during these times and trust in you. Help me learn from these times so I can help others who may suffer later.In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link when you have a chance to listen to the song 'Praise you in the Storm.'
http://youtu.be/uHdcyue0bSw
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." God will walk with you through the storm. Remember how he protected Daniel in the Lions Den(See Daniel 6:4-27) and Shadrach Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace? (See Daniel 3).He can protect you too. Isaiah 43:5 tells us "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west."
Deuteronomy 31:6 promises " 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." Hang on to the hope that Jesus will be with you and by your side at all times. Remember the footprints illustration where there were two sets of footprints then suddenly only one in the sand? When one set of footprints was in the sand that is where we are told "God carries us". Psalm 23:4 further tells us "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
The storms of life will come and we do not need to fear, for God is with us seeing us through til the skies become sunny once again.
PRAYER: Lord I know storms will come. Help strengthen me during these times and trust in you. Help me learn from these times so I can help others who may suffer later.In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link when you have a chance to listen to the song 'Praise you in the Storm.'
http://youtu.be/uHdcyue0bSw
Saturday, November 5, 2011
POOR PITIFUL ME
I heard someone once say 'pity parties are pitiful'. We probably have all thrown ourselves one and believe me no one wants to attend. There are no games, refreshments, or gifts and it is a boring, sad thing. Usually pity parties are thrown with one guest and one guest only and that being the person feeling sorry for themselves.
When you feel yourself slumping into a 'woe is me' mode start lifting up the name of Jesus and praising Him. You heard me right! Start saying "I thank you Lord for my food, clothing and shelter. I thank you Lord for friends. I thank you Lord for my family. I thank you Lord for my job and the money it provides. I thank you Lord for a Bible to read as many countries it is against the law." Those are some ways and I am sure you can add some of your own. Then start thinking of those who are lots worse off than you are. Many people have reasons to slump into pity but they choose to not do so. Take Nick Vujicic who was born without arms and legs. I have a link to his website below. If anyone has a reason to be down in the dumps he should, right? But he chooses instead to go around the world spreading God's love.
Are you on the throne of your life or is God? Who really is first? In the Bible it speaks of dying to self. 1 Corinthians 15:31 says "I die every day--I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord." Each day get up and say "this is your day Lord. Show me how to be a blessing to someone today." When you praise him it is hard to complain and worry about your own problems. Luke 9:23 says "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
If you are constantly feeling left out or hurt maybe it is time to let God be your best friend and not worry about going to pity parties.
PRAYER: Lord my hope and strength are in you although at times the enemy comes in and makes me feel sorry for myself. That is the time I need to take the 'sword of the 'spirit' which is the Bible and defeat the enemies lies with the promises in God's word. Forgive me for ever feeling sorry for myself. I know many are worse off than me. I want to show love to others around me and therefore take my mind off myself. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on links below for Life Without Limbs and a wonderful praise song to get you out of any down mood you might be in today. Be blessed!
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
http://youtu.be/uyvoU-e-slw
When you feel yourself slumping into a 'woe is me' mode start lifting up the name of Jesus and praising Him. You heard me right! Start saying "I thank you Lord for my food, clothing and shelter. I thank you Lord for friends. I thank you Lord for my family. I thank you Lord for my job and the money it provides. I thank you Lord for a Bible to read as many countries it is against the law." Those are some ways and I am sure you can add some of your own. Then start thinking of those who are lots worse off than you are. Many people have reasons to slump into pity but they choose to not do so. Take Nick Vujicic who was born without arms and legs. I have a link to his website below. If anyone has a reason to be down in the dumps he should, right? But he chooses instead to go around the world spreading God's love.
Are you on the throne of your life or is God? Who really is first? In the Bible it speaks of dying to self. 1 Corinthians 15:31 says "I die every day--I mean that, brothers--just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord." Each day get up and say "this is your day Lord. Show me how to be a blessing to someone today." When you praise him it is hard to complain and worry about your own problems. Luke 9:23 says "Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."
If you are constantly feeling left out or hurt maybe it is time to let God be your best friend and not worry about going to pity parties.
PRAYER: Lord my hope and strength are in you although at times the enemy comes in and makes me feel sorry for myself. That is the time I need to take the 'sword of the 'spirit' which is the Bible and defeat the enemies lies with the promises in God's word. Forgive me for ever feeling sorry for myself. I know many are worse off than me. I want to show love to others around me and therefore take my mind off myself. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on links below for Life Without Limbs and a wonderful praise song to get you out of any down mood you might be in today. Be blessed!
http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/
http://youtu.be/uyvoU-e-slw
Friday, November 4, 2011
SPIRITUALLY FLABBY?
Just like our physical muscles need to be exercised to stay strong and toned so we need to exercise our 'spiritual muscles' so we do not become spiritual weaklings. You can not expect to look good physically if you do not take care of yourself by eating right and proper exercise. You can not wish a good physique into being. In similar fashion we can not sleep on the Bible and expect to absorb its knowledge. It takes reading it and studying it to know what is inside. There is a saying that 'going into a church will not make you into a Christian anymore than going into a garage will make you into a car.' Just sitting there is nice. Check that block off for the week. But did you get anything from the message and do you have a desire to open up the Bible the other 6 days? Do you just open your Bible on Sunday when the minister,rabbi, or priest tells you what to read or do you make a quiet time alone with him each day a priority? This is the only way to strengthen those 'spiritual muscles'.
Jeremiah 15:16 says "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty." Are God's words your delight? Would you rather read the newspaper, magazine, or a book instead of the Bible? You will never become spiritually strong by just attending church one hour per week. Just like you will not have a toned body without fat and flab, unless you make the effort to work out, run, or some other form of cardiovascular exercise. You can not just wish it into existence. It takes effort, time and a change of habits and lifestyle sometimes.
1 Peter 2:2 says "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." Do you crave the Bible? 1 Corinthians 3:2 says "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready". Babes in Christ or spiritually unfit 'flabby Christians' are both conditions you need to improve upon to be strong in the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 1 Timothy 4:7 says "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." There is that word 'train' indicating putting forth some effort. You will not know the truth until you open up the pages of the Bible.
1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Being a runner and one who has run in many races in the past I know you do have to train for the type of race you are going to run if you expect to do well and hope to not get injured. In similar fashion you must train to be strong spiritually by studying God's word, the Bible.
Ephesians 6:10 is a good verse to end on and it says "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
PRAYER: Lord I want to be a mature Christian and I want to desire to strengthen my 'spiritual muscles' each and every day. Many excuses may come my way as to why I do not have time for reading the Bible or a devotion but help me realize that the enemy does not want me to go to the 'spiritual gym' but he wants me to be weak and powerless. I with your help Lord will make this a priority in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Jeremiah 15:16 says "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty." Are God's words your delight? Would you rather read the newspaper, magazine, or a book instead of the Bible? You will never become spiritually strong by just attending church one hour per week. Just like you will not have a toned body without fat and flab, unless you make the effort to work out, run, or some other form of cardiovascular exercise. You can not just wish it into existence. It takes effort, time and a change of habits and lifestyle sometimes.
1 Peter 2:2 says "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." Do you crave the Bible? 1 Corinthians 3:2 says "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready". Babes in Christ or spiritually unfit 'flabby Christians' are both conditions you need to improve upon to be strong in the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 says "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 1 Timothy 4:7 says "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly." There is that word 'train' indicating putting forth some effort. You will not know the truth until you open up the pages of the Bible.
1 Corinthians 9:24 tells us "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." Being a runner and one who has run in many races in the past I know you do have to train for the type of race you are going to run if you expect to do well and hope to not get injured. In similar fashion you must train to be strong spiritually by studying God's word, the Bible.
Ephesians 6:10 is a good verse to end on and it says "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."
PRAYER: Lord I want to be a mature Christian and I want to desire to strengthen my 'spiritual muscles' each and every day. Many excuses may come my way as to why I do not have time for reading the Bible or a devotion but help me realize that the enemy does not want me to go to the 'spiritual gym' but he wants me to be weak and powerless. I with your help Lord will make this a priority in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
PATIENCE NEEDED AND NEEDED NOW!
Patience is something that eludes lots of people. Depending on your personality and temperament it may be hard to get the patience monster under control. Instead of waiting and thinking things through we react to things in the present moment. Sometimes doing this can backfire in a big way. For instance if you do not get your emotions under control and are assuming things, you could spout off to a friend and hurt a relationship due to a misunderstanding. If you blow off steam at work you could get put on probation or fired. In a marriage relationship if you are impatient you could end up in a fight. If we do not stop and think before we speak or react we can really do some things we wish we could take back. Jumping to conclusions is never good for anyone. This writer often has joked that I have the 'gold medal' in the sport of jumping to conclusions. Anyone who wants to take this medal from me is welcome. I will settle for no medal at all.
Learning to be patient and to not overreact does take discipline. It is all a part of controlling our emotions. The Bible speaks of not growing weary. Patience is a fruit of the spirit that needs to be grown into maturity. We do not pick a banana when it is green. It would not be edible at all. Fruits of the spirit have to take time to grow like God wants them to just like the banana takes time to ripen. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 says "And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." Colossians 3:12 says "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Galatians 5:22-23 says "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Also in describing love in 1 Corinthians 13 it also mentions patience in verse 4 it says "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." Impatience can cause hurt, anger, confusion and nothing good really comes from it. You end up digging yourself out of a pit due to the fact you could not just wait and your mouth was your undoing.
Lack of patience causes people to do crazy things in other areas. You are impatient driving so therefore tailgate and speed. You are impatient at a sporting event or a movie due to long lines so cut in line. Impatience causes more hurt than good. Impatience gets people into real problems so you can see why it is important to work on this area if you need to learn to not be in such a hurry.
If there has been an offense because of lack of patience remember what it says in Ephesians 4:32 and that is "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Get over it, blow it off, or let it fester and continue to cause a root of bitterness.
Lack of patience often results in speaking without thinking things through. If you have the problem of doing this you have to work at looking to God to help you control your emotions and your tongue. The words we say when we are impatient can come back to bite us later and can take time to mend the destructive path they have left. It is like an F5 tornado tearing down everything in its' path. The destruction has been done and it takes time to wait for repairs. Some of the F5 damage leaves death which can never be undone. So you see how vitally important it is to really stop and think things through and not be over reacting to every situation.
Now I do not watch the Simpson's but once when the TV 'happened' to be on to the station they were on several years ago this scenario unfolded. Homer, the main character, was extremely agitated because his boss at the nuclear plant, there in the fictitious town of Springfield, was going to fire him. Homer was so angry. He was in the process of writing a letter and was going to go instantly to his local post office to mail it when his wife Marge chimed in,"Homer you are so angry. Maybe you should sleep on this overnight and you would not be so angry in the morning." That is the one time the Simpson's had something wise to say. Way to go Marge!
Proverbs 10:12 says "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." Just remember relationships are what matter. We do not want our impatience to cause problems in with those we love. If something happens and you want to react why not stop and take a breath and pray. If we prayed before we react to things we might get ourselves out of some touchy situations we find ourselves in. Give it a try.
Isaiah 40:31 says "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Today is the day to start your walk towards gaining patience. God can help. Let Him.
PRAYER: Father I need your help in this area. Many times something has happened and I jump to conclusions and react right then when I should have waited and prayed. Impatience causes so much pain and heartache and trouble. Lord I want this fruit of the spirit to grow out of control in my life. I want it to grow and be dominant in my life. I know when we pray for patience people say 'look out' a test is coming. Lord just help me to stop and think before I react to things .In Jesus Name .Amen.
Note: Turn up your speakers and enjoy worshipping the Lord with this awesome praise song sung by Hillsong. Click link to begin.
http://youtu.be/bIr7-yEtrwk
Learning to be patient and to not overreact does take discipline. It is all a part of controlling our emotions. The Bible speaks of not growing weary. Patience is a fruit of the spirit that needs to be grown into maturity. We do not pick a banana when it is green. It would not be edible at all. Fruits of the spirit have to take time to grow like God wants them to just like the banana takes time to ripen. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 says "And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." Colossians 3:12 says "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Galatians 5:22-23 says "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Also in describing love in 1 Corinthians 13 it also mentions patience in verse 4 it says "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." Impatience can cause hurt, anger, confusion and nothing good really comes from it. You end up digging yourself out of a pit due to the fact you could not just wait and your mouth was your undoing.
Lack of patience causes people to do crazy things in other areas. You are impatient driving so therefore tailgate and speed. You are impatient at a sporting event or a movie due to long lines so cut in line. Impatience causes more hurt than good. Impatience gets people into real problems so you can see why it is important to work on this area if you need to learn to not be in such a hurry.
If there has been an offense because of lack of patience remember what it says in Ephesians 4:32 and that is "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Get over it, blow it off, or let it fester and continue to cause a root of bitterness.
Lack of patience often results in speaking without thinking things through. If you have the problem of doing this you have to work at looking to God to help you control your emotions and your tongue. The words we say when we are impatient can come back to bite us later and can take time to mend the destructive path they have left. It is like an F5 tornado tearing down everything in its' path. The destruction has been done and it takes time to wait for repairs. Some of the F5 damage leaves death which can never be undone. So you see how vitally important it is to really stop and think things through and not be over reacting to every situation.
Now I do not watch the Simpson's but once when the TV 'happened' to be on to the station they were on several years ago this scenario unfolded. Homer, the main character, was extremely agitated because his boss at the nuclear plant, there in the fictitious town of Springfield, was going to fire him. Homer was so angry. He was in the process of writing a letter and was going to go instantly to his local post office to mail it when his wife Marge chimed in,"Homer you are so angry. Maybe you should sleep on this overnight and you would not be so angry in the morning." That is the one time the Simpson's had something wise to say. Way to go Marge!
Proverbs 10:12 says "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs." Just remember relationships are what matter. We do not want our impatience to cause problems in with those we love. If something happens and you want to react why not stop and take a breath and pray. If we prayed before we react to things we might get ourselves out of some touchy situations we find ourselves in. Give it a try.
Isaiah 40:31 says "Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Today is the day to start your walk towards gaining patience. God can help. Let Him.
PRAYER: Father I need your help in this area. Many times something has happened and I jump to conclusions and react right then when I should have waited and prayed. Impatience causes so much pain and heartache and trouble. Lord I want this fruit of the spirit to grow out of control in my life. I want it to grow and be dominant in my life. I know when we pray for patience people say 'look out' a test is coming. Lord just help me to stop and think before I react to things .In Jesus Name .Amen.
Note: Turn up your speakers and enjoy worshipping the Lord with this awesome praise song sung by Hillsong. Click link to begin.
http://youtu.be/bIr7-yEtrwk
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
WORRIED AND FEARFUL?
Are you not able to stop worrying about stuff? It is pretty easy to dwell on issues and problems in life and to let them literally consume us or 'eat us up' on the inside. There may be things going on with a family member, a friend or at work. Whatever the case and whatever the problem God is your source of strength. He does not want you sitting around moaning, groaning, and worrying trying to reason things out in your head. He wants you to give him your problems.
What has you consumed by fear and worry? The opposite of fear is faith and peace. Isaiah 41:10 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." Further in 1 Peter 5:7 it says to "Cast all your care on Him for he cares for you." Cast means to throw out there liking when you cast a fishing line into the water. You want to throw it as far as you can so you have a better chance of getting a fish on your line. So do that with worry. Throw it as far off as you can. The battle we are fighting is a spiritual battle. In 2 Chronicles 20:15 it reminds us "...For the battle is not yours, but God's." Keep that all important fact in mind. You do not have to carry burdens on your own.
John 14:27 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." You can not have peace and worry at the same time. Get your mind on something else. Start praising God out loud for the answers to prayers. Start thanking him for victory even before it happens.
2 Tim 1:7 says "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." You can control this fear by leaning on the promises of God in his word. But of course you will have fear if you never pick up the Bible and never pray. This is what ideally Satan is hoping for. Satan wants you to think the Bible will not help. He wants you to think prayer won't help. Do not believe him as he is a liar!
Romans 8:15 says "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Who do you trust today? "But wait you do not understand how big my issue is!" Oh yes he does. Luke 1:37 reminds us "For nothing is impossible with God."
PRAYER: Lord I have had times when I have been fearful or worried and could not think about anything else. I know you care about what is happening in my life and I know you hear me. I ask Lord you help me to get into the word each day to combat the lies the enemy throws at me and the doubts and fears he puts in my mind. If I fill my mind up with your word there is little left for worry. In Jesus Name. Amen.
What has you consumed by fear and worry? The opposite of fear is faith and peace. Isaiah 41:10 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." Further in 1 Peter 5:7 it says to "Cast all your care on Him for he cares for you." Cast means to throw out there liking when you cast a fishing line into the water. You want to throw it as far as you can so you have a better chance of getting a fish on your line. So do that with worry. Throw it as far off as you can. The battle we are fighting is a spiritual battle. In 2 Chronicles 20:15 it reminds us "...For the battle is not yours, but God's." Keep that all important fact in mind. You do not have to carry burdens on your own.
John 14:27 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." You can not have peace and worry at the same time. Get your mind on something else. Start praising God out loud for the answers to prayers. Start thanking him for victory even before it happens.
2 Tim 1:7 says "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." You can control this fear by leaning on the promises of God in his word. But of course you will have fear if you never pick up the Bible and never pray. This is what ideally Satan is hoping for. Satan wants you to think the Bible will not help. He wants you to think prayer won't help. Do not believe him as he is a liar!
Romans 8:15 says "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Who do you trust today? "But wait you do not understand how big my issue is!" Oh yes he does. Luke 1:37 reminds us "For nothing is impossible with God."
PRAYER: Lord I have had times when I have been fearful or worried and could not think about anything else. I know you care about what is happening in my life and I know you hear me. I ask Lord you help me to get into the word each day to combat the lies the enemy throws at me and the doubts and fears he puts in my mind. If I fill my mind up with your word there is little left for worry. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
GOD IS TRULY IN CONTROL
Do you ever feel like you can not just relax because of situations in your life or in the world around us? You might have things going on in your life that are pretty major and just feel like you have prayed but do not see things happening. You want to give up. Or in the world around us we see turmoil, confusion, and fear what is going to happen. You just have to know and believe God is behind the scenes of it all, after all He is God. And because of that you know he has a plan. It is a good thing we really are not in charge or our impatience and impulsiveness would really mess things up. When you do not think He cares or is working, do not give up. He really is working things out and does know the 'big picture'. We are supposed to pray and never give up. (See Luke 18:1). Isaiah 55:8 says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD". He really does have a better plan than we could ever work out on our own for our life and the world we live in. Psalm 40:5 says "Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." Ephesians 3:20 says "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." We may think we should work things out but let go and let God work in your life. 2 Corinthians 9:8 says "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."
Now concerning the current state of this great United States and the way we fear freedoms slipping away we first must remember that if we obey God and keep His commandments then He will continue to bless this nation(See Psalm 33:12). If we are breaking the moral laws found in the Bible and trying to keep Him out of everything then we can expect things will go wrong as you can not shut God out and expect to be blessed. Psalm 103:19 says "The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." He is in charge. Not a president nor not a king. God is God. He gets the final say so. He may allow a man to be in office to accomplish his purposes in the earth. Maybe it has to be someone sometimes to wake us up.
Try to relax and let go and keep praying. Trust God. Keep crying out to Him but believe he is on the throne ruling over all! Psalm 47:2 says "How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!" Psalm 47:8 says "God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne." Psalm 115:3 says "Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him."
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "Trust in the Lord with ALL our hearts and to lean not to our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Are you trusting Him? Are you worried and fretful and can not let go of worry for the future over problems in your own life or that of the world? Nothing we worry about will change anything. Just know God is working things out and will not leave us. The story is not over yet.
PRAYER: Lord God often times there are things in life that I seem to not be able to stop worrying about. I know you are not wanting me to worry but you are saying to me 'relax child, I have the controls.' Help me father to be more into the word of God and your promises and to stop giving Satan a foothold by my constant fretting. In Jesus Name.Amen.
------------------------------
Enjoy the worship song I have included. Click the link.
http://youtu.be/CoxopsRSfdU
Further reading: Psalm 55:8-19 and Deuteronomy 28
Now concerning the current state of this great United States and the way we fear freedoms slipping away we first must remember that if we obey God and keep His commandments then He will continue to bless this nation(See Psalm 33:12). If we are breaking the moral laws found in the Bible and trying to keep Him out of everything then we can expect things will go wrong as you can not shut God out and expect to be blessed. Psalm 103:19 says "The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." He is in charge. Not a president nor not a king. God is God. He gets the final say so. He may allow a man to be in office to accomplish his purposes in the earth. Maybe it has to be someone sometimes to wake us up.
Try to relax and let go and keep praying. Trust God. Keep crying out to Him but believe he is on the throne ruling over all! Psalm 47:2 says "How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!" Psalm 47:8 says "God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne." Psalm 115:3 says "Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him."
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "Trust in the Lord with ALL our hearts and to lean not to our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Are you trusting Him? Are you worried and fretful and can not let go of worry for the future over problems in your own life or that of the world? Nothing we worry about will change anything. Just know God is working things out and will not leave us. The story is not over yet.
PRAYER: Lord God often times there are things in life that I seem to not be able to stop worrying about. I know you are not wanting me to worry but you are saying to me 'relax child, I have the controls.' Help me father to be more into the word of God and your promises and to stop giving Satan a foothold by my constant fretting. In Jesus Name.Amen.
------------------------------
Enjoy the worship song I have included. Click the link.
http://youtu.be/CoxopsRSfdU
Further reading: Psalm 55:8-19 and Deuteronomy 28
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)