We spend lots of time each day getting ready to go out into the world we are in. For some it may be more time consuming than for others. Let's say it takes you one hour to shower, do your hair, put your makeup on(ladies), shave(men) and dress. Did you spend as much time getting your spiritual body and spiritual mind ready for the day?
Each day we enter a 'battlefield' of sorts when we leave our home. Sad to say, some folks have battles at home as well which should not be. Anyway it is important to be clothed spiritually to meet the fiery darts the enemy will throw at you through the course of the day. We put on cloth garments that are washed and pressed but yet our earthly body does not get the spiritual dressing it needs to grow in Christ and be strong in the Lord. The enemy will even put thoughts in your head like, "you can do that later on today" but the day comes and goes and you fall into bed often times not even taking the time to 'rest on the word.' If you want to walk with the Lord and live for Him then you need to dress spiritually on a daily basis too.
It is going to take desire on your part and discipline to change bad habits and to get in the habit of dressing spiritually. God does not look at our outward appearance but he looks at our heart. How is your heart? Is it pure and seat apart for God? 1 Samuel 16:7 says " but the Lord says to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for God sees not as man sees , for the man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart. "
1 Peter 3:3-4 says "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."
Do you pray, read the Bible, and insure your heart is pure? Have you forgiven those who have wronged you? Do you hold bitterness, hatred and envy in your heart? If so it is time to insure you put on your spiritual clothes as well as your regular clothes each day before going out into the world.
PRAYER: Lord I desire each day to clothe myself in righteousness and with a beautiful spirit. I will resist the attempts that Satan shoots at me trying to make me get disinterested in Christian things. I know I need to dress spiritually daily to stay strong in the Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link for awesome praise song.
http://youtu.be/B0oZ6BZlQWk
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
DRESSING FOR GOD
When we wake up each day we get ready and get dressed for the day. How many of us who claim to know Jesus dress ourselves spiritually? The first thing we need to put on is 'the whole armor of God' that is mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-18. I will put it here for you to read.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
If you have children at home you could pray with them to keep the armor of God on and teach them how it helps to quench the fiery darts Satan will throw at us daily through various situations in our life. The younger the child the better to imprint it in on their brain. Satan is out to get our kids and we have authority in Jesus name and can pray them into their spiritual armor.
Colossians 1:12-14 says" Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
So just like we dress with our earthly garments in the morning we need to also clothe ourselves with spiritual garments to be ready to meet the challenges each day holds.
Put off ugliness, hatred, jealously,bitterness, anger, rage, evil speaking, boasting, gossip, lying, stealing, cheating, sexual immorality, lust, greed, worry, fear, fighting, coveting and sensuality.
These things need to be placed in the 'rag pile'. Do not send them to the 'thrift store' for others but get rid of them entirely. A child of God should not be 'clothing' themselves with these horrible items. If you have trouble in any area God can help you be delivered from it if I only will call out to Him.
Ephesians 4:22-24 says "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Isaiah 64:6 says "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
Today if you hear and obey the voice of the Lord seek to be 'clothed' in his holy garments and live for Him.
PRAYER: Father God I desire to put on good things in my life that draw me closer to you. Help me as I seek to put off the things in my life which do not bring glory to you. Help me to put them in a rag pile and never pick the up again. In Jesus name. Amen.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
If you have children at home you could pray with them to keep the armor of God on and teach them how it helps to quench the fiery darts Satan will throw at us daily through various situations in our life. The younger the child the better to imprint it in on their brain. Satan is out to get our kids and we have authority in Jesus name and can pray them into their spiritual armor.
Colossians 1:12-14 says" Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
So just like we dress with our earthly garments in the morning we need to also clothe ourselves with spiritual garments to be ready to meet the challenges each day holds.
Put off ugliness, hatred, jealously,bitterness, anger, rage, evil speaking, boasting, gossip, lying, stealing, cheating, sexual immorality, lust, greed, worry, fear, fighting, coveting and sensuality.
These things need to be placed in the 'rag pile'. Do not send them to the 'thrift store' for others but get rid of them entirely. A child of God should not be 'clothing' themselves with these horrible items. If you have trouble in any area God can help you be delivered from it if I only will call out to Him.
Ephesians 4:22-24 says "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Isaiah 64:6 says "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
Today if you hear and obey the voice of the Lord seek to be 'clothed' in his holy garments and live for Him.
PRAYER: Father God I desire to put on good things in my life that draw me closer to you. Help me as I seek to put off the things in my life which do not bring glory to you. Help me to put them in a rag pile and never pick the up again. In Jesus name. Amen.
Monday, March 5, 2012
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS AND BE JOYFUL
Recently I saw a church sign similar to the title of my devotion. This sign is so pertinent to what has just happened in my local area that being the second outbreak of tornado's on a major scale within the same year. Not only did they hit but they struck the same area and some of the same homes were blown apart again.
Just a couple days ago I rallied with other area volunteers to once again, in less than a year, help the same tornado victims who had been hurt on 27 April 2011. How do you help those who have lost their homes and possessions in not one tornado, but two in less than a year? First thing you may think is "move somewhere else for crying out loud!" Not everyone can do that, but some do. These people are stunned that a less powerful F2 or F3 hit them with a direct hit less than 12 months from the F4 or F5 that hit 27 April 2011. How do you go on after a second devastation like this? It is almost like the 'Job Syndrome' where in the book of Job he lost it all. Get a cup of coffee and sit down and read Job. What do you say to bring comfort to these hurting people who once again have gone through immense material loss?
How do you bring hope to people who have had hopes and dreams of moving into their brand new homes with brand new possessions when the unexplainable happened and blew walls, roofs, and windows from their new homes, some of which were not even moved into yet? Why do things like this happen? How do you console them? The one good thing that most victims will say is "We at least have our lives". The best thing a helper can do besides pick up debris and possessions is to be a listening ear or give a hug and pray of course.
This time these devastating tornado's not only were not as powerful blowing debris 80 miles away, but in our area there were no tornado related deaths. Hallelujah for that! A few injured went to area hospital ER's for treatment but all in all most got away without injuries in this one. But still, there is that issue with the home being destroyed yet again. It almost makes you afraid to try build it for the third time. How do you get peace and contentment at times like these? As I looked at the same exact area that I had walked in less than 11 months ago I was shocked and had no explanation. Can you imagine the homeowners feelings?
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away" it says in Job 1:21. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
At a time like this you really have to hang on to your faith and not run from it and be mad. In one home I helped in, there was the Bible on a table, several Christian books and multiple copies of laminated Ten Commandments. The woman was in fairly good spirits as we carried what remained out to haul away to storage.
First know that our possessions are not what make us. Next remember that there are no U Haul trucks going to the cemetery with your possessions to send to eternity with you. It is God who gives us our blessings and we are to be good stewards of them. In 1 Timothy 6:8 it tells us "But having food and clothing, we will be content with that." We think all the other things will make us happy but do they really? 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." Well in a tornado that could be literal but in this sense it means that money is fleeting and in the big scheme of things not what life is about. In the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life', Jimmy Stewarts' character, George Bailey, after attempting suicide because of financial problems, was saved by his angel Clarence Oddbody 2nd Class. George Bailey says to Clarence when he finds out he was sent here to help him "I know one way you can help me. You don't happen to have 8,000 bucks on you?" Clarence replies "No, we don't use money in Heaven" wherein George responds " Well, it comes in real handy down here, bud!"
Proverbs 27:24 says "for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." We never know when we will lose it all. Having your life is what counts in the end. Psalm 52:7 says " Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"
It boils down to this. Do not trust in your possessions or your wealth as they could be gone in an instant. Let God guide you and show you His perfect peace in the midst of a storm.
Matthew 10:29 says "What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it." Just know the Lord is watching over you and you only need to trust Him. You are more important than the sparrows.
PRAYER: Lord help me to not trust in my home, my car, my bank account, or my possessions but you are my source of joy. Help me not be so dependent on things that if they all went away I could not have joy. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link for worship in song:
http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ
Just a couple days ago I rallied with other area volunteers to once again, in less than a year, help the same tornado victims who had been hurt on 27 April 2011. How do you help those who have lost their homes and possessions in not one tornado, but two in less than a year? First thing you may think is "move somewhere else for crying out loud!" Not everyone can do that, but some do. These people are stunned that a less powerful F2 or F3 hit them with a direct hit less than 12 months from the F4 or F5 that hit 27 April 2011. How do you go on after a second devastation like this? It is almost like the 'Job Syndrome' where in the book of Job he lost it all. Get a cup of coffee and sit down and read Job. What do you say to bring comfort to these hurting people who once again have gone through immense material loss?
How do you bring hope to people who have had hopes and dreams of moving into their brand new homes with brand new possessions when the unexplainable happened and blew walls, roofs, and windows from their new homes, some of which were not even moved into yet? Why do things like this happen? How do you console them? The one good thing that most victims will say is "We at least have our lives". The best thing a helper can do besides pick up debris and possessions is to be a listening ear or give a hug and pray of course.
This time these devastating tornado's not only were not as powerful blowing debris 80 miles away, but in our area there were no tornado related deaths. Hallelujah for that! A few injured went to area hospital ER's for treatment but all in all most got away without injuries in this one. But still, there is that issue with the home being destroyed yet again. It almost makes you afraid to try build it for the third time. How do you get peace and contentment at times like these? As I looked at the same exact area that I had walked in less than 11 months ago I was shocked and had no explanation. Can you imagine the homeowners feelings?
"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away" it says in Job 1:21. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
At a time like this you really have to hang on to your faith and not run from it and be mad. In one home I helped in, there was the Bible on a table, several Christian books and multiple copies of laminated Ten Commandments. The woman was in fairly good spirits as we carried what remained out to haul away to storage.
First know that our possessions are not what make us. Next remember that there are no U Haul trucks going to the cemetery with your possessions to send to eternity with you. It is God who gives us our blessings and we are to be good stewards of them. In 1 Timothy 6:8 it tells us "But having food and clothing, we will be content with that." We think all the other things will make us happy but do they really? 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." Well in a tornado that could be literal but in this sense it means that money is fleeting and in the big scheme of things not what life is about. In the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life', Jimmy Stewarts' character, George Bailey, after attempting suicide because of financial problems, was saved by his angel Clarence Oddbody 2nd Class. George Bailey says to Clarence when he finds out he was sent here to help him "I know one way you can help me. You don't happen to have 8,000 bucks on you?" Clarence replies "No, we don't use money in Heaven" wherein George responds " Well, it comes in real handy down here, bud!"
Proverbs 27:24 says "for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." 1 Timothy 6:17 tells us "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." We never know when we will lose it all. Having your life is what counts in the end. Psalm 52:7 says " Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!"
It boils down to this. Do not trust in your possessions or your wealth as they could be gone in an instant. Let God guide you and show you His perfect peace in the midst of a storm.
Matthew 10:29 says "What is the price of two sparrows--one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it." Just know the Lord is watching over you and you only need to trust Him. You are more important than the sparrows.
PRAYER: Lord help me to not trust in my home, my car, my bank account, or my possessions but you are my source of joy. Help me not be so dependent on things that if they all went away I could not have joy. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link for worship in song:
http://youtu.be/xGPS8sa-bRQ
Sunday, March 4, 2012
RETIREMENT..NOT IN THE BIBLE
Now I am not trying to create a new sin here by saying if you are retired and out sailing, shame on you. The point is the word retirement and the concept of retirement is a modern day phenomena. It is not mentioned in the Bible. Why should someone who loves their job have to quit and sit in a rocking chair because society has deemed them washed up or too old or ready for their 'golden years'? It is refreshing to me in my travels to meet flight attendants who got hired after the age of 50. Why not? Also two ski instructors I met this winter in Maine were both over 65. Stop saying " I am too old". That negative talk has to end. You can choose to believe you are of no value and no chance to do anything worthwhile or you can choose to know that God can use you at any age.
Also stop letting society make you feel you are old. Do not be afraid to try things. Do not worry that people will comment on your age. Keep doing things and do not sit in that infamous rocking chair unless you want to. You have many good years in you and the mindset of retiring is a new one created by something in today's world. If you love your job and want to keep at it, so be it. But you have to get the voices out of your head saying that you are too old. Says who? This is the time to keep going. Take classes. Try new hobbies. Get a part time job somewhere. Volunteer. Help others. Keep active. Go to gym and work out. Stop constantly thinking it is time to retire for "after all I am 60". 60 seems young. People who quit on life and think they are too old will talk themselves into feeling it is time to hang it all up. Retirement then gets to mean "ready to die" to many. It should not!
Proverbs 23:7 says "or as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." You start believing things you keep thinking on. God does not say in His word to go retire and sit in a rocker or to head for the eternal golf course. Older people are simply people with a higher number than you for age. It is only a number. Often times you hear of stories of those who retire and they have no purpose in life and want to return to work. Your purpose should be to still serve the Lord with joy in whatever you do just stop saying "I am too old"!
Many feel they deserve to retire and kick back and do what they want as they have worked hard. Especially in the Armed Forces it is a well deserved honor for the sacrifice and hard work of these men and women. Unlike a civilian job they literally have laid their life on the line.
It is maybe time to visit the grandkids or take a trip or two. That is fine. God wants to use you no matter where you are in life. The point being is not to be so into self and what you 'deserve' that you forget there are many people out there that could still benefit from your talents and gifts. You can only take so many cruises and play so many rounds of golf till maybe it is time to do something else. I have 'retired' friends who are full time missionaries.
Age should be something to be honored and respected and not poked fun at by comedians. With age comes wisdom and experience. Today we say "70 is the new 60 and 60 is the new 50!" Feel good and be thankful for the years the Lord blesses you with and find ways to bring glory to Him through your life no matter how old or young you are. You were created for a purpose! You are never too old in GOD'S kingdom to be valued and worthy to help those around you.
Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to bring you a hope and a future."
You save for the future which is good and you provide for your family generations after you. God has blessed you with wealth but just remember no one says nor does the Bible say you have to retire. Keep going if that is what you want to do. God can use you wherever you are!
PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for each year of life you have blessed me with. I thank you for giving me talents and abilities to help serve others. Thank you for the gift of relaxation and thank you for money to enjoy fun times as well. Help me keep balance in my life so it is not all about me and what I deserve. In Jesus name. Amen!
Also stop letting society make you feel you are old. Do not be afraid to try things. Do not worry that people will comment on your age. Keep doing things and do not sit in that infamous rocking chair unless you want to. You have many good years in you and the mindset of retiring is a new one created by something in today's world. If you love your job and want to keep at it, so be it. But you have to get the voices out of your head saying that you are too old. Says who? This is the time to keep going. Take classes. Try new hobbies. Get a part time job somewhere. Volunteer. Help others. Keep active. Go to gym and work out. Stop constantly thinking it is time to retire for "after all I am 60". 60 seems young. People who quit on life and think they are too old will talk themselves into feeling it is time to hang it all up. Retirement then gets to mean "ready to die" to many. It should not!
Proverbs 23:7 says "or as he thinks in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." You start believing things you keep thinking on. God does not say in His word to go retire and sit in a rocker or to head for the eternal golf course. Older people are simply people with a higher number than you for age. It is only a number. Often times you hear of stories of those who retire and they have no purpose in life and want to return to work. Your purpose should be to still serve the Lord with joy in whatever you do just stop saying "I am too old"!
Many feel they deserve to retire and kick back and do what they want as they have worked hard. Especially in the Armed Forces it is a well deserved honor for the sacrifice and hard work of these men and women. Unlike a civilian job they literally have laid their life on the line.
It is maybe time to visit the grandkids or take a trip or two. That is fine. God wants to use you no matter where you are in life. The point being is not to be so into self and what you 'deserve' that you forget there are many people out there that could still benefit from your talents and gifts. You can only take so many cruises and play so many rounds of golf till maybe it is time to do something else. I have 'retired' friends who are full time missionaries.
Age should be something to be honored and respected and not poked fun at by comedians. With age comes wisdom and experience. Today we say "70 is the new 60 and 60 is the new 50!" Feel good and be thankful for the years the Lord blesses you with and find ways to bring glory to Him through your life no matter how old or young you are. You were created for a purpose! You are never too old in GOD'S kingdom to be valued and worthy to help those around you.
Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to bring you a hope and a future."
You save for the future which is good and you provide for your family generations after you. God has blessed you with wealth but just remember no one says nor does the Bible say you have to retire. Keep going if that is what you want to do. God can use you wherever you are!
PRAYER: Lord God I thank you for each year of life you have blessed me with. I thank you for giving me talents and abilities to help serve others. Thank you for the gift of relaxation and thank you for money to enjoy fun times as well. Help me keep balance in my life so it is not all about me and what I deserve. In Jesus name. Amen!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
RELIGIOUS FANATIC? NO I JUST LOVE JESUS!
Anyone who watches late night TV can attest to the fact that the late night talk show hosts sure are not user friendly to politicians and others who are bold in their love of Jesus. They just kept teasing the other night on one show about Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum, who is outspoken in his faith in the Lord. Seems like it is not allowed and those who do not understand it continue to ridicule and poke fun at those of us who are not ashamed of our faith. Many may say what church they attend or what denomination they belong too but if you are serious about loving Jesus it is somehow not allowed in some circles.
Even some within churches, think people can go overboard and become religious fanatics or Jesus freaks. What is the point of church then anyway if you do not come out changed and loving Jesus? What do you think heaven is going to be like? There will be no people discussing denominations or doctrines there. There will be no people there twisting scriptures to justify lifestyles and sins.
I once heard that a Jesus freak is someone who loves Jesus more than you do. When you say you love the Lord and really mean it, you should want to stand up and do the wave in church. We do the wave at sporting events. Why not in church? Even some songs where it mentions lifting your hands up in the lyrics, in some churches, everyone stands there frozen. The frozen chosen?? Anyway the point being if you love God with all your heart you want to declare his praises and shout it from the roof top. If the church you are in isn't excited about the Lord and is just doing the church thing and you leave and get nothing from it perhaps it is time to find a place where GOD'S word is alive!! Or if it does not bother you then perhaps it is time to examine your own heart.
1 Corinthians 1:18 says "The message of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Wow! Are you excited about God and His word? Many things in the Bible are spiritually discerned and until the Holy Spirit opens your eyes you are not able to understand much of it. Many things are simple and to the point such as John 3:16 but if you have no desire to get into the word ask yourself why.
1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us "but the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them for they are spiritually discerned." Mark 8:38 is a verse I will never forget for a very bold Christian lady was at a military ladies coffee one night several years ago back in Kentucky and in conversation over the refreshment table with someone. I heard her quote this verse. It says " be not ashamed of me in this adulterous and sinful generation or the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Are you excited about Jesus? Do you want to be? Start today and renew your mind with the word of God and ask Him to take control of your life. Then next time you are out eating in public and want to pray it will not be necessary to do the 'headache prayer' where you sort of bow but hold your head looking around like you are embarrassed. Just do it and praise the Lord! There is no shame in Him!
PRAYER: Father create in me a clean heart and a pure heart that wants to serve you and love you. Forgive me for the times I have acted ashamed. Make me a light in the darkness and put me in places during my day where I can shine unashamedly for you. In Jesus name. Amen.
Even some within churches, think people can go overboard and become religious fanatics or Jesus freaks. What is the point of church then anyway if you do not come out changed and loving Jesus? What do you think heaven is going to be like? There will be no people discussing denominations or doctrines there. There will be no people there twisting scriptures to justify lifestyles and sins.
I once heard that a Jesus freak is someone who loves Jesus more than you do. When you say you love the Lord and really mean it, you should want to stand up and do the wave in church. We do the wave at sporting events. Why not in church? Even some songs where it mentions lifting your hands up in the lyrics, in some churches, everyone stands there frozen. The frozen chosen?? Anyway the point being if you love God with all your heart you want to declare his praises and shout it from the roof top. If the church you are in isn't excited about the Lord and is just doing the church thing and you leave and get nothing from it perhaps it is time to find a place where GOD'S word is alive!! Or if it does not bother you then perhaps it is time to examine your own heart.
1 Corinthians 1:18 says "The message of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Wow! Are you excited about God and His word? Many things in the Bible are spiritually discerned and until the Holy Spirit opens your eyes you are not able to understand much of it. Many things are simple and to the point such as John 3:16 but if you have no desire to get into the word ask yourself why.
1 Corinthians 2:14 tells us "but the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them for they are spiritually discerned." Mark 8:38 is a verse I will never forget for a very bold Christian lady was at a military ladies coffee one night several years ago back in Kentucky and in conversation over the refreshment table with someone. I heard her quote this verse. It says " be not ashamed of me in this adulterous and sinful generation or the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."
Are you excited about Jesus? Do you want to be? Start today and renew your mind with the word of God and ask Him to take control of your life. Then next time you are out eating in public and want to pray it will not be necessary to do the 'headache prayer' where you sort of bow but hold your head looking around like you are embarrassed. Just do it and praise the Lord! There is no shame in Him!
PRAYER: Father create in me a clean heart and a pure heart that wants to serve you and love you. Forgive me for the times I have acted ashamed. Make me a light in the darkness and put me in places during my day where I can shine unashamedly for you. In Jesus name. Amen.
Friday, March 2, 2012
STAYING POSITIVE IN A NEGATIVE WORLD
If you focused strictly on the evening news broadcast you would not find much to rejoice about in the world. Newscasters have a way of putting fear in people's hearts. Seems to get better ratings. If you are one who has trouble staying upbeat and fearless you need to direct your energies and attention to positive things. Do not dwell on avalanches if your son skiis and lives in Colorado. Do not dwell on deaths in the war if your son or daughter is stationed in a war zone serving their country. Do not dwell on dying in a fiery crash on an ice covered highway if you have children living in winter weather areas where these road conditions are typical. Do not dwell on an elevator plummeting to the 1st floor from the 80th floor if your child works in a sky scraper. Just because the doctor orders 'tests' do not speculate that you have cancer. If you are afraid to fly do not assume every plane is going to drop from the sky. If you are in a convenience store or bank do not start wondering if it is going to be robbed by armed bandits while you are in there conducting your business. Fear can 'paralyze' you if you let it.
You have to be intentional in thinking on uplifting things. It is easy to focus on tragedy and calamity as that is what the world seems to feast upon. But you have to make a point to get your mind out of the scary depressed worried pit it is in and purposely think on uplifting things. Constantly wondering if you or your loved ones are going to be in some sort of tragedy is certainly not good for maintaining peace now is it?
There are many things to make us fearful and keep us in a negative mindset. Choose to focus on good things. The enemy will do all in his power to disable your joyful spirit by giving you enough things to worry about. Worry is not a fruit of the spirit but peace is. You say "Well I can not help it. It's just the way I am." If you do not have peace you need to work on achieving it. God can help you.
Philippians 4:8 is a good verse to commit to memory and it says "finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things."
Also in John 14:27 it says "Peace I leave you ,my peace I give to you.I do not give yours the world gives.I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid."
So will you be prayerful and powerful or pitiful and puny? Take charge today by giving your fears to God.
PRAYER:Lord it is hard sometimes to trust completely. I believe you are able to give me peace, I choose to think on good things and stay away from negative thinking. In Jesus name. Amen.
You have to be intentional in thinking on uplifting things. It is easy to focus on tragedy and calamity as that is what the world seems to feast upon. But you have to make a point to get your mind out of the scary depressed worried pit it is in and purposely think on uplifting things. Constantly wondering if you or your loved ones are going to be in some sort of tragedy is certainly not good for maintaining peace now is it?
There are many things to make us fearful and keep us in a negative mindset. Choose to focus on good things. The enemy will do all in his power to disable your joyful spirit by giving you enough things to worry about. Worry is not a fruit of the spirit but peace is. You say "Well I can not help it. It's just the way I am." If you do not have peace you need to work on achieving it. God can help you.
Philippians 4:8 is a good verse to commit to memory and it says "finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if there is anything excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things."
Also in John 14:27 it says "Peace I leave you ,my peace I give to you.I do not give yours the world gives.I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid."
So will you be prayerful and powerful or pitiful and puny? Take charge today by giving your fears to God.
PRAYER:Lord it is hard sometimes to trust completely. I believe you are able to give me peace, I choose to think on good things and stay away from negative thinking. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
FOLLOWING GOD BUT STILL IN PAIN
Struggles, problems, heartaches. Just because we are a believer does not mean we are not going to ever have a problem or feel any hurt or pain. We will be better able to cope with it but it will not necessarily be absent from our lives. Yesterdays devotion dealt with this somewhat and today I wanted to mention it again. Things will happen in life and they are not always caused by God. He allows some things in life to shape us. Sometimes we make wrong choices that cause us to end up in bad situations. It is not always God's doing. Most the time it is not. Free will, you know.
You want to forget the past and you feel like God can not forgive you so you continue to lead a life away from God. Perhaps addicted to porn, watching X rated movies, doing drugs, becoming an alcoholic, having sex before marriage, or looking on someone lustfully. Maybe 'lighter sins' such as gossip, judging, bitterness, and unforgiving spirit plagues you. Whatever it is you have done or are doing God can help you be set free. He can forgive. He can heal. He can mend your broken heart. He can set you free from the pain you are living in if only you will call on Him. Nothing shocks God. And news flash, all sin is sin, period! And we are all sinners!
Jeremiah 33:3 is affectionately known as 'God's phone number' and it says "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." God is not mad at you. As a matter of fact, he loves you. So why not call out to him in prayer today? Psalm 50:15 says "and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
John 8:36 says "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Isaiah 43:18 says "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
We do not always understand the whys of things. Job 37:5 says "God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding." We do not always have to 'get it' but trust God in your situation. He is waiting to hear from you. Job 5:9 says "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted."
So where you are at today? God can heal, deliver and set you free if you sincerely want to be. Maybe you have never accepted Christ as your savior. You can do that right now by praying "Lord Jesus come into my heart. I want to live for you and serve you." If you are already a believer but have strayed he can forgive you and get you back on the right path again.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Let him clean up your life and set you free today.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for being just a prayer away. I do not want to let the cares of this world or things I have done stand in the way of getting to know you better and serving you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link for an 'amazing' song:
http://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I
You want to forget the past and you feel like God can not forgive you so you continue to lead a life away from God. Perhaps addicted to porn, watching X rated movies, doing drugs, becoming an alcoholic, having sex before marriage, or looking on someone lustfully. Maybe 'lighter sins' such as gossip, judging, bitterness, and unforgiving spirit plagues you. Whatever it is you have done or are doing God can help you be set free. He can forgive. He can heal. He can mend your broken heart. He can set you free from the pain you are living in if only you will call on Him. Nothing shocks God. And news flash, all sin is sin, period! And we are all sinners!
Jeremiah 33:3 is affectionately known as 'God's phone number' and it says "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." God is not mad at you. As a matter of fact, he loves you. So why not call out to him in prayer today? Psalm 50:15 says "and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
John 8:36 says "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Isaiah 43:18 says "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
We do not always understand the whys of things. Job 37:5 says "God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding." We do not always have to 'get it' but trust God in your situation. He is waiting to hear from you. Job 5:9 says "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted."
So where you are at today? God can heal, deliver and set you free if you sincerely want to be. Maybe you have never accepted Christ as your savior. You can do that right now by praying "Lord Jesus come into my heart. I want to live for you and serve you." If you are already a believer but have strayed he can forgive you and get you back on the right path again.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" Let him clean up your life and set you free today.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus thank you for being just a prayer away. I do not want to let the cares of this world or things I have done stand in the way of getting to know you better and serving you. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link for an 'amazing' song:
http://youtu.be/Jbe7OruLk8I
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