I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME

This is a very familiar verse to many and ranks up there as one of my all time favorites. It has special meaning to me. This is found in Philippians 4:13. When I have had  trouble getting through certain things I claim this verse. 28 years ago in June this was the verse I used as my 'focal point' in the birthing room at Lyster Army Hospital at Ft Rucker, Alabama when I was getting prepared to have precious baby number two. Without drugs to kill pain, I would look at this verse, which I had copied and hung up on the wall, and  would sometimes scream out "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!"  But then I would also scream out, "Drugs, I want drugs" as the pain of natural childbirth was so intense. My husband, not in pain,would say "Read your verse" and I did. The nurses would say "you don't want your baby to be sleepy do you?" So on I marched like a good little trooper claiming this verse and it indeed did help.Seems comical now but I knew God would see my through the pain of childbirth. He can see you through any thing you have to deal with too.

 Whatever it is in life you are going through, Christ can help get you to the other side of the difficulty. There is always light at the end of the tunnel or a rainbow on the horizon. Do not get discouraged because God will be your comfort, strength and deliverer.
In 2 Chronicles 20:12 it says "Oh our God will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast Army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you."  Do you ever feel like that where in desperation you just do not see how things will possibly get better? Some, sad to say, take their own lives,when they feel there is no way out. There is a way out and His name is Jesus.

Psalm 25:15 says "My eyes are ever on the Lord for only he will release my feet from the snare." What is bothering you today or weighing you down? Do you feel God can not possibly love you for what you have done in the past? The good news is God does love you and can set you free and forget your sins and remember them no more. He can give you a life of victory. Maybe after you have emerged from your struggle you can be instrumental in helping others get freedom!


Psalm 103:15 tells us "As far as the East is from the West ,so far has He removed our transgressions from us". Isn't that great news! Go now and walk in victory and God's strength to see you through.

PRAYER: Lord I know no matter what I am going through you ate there to carry me over the hump. When friends run out and don't care you always care. Thank you for freedom in Christ. In Jesus name. Amen!

THREE MINUTES PER WEEK

How often do you pick up your Bible, open it, and read it? Many people find the Bible is a nice historical book or perhaps a nice coffee table decoration but for  the Bible to be a useful tool it has to be opened, read, and studied. Seemingly many people may only read the Bible a mere 3 minutes each week. By  this I mean that in church when the verses are flashed upon a screen or the minister says to  open your Bible and read, many do at that time, but how many actually continue reading each of the other days and even remember what was read? The mentality is it is something to do only in church. Other than that there is no interest or desire to even open it. Maybe some feel it is intimidating and do not know where to start. It is in the Bible where we have the power to defeat the enemy so we have to get into the word to know how to do this.

Satan would love to distract you and keep you too busy or making excuses for why you don't take time each day to spend time in the Bible. If you start getting serious about getting to know God through his word Satan will shudder. In the word are many ways to defeat him and cast him down. You are no threat to him if you are ignorant of the word and ill equipped to do spiritual warfare.
2 Timothy 2:15 says "Do yourself to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman that needs not be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."  Psalm 119:11 says "Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:105 reminds us that "your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto thy path."

Without  knowledge of God's word we go into our world weak and powerless to shield ourselves from those fiery darts Satan is sure to fling at us daily. Why not start this week to give God more than 3 minutes? You give the news a half hour, the paper about a half hour, morning shows an hour so why can't you give God quality time? Think about it then make some changes. Your spiritual growth depends on it.

PRAYER: Lord I thank you for the truth in your word that lights my path daily. Forgive for the days I have put other things before you or have not talked to you at all. I purpose to out you first. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click link below to enjoy a great song of worship.
http://youtu.be/F0M0NALW7EM

TODAYS ASSIGNMENT: Read John Chapter 1 in the New Testament

'STRUGGLERS' AND SINNERS

 Look around you.  Are you visibly able to tell who has just had an abortion, or maybe gone through chemo, been in  jail, or perhaps stolen office supplies? Not really right? 'Sinners' and 'strugglers' are amongst us and we are some of them. Our job is to love people and not judge and condemn. That is how you win people to Christ by having the attitude such as Jesus did in John 8:11 when he told woman caught in act of adultery "Go and sin no more".

There are all sorts of problems going on in people's lives around us we are unaware of. I sit here in a coffee shop writing and look around me and have no idea what people have been through or are going through. Court battles raging, miscarriages, pregnant and unmarried, people being sued, those who have been incarcerated, betrayed and hurting people, lost jobs, death in the family, cheated on a test, addicted to porn, an alcoholic, lied, sick, lonely, hurting, worn out people beat down by the situations of life yet if you ask someone how they are doing the usual answer is "fine". Oh really? Why do we answer like that when you really might feel as if you could burst out in tears?

1 Peter 5:7 tells us to "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you." It is Satan who tries to get you feeling hopeless and discouraged. When that feeling comes on you think of all the good things there are about your life to be thankful for. Matthew 11:28 reminds us to "Come to me all you who are burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest." Oh to rest with Christ and to truly give Him your load, how wonderful it would be!

The point is, there is hurt out there all around you so why not try to first of all not think of our own problems for a while and see what you can do to brighten someones day around you? That simple smile will work wonders.

 Just remember everyone has struggled and we all have been sinners. The good news is God can set us free to live a life of freedom in him. All of us have struggled at one time or another and all of us have sinned. It says this in Romans 3:23. Now remember we are not supposed to purposely sin if we know better but God will forgive.  Only blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not forgiven. James 4:17 says "Anyone then who knows the good  he ought to do and does not do it sins."  Be on your guard about  trying to categorize sin, because there is no such thing. And careful telling others they are wrong as you have three fingers pointing back at yourself.

So as you go about your day today if you are down keep your thoughts on Jesus and also remember there are many around you going through tough times. Go out and be a light in a dark world.

PRAYER: Lord you came to set the captives free. All of us have been through hurt and pain Lord. Thank you for setting me free or how you are going to set me free. I will resist Satan and he has to leave me alone. In Jesus name. Amen.
Click on link to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/zASHA-9WhHY

GIVE IT UP AND LET IT GO

Have you ever had a situation where a friend hurt you? Perhaps you had a misunderstanding and tried to get back into this persons life but they wanted nothing to do with you. They say they forgave you but do not want to ever hang out with you any more. You are supposed to 'shake the dust from your feet'  but it takes practice cause rejection hurts.   Maybe it was not a friend but a family member or spouse? That kind hurts worse sometimes.  What do you do? Do you keep stoking the argument that is brewing by debating back and forth or do you just simply let it go and move on? I  know what God would do. As hard as it is he would choose to move on, let it go and not try to win the battle so to speak. What good will it do? You need to pray for the person and try to let it go and go on with your life and your day.you may feel rejection but God still loves you.   Misunderstandings occur for  the stupidest reasons sometimes and once some words are 'out there' they can not be taken back and thus the conflicts begin. Oh Satan loves this human stuff of ours we get ourselves into. If only we could wind back the tape so to speak and start over. We sure do learn from our mistakes. If only the person would just hug you and forgive and move on like God wants them to. There is that big 'if only'. The Bible says in Romans 12:21 "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." As much as you may feel angry or hurt it is best to remember you are to love even those who do not love you. It is hard when someone snubs you, talks about you, makes fun of you, blocks you on Facebook or is just plain rude and ugly. Human nature wants to just tell them off. That is not the 'God way' to handle things. Relationship issues are a touchy thing. Luke 6:35 is a good verse to try to memorize for when hard times come and you feel so angry. It says "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." It is a process to be able to let hurt go. But love has to do that. Continuing to go on and on and debate things or reason them out in your head will get you nowhere. Maybe some of the folks who hurt you do not even realize it due to their selfish nature or they just do not care. Still you have to forgive and move on. Colossians 3:13 reminds us "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." So there you have it. Do not nurse a hurt or a grudge but let it go and love people with the love of Jesus. Sometimes that is the only way. PRAYER: Father I know in the past I have nursed hurts and it got me no where. Certainly it did not get me closer to you. I truly want to love those who are unlovable so help me through you do this. In Jesus Name. Amen. Note: Once again I have added a praise song to help you get your morning started off right. Click on link below. http://youtu.be/hjrpfgJs6Tw   For a complete list of devotions go to www.godslemonadestand.blogspot.com

BLESSED IS THE NATION WHO DOES NOT FORGET GOD

Today in the United States we observe National Day Of Prayer (www.nationaldayofprayer.org). It does not take a rocket scientist to know America is in trouble. For over 235 years we have followed Christian principles as set forth in the Bible.That is why our nation has been so prosperous because we have put Him first. History revisionists are trying to do all they can to plant seeds of doubt in the minds of people telling them another story of how America was founded but it is not true. We are a nation founded on God's word.

 As time went along people who were enemies to the cross of Christ tried to remove anything Christian from our nation. It is unbelievable the level we have sunk to. When prayer was removed from the public schools in  1963 the rest of our immoral slide is history, so to speak. You can not remove God and his word and expect to thrive as a nation. The Bible says in Psalm 33:12    "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance." It does not say that 'secular humanism' is our God.

We currently are in need of a great spiritual revival in this land. Satan would love nothing better than to destroy this great nations ideals and freedom we stand for. We live in a free society. We are  free to do what 'we the people' want but lately our government is trying to get 'too big for its britches', so to speak, and is trying to control and dominate the people and almost every facet of our lives.Many do not see it, as they are blinded or too busy to care to see it .We have lived 'dumb, fat, and happy' and never worried we were in danger of anything. There are those who scream "leave me alone and do not involved me in politics." The Bible never said that so I am not sure where people come up with that. We are to pray for this land and its' leaders. This is not a Democrat issue or a Republican issue but an issue all Christians should be on their knees about.

God does not intend for men to control and dominate us. That is what you have in a Communist or Marxist society. What we have here in these United States is rare and beautiful. Men and women fought and died to give us these freedoms. This domineering of the people was not the  Founder's intent either.  Our own Constitution is being used against the people yet nothing is being done about it. Tyrannical governments do not like God or do not like freedom. They want to be 'god' themselves.

Galatians 1:8 says "Let God's curses fall on anyone , including myself, who preaches any other way to be saved than the one we told you about, yes if an angel comes from heaven and preaches any other message let him be forever cursed."  Right now there is actually a secular humanist in Congress who declared today also 'National Day of Reason' to counter our Christian prayers. Unbelievable in this Christian nation this occurred on the floor of the House of Representatives! We need to pray for this man and his misguided followers as they are enemies of the cross of Christ.

 Many who say they are 'not political' so do not bother them with this as they are too busy, will be surprised one day if we are taken over by a dictatorship. This is what National Day of Prayer is all about. It is about thanking God for the freedom we do enjoy and praying it will remain. Right now in America, or at least most of it, we are free to read our Bible and worship as we wish. When I say most of it, it is because on some college campuses nationwide there is a movement to have Christian clubs banned or not talk about Jesus. This is real and it is happening. We can not bury our heads in the proverbial sand. We have to pray and speak up. It is for all of us who value freedom to do so. We all should be 'Paul and Paulette Reveres'. The Freedom From Religion foundation has stuck their heads in nationwide to try to get prayer stopped at City Council meetings and sporitng events.

When a nation founded on Biblical principles and truth starts routinely lying and tricking the people, look out. We know God is in control but sometimes He might allow some of this stuff to occur to wake us up from our slumber, stupor, and mediocrity.

That US Flag does stand for freedom and freedom is very precious. The freedom to go where we want, buy what we want, talk on the phone, watch movies, go to the school we want, worship where we want, choose the doctor we want, buy the car we want, own property, and buy a house where we want to live to name but a few.

2 Chronicles 16:9 says that "For the eyes   of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish   thing, and from now on you will be at war." God is behind the scenes so to speak as He is in control but that is no reason to not pray and not be burdened for our nation. There is a battle between good and evil raging and Satan is out there roaming around trying to trick and deceive people into believing his lies. Psalm 84:10 says "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked." The wicked are around us trying to remove God, the Bible and trying to get us to fail. We need to be on our knees and pray the name of Jesus will be lifted up and He will rule and reign on this earth and people's hearts will be turned back to Him!

One of my favorite verses says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." God may allow us to go through some hard times to get our attention. It is time for all of America to wake up and call out to God in prayer.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for this nation which is so great because you are on the throne. Mere men may try to come and attempt to oust you but you are not going anywhere because it is your world. Lord God we pray for those men and women seeking to take down America that you will come into their hearts and turn them from evil to good and from the power of Satan to the power of God. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link to enjoy Lee Greenwoods' God Bless The USA.
http://youtu.be/Q65KZIqay4E

GOD CAN TURN IT AROUND

 This past week, Watergate henchman and later Redeemed set free Christian, Charles Colson went to be with the Lord. Back during the Watergate scandal in the 70's you would have never thought of this man as leading a worldwide ministry but that is just what he did. He went to prison as a result of his dealings with Watergate but it was there at his lowest point that he saw his need for redemption and setting his life straight and became born again.  Once discharged from Prison he was instrumental in the founding of Prison Fellowship ministries.

 Ted Bundy, convicted rapist and killer of many young women back in the 70's, was an unsuspecting handsome law student, who no woman would have been scared to talk to. Due to his family background and exposure  to pornography  at an early age and later his full blown addiction to hard corn porn, he did not get 'enough' from the magazines and acted out things thus ending up a murderer and rapist. It was on death row in 1989 that Mr. Bundy requested an interview with then Focus on the Family founder and president Dr James Dobson. In this taped interview, later available on a DVD entitled 'Fatal Addiction', he spoke of his sorrow for what he had done and had since become a Christian but he also warned others  of the dangers of dabbling in pornography.

 By these two examples, which are pretty drastic, you can see that God can in fact use cracked and damaged material  to bring people into His kingdom. There are many examples in the Bible of vile people making a turn around as well, Saul to Paul, for instance.

Satan tries to plant lies in your head and say " well you are pretty crooked and wicked and look what you did back in high school or college." These are lies from the pit of hell. The Bible says  in 2 Peter 3:9 that "God does not wish any to perish but all to come to repentance." 1 Corinthians 3:11 reminds us "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."   It is said "the ground is level at the foot of the cross" or in other words there are not 'degrees' of sin.

Jesus says in John 8:11 speaking to the woman caught in act of adultery "Go and sin no more." He doesn't say " oh my gosh, look what you have done you despicable piece of garbage."   No in fact he says to you and to me "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest". ( See Matthew 11:28). Are you ready to accept his forgiveness and love?

PRAYER: Lord I am grateful for your undeserved mercy. Thank you for loving me even when I have turned my back on you by my actions. Father I desire to be a vessel used by you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link for a wonderful song.
http://youtu.be/aX7ucgWlusY

CHANGE OF PLANS

This past Friday was something else. First I was about hit head on driving Highway 53 coming into Huntsville. Next I stopped for gas at Kroger and my  car would not restart. A kind gentleman tried to jump it with his jumper cables to no avail. So I waited for my insurance company tow truck service and purposed in my heart to get away from the bad attitude that was swiftly coming upon me.

 What could I do in the midst of this 'plan changer' to show Jesus' love there at the gas pump while waiting for a tow? Be kind and smile for one. At first all I wanted to do is cry. Next, try to  relax. I happened to have some fresh picked strawberries from my farm and since I apparently  could not give them to the person they were intended for since I was now 'stuck' , I decided to bless the female gas station attendant. Who knows, maybe she was having a crummy day and needed that. My attitude  stunk at first. I got mad at the driver who almost ran into me then got upset over my dilemma at the gas pump. So I had a decision.  I chose to let go and let God. In other words to 'Practice what I preach'  and so I did. It sure makes you feel better to remain joyful and not get mad at something you have no control over.

What do you do when life throws you a curve ball? All the best plans in the world are made then am unexpected illness comes, death, job loss, mechanical problem or something else happens. The day this occurred to me was the first anniversary of the killer F5 tornadoes in our area and my thoughts drifted to those people whose lives were totally in chaos that day one year ago. Their homes were gone, possessions destroyed or scattered who knows where and worse yet, many lost their lives.They had a 'new kind of normal' so the saying goes.You can choose to rant and rave and get your blood pressure up or you can choose to say "Lord I want to remain peaceful and let Jesus Love shine through me to those I come in contact with."

Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of plans when it says "For I know the plans   I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper   you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". When it comes to not going crazy when things do not go as planned and choosing to pursue peace instead the Bible says in Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace,Whose mind is stayed on You,Because he trusts in You". So in other words, trying to purposely not think bad thoughts or "woe is me" thoughts, or "why did this happen" thoughts is the best way to handle this.

Are you able to do this? Everyone has things happen that take us off guard and send life into a a tailspin. It is how we handle them that counts. Choose to look to Jesus for your strength. If you are in a situation similar to mine the other day or worse, say out loud from  Phillipians  4:13 "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". Yes you can do all things through Christ. Believe it and have a good day!!

PRAYER: Lord help me when trouble comes my way to not act like the rest of the world and pitch a fit but to trust you to see me through my problem. Help me remember when others are watching if I name the name of Jesus I am a witness for you. I want to represent you in a positive light and show peace in the midst of chaos .In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link below and worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/31FuepQj-eo