LOVE CAN SET YOU FREE

 I am not talking about romantic love in this devotion but love for those around you on a daily basis. Are you able to truly love like Jesus would love? This means  not saying harsh things to friends and family. This also means putting others before yourself. It means loving when you do not feel like it. Can you forget the mistakes of others? Are you able to let things go, move on,and forgive? It means giving up your 'right' to get back at others. It means loving people who do not show love back.

 Most people are familiar with 'the love chapter' in the Bible which is 1 Corinthians 13. Take a moment and get your Bible and read it. If married couples would adhere to what it says there would a lot fewer quarrels in marriages and probably less lawyers getting rich off splitting up families. I know people who don't quarrel so it is possible. Try to please God and not try to win every disagreement. In verse 5 it says "Love does not keep a record of wrongs."  Imagine  that would you!! Never trying to prove you are right and just letting things go to keep peace. With God it is possible to do that. Maybe if that is your weak area in some relationship you could ask for God's strength to not record every wrong deed done to you. Doing that only makes you angry and bitter and certainly does nothing to fill up your 'love bank'.

Mark 12:30-31 says "Love the lord your God with all your heart with all your soul with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no greater commandment than these."

Try something. Go walking in a mall and silently as you pass shoppers say to yourself "I love you and I love you and you too". Instead of judging people as they pass you, try sharing God's love. Try smiling. The smile is sort of a universal language of love.


 Try to show love to someone today. Be kind to your spouse, perhaps do something extra nice. Do something special for a friend. Whatever it is remember to be a representative of Jesus in all you say and do.

 PRAYER: Father forgive me if I have had times it is difficult to show love and kindness. I know you are sad when I do not love like you love. I want to do that. Thanks for forgiving me when I mess up. In Jesus name. Amen

STOP THINKING NEGATIVE. LOOK UP!

Have you ever noticed how it is easier to complain, gossip, gripe, and basically have a negative mindset than to be positive and uplifting? The  world is filled with hate, bickering, lawsuits, confusion, revenge, fear, misunderstandings, and division but we as believers are to shine the light of Jesus into the darkness and change the negative to positive. But if we are chiming in right along then we do not make much impact.

Sure there are times things make you upset,  but it is reacting in a calm fashion and not exploding that will not only keep you peaceful but will resolve the matters more effectively.

To be able to do this you must be intentional about not being conformed to the things in the world that tend to plant bad thoughts in your head. Try to have the mind of Christ. Let me give you the Bible verse I have used numerous times in these devotions and that is Romans 12:2 which says "Do not conform anymore to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and prove what the will of the Lord is. His good, pefect, and pleasing will."  To do this your mind needs to be focused on God's thoughts to those of the world.  Philippians  4:8 reminds us "Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things." Commit this scripture to memory. It will help you stay happy, joyful, and positive in a world of negativity around you.

Let me end with Psalm 34:14 which says "Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it."

PRAYER: Father I thank you that I can choose to be positive and peaceful in a world filled with fear and chaos. When I start to despair and the enemy tries to get me to succumb to the ways of the world help me remember I can turn to you. In Jesus name. Amen

HOW IS YOUR FRUIT?

Are you bearing fruit for the kingdom of God or do you have a bunch of scraggly dead branches and wilted blooms hanging on you? Think about during the drought, for those of us in America living in drought stricken areas, how the corn crop looks. Pretty dried out and basically producing no crop. As a believer, are we like that corn which is dried out and not flourishing due to lack of rain? Our 'lack of rain' would be not saturating ourselves with the word of God on a regular basis. Do not just wait till Sunday to get 'watered' but 'water' yourself daily.

 Galatians 5:22-23 says "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law."

To develop those 'fruits' in our life we have to read and put into practice the word of God on a regular basis. Ask yourself if your life displays those 'fruits' in a good way or do you need some pruning ,which often hurts,  in order to drop the dead branches and old fruit and let the new fruit bloom and flourish?  Get rid of those things in your life which are causing your 'fruit' to not blossom.

 Do it today. Make it a deliberate action to let good fruit grow in your life 'cutting off' those things keeping you from living a dynamic Christian life.

PRAYER: Lord thank you that I can decide to flourish for you I need to cut off things in my life that I  know separate me from you and nourish the things in my life that draw me closer to you. In Jesus name. Amen

THE PRIZE

 Who doesn't like to win a prize? I know I do! I am always signing up for contests. Lots of people tell me I am lucky but I say "no I am blessed" because over the years I have won everything from flowers, movie tickets, tickets to amusement parks, concert tickets, American Express gift card, ice show tickets, sunglasses, flying lessons(which I transferred to my son who is a commercial pilot now), inflatable goal posts, a gold watch, door prizes at coffees and Bunco, and most recently an IPOD Touch which became an instant birthday gift to my younger son!!
 These early prizes and rewards are great but do not compare anything to what awaits those who have made Jesus Lord of their life. James 1:12 says "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, for where has stood  the test, he will receive the crown of lifer hat God has promised to those that love him." Wow we get to be like royalty!!  A crown is special. It is the best reward of your life. Better than a Grammy, better than an Oscar, better than a Tony!! They do not compare with the reward of being with Jesus in eternity!
 Where are you today? Have you asked Jesus to be Lord of your life and are your walking with Him daily? If not, why not stop right now and say "Lord Jesus I need you in my life. I want to live for you and serve you. Forgive me for doing my own thing and sinning against you. Come into my heart right now. "
The journey ahead is marvelous. Not always a joy ride because trials will come into your life Hang on to Jesus and He will see you through.  Isaiah 43:2 reminds us "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."  Look to Jesus  for your strength when the world seems to be caving in around you. He indeed will see you through!!
 PRAYER: Father in heaven thank you for being my best prize ever. I do not need earthly rewards and pats on the back I need you in my life Lord. Shine your light through me. In Jesus name. Amen.

GET CONTROL OF THAT MOUTH AND THE WORDS YOU SAY

The character Steve Urkel played by actor Jaleel White on The TV show 'Family Matters' used to utter the phrase "Did I do that?"  In our own lives we could probably utter the phrase "Did I say that" because many a time the old mouth seems to pop open before we think of what we are saying. Consequently you can get into real trouble if  you are not careful. Embarrassment, hurt, pain,  and misunderstandings can all occur after misspoken words.

The entire chapter of James 3, which I have mentioned numerous times, concerns the dangers of the tongue. We can go on needlessly chattering not even paying attention to whom our words might affect. I always think James 1:19 is an excellent verse to memorize and to use in all types of relationships but especially marriages. It says "My dear brothers take note of this. Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." That should be your assignment for today and everyday and more friendships and marriages  would remain intact and not fractured.

Quarrels can occur as a result of words spoken that should not have. For instance in Proverbs 27:15 speaking specifically to the ladies it says "A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day." So see ladies if we can not gain control of that mouth and try to pick fights then we sound like a dripping water faucet. Proverbs 21:9 also says "Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." Ouch! Don't be a drip and don't cause people to run live in a corner okay?

 But men you are not off the hook. Men are not to be bitter to their wives or children. Colossians 3:19 reminds them by saying "Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them." When you are harsh do others think you are a Christian. And with children it reminds men in Ephesians 6:4 to not exasperate your children.

Ephesians 4:29 is an excellent memory verse about our words. It says "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." If only we could do this on a daily basis. Before you talk about somebody stop and ask yourself if Jesus would approve if he were with you because he is with you. What do you gain by belittling someone anyway? Aren't we supposed to be showing love instead?

Let me just give you a few more verses on words for you to think about in your spare time.

Proverbs 25:11 A  word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
Proverbs 18:7   A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Proverbs 10:14 Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
Proverbs 12:13 An evil man is trapped by his sinful talk, but a righteous man escapes trouble.
Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
Ecclesiastes 10:12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

There you have it. Do your own search in the Bible for more valuable verses on controlling what we say. Do not be hasty and really ask God to help you think before you accidentally say something you will regret later. Let the words coming from your mouth build up not tear down.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus I thank you for the gift of being able to talk. I need to be careful not to use my mouth against people but use it to say nice things and to praise you. Thank you for the gift of speech. I want mine to only bring glory to you. In Jesus Name. Amen.


Sorry this is late. I am travelling this week.

BEEN HURT? GIVE IT TO GOD.

Bitterness,resentment,hatred, lies, false accusations, damaged reputations, loss of a job, broken friendships, betrayals. Lots can happen to make a person angry, hurt, bitter, hopeless, and feeling washed up.

 Let's say someone refuses to forgive you for something. Humanly, anger builds up and  you may be hurt and want them to suffer but that is not God's ideal. James 1:19-20 reminds us "This you know my beloved brethren. Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness God desires." Anger causes you to sometimes say and do things you will regret later. Try to respond to being hurt in a loving way. To continually 'stir the pot' so to speak, does nothing but keep contempt alive. Perhaps the other individual who has caused the pain humanly deserves to be told off. Will that really resolve things? More importantly, is that how Jesus would want you to act?Probably not.

No one likes to be hurt emotionally by someone especially if it is a close friend, spouse, or other family member. Satan is  the one who causes this type of division. His specialty is dividing families and causing fights. If we could only direct our energies at fighting against him and not people how much better life would be.

Hebrews 12:14-15 says "Pursue peace with all men and holiness without which no man shall see God.Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the glory of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble and by this many be defiled."

PRAYER: Lord I love you and I want to be at peace with all those people you have placed in my life. Help me be careful what I say and how I react. Forgive me for the times maybe I have created hurt in someones life and maybe was unaware of it. My desire is to blow off bad things and focus on joy. In Jesus name. Amen.

BROKEN NOT DESTROYED

 In life sometimes bad stuff happens to us, a friend or a family member. Especially if you are following the Lord you may not understand why He did not stop it . You may be confused as you prayed and still this bad stuff occurs. The good news is God redeems, heals, and sets the captives free. His purposes are beyond what we can sometimes understand.

 The enemy, Satan, wants Christians to get down in the dumps  and feel there is no hope. There is always hope and the story is not over yet. Bible teacher Joyce Meyer says to say "I believe God is working" and to say this out loud even when in does not seem like it. Keep on holding onto hope. There is always hope with God. To have an attitude like God does not care or why isn't He working is putting God on your time table.

There may be those reading this but say "Yeah Becky that is fine and good but you have not lost a child to cancer, a wreck, or at birth." That is true that I can not identify with that sort of pain and misery but I do know the Lord didn't cause those things but He does have a way to use all things. It is beyond my understanding and the grief of that has to be pretty severe. Just keep looking to Jesus and share your pain with Him.

 Isaiah 54:17 reminds us "No weapon formed against you shall prosper and every  tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn.This is the heritage of the servants of the  Lord, and their righteousness is of me says the Lord."

 Are you able to rejoice when you do not feel up to it? Trying to have joy in all circumstances truly comes from the Lord.

Where are you today? Can you praise God in the storms of life?

PRAYER:: Lord you are good all the time and all the time you are good. In life things happen. No one expects to go through life without some sort of heartbreak. I know Lord you love me and have a plan for my life. Give me the strength to praise you in good times and not so good times. In Jesus name amen.

Click on link below to worship the Lord in song.
http://youtu.be/2KsfwvpcQhY